The 17-story Vista Walkerhill Seoul is a trendy and luxurious four-and-a-half-pearl property overlooking the Han River. The 252 modern rooms have retro designs including round beds and bathtubs, and egg-shaped chairs. Suites feature living/dining rooms and the Penthouse has a kitchen. Restaurants serve Italian and Japanese fare and the hip bar offers a live DJ. To stay fit there are a modern gym, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, and driving range. Meeting spaces are also available, along with 24-hour concierge service. Guests who prefer to be right in Gangnam might want to check out the Park Hyatt Seoul, but rates are higher.

This upscale 469-room property in Jamsil-dong is part of Lotte World -- a sprawling fun zone that encompasses one of the world’s largest indoor amusement parks. Like the complex itself, the hotel is loaded with features, ranging from meeting rooms and other business-oriented amenities to recreational ones (most notably a large indoor pool, a marble-lined sauna area, an indoor/outdoor golf facility, and a well-equipped fitness center). It has multiple dining options, too -- an upscale Chinese restaurant, buffet-style eatery, and brasserie/bar among them.  All of this encourages guests to remain on-site (in terms of accommodations, there is no real competition in the area anyway). The hotel also works hard to appeal to its diverse clientele, offering specially decorated Character Rooms targeted at young children, along with Club Floor accommodations designed for business travelers, which come with private lounge access.

Korea’s oldest hotel, the four-and-a-half-pearl Westin Chosun Seoul is a luxury property centrally located near shopping and attractions. The 462 modern rooms offer city views, flat-screen TVs, and framed Korean artwork, plus Westin's signature Heavenly beds. There's also a traditional Korean suite available, outfitted with a Hinoki tub in the sleek bathroom. There are restaurants serving Korean, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine, as well as a lounge and cake shop. There are also an Executive Lounge with free breakfast, meeting rooms, and a modern fitness center with a PiIates studio, saunas, steam rooms, and an indoor lap pool. Compare rates at the Lotte Hotel Seoul, which has larger rooms.

The massive Lotte Hotel Seoul is a five-pearl property in Seoul’s prime Myeongdong district, famous for its bustle and shopping. Connected to a metro station, the hotel houses 1,150 rooms with luxury features like modern sound systems and eye-catching decor. In spite of the hefty price tag, though, some rooms in the New Wing are basic and bland by comparison. With six international restaurant options (including South Korea's only restaurant with three Michelin stars), a massive gym, and a spa with indoor swimming pool, the Lotte has a lot to offer business and leisure guests who can afford it. For a less pricey, more intimate three-pearl stay nearby, check out the Metro Hotel.

The Classic 500 Executive Residence Pentaz is a huge landmark hotel with 447 guest rooms that soars high over the neighborhood. This upscale property has regular hotel rooms as well as apartment-style suites with scenic city views and kitchens, which make them ideal for long-stay guests. Guests have free access to the on-site fitness center, but there are fees to access many of the other features, including the rooftop swimming pool, sauna, spa, and indoor golf. The buffet restaurant scores solid marks from previous guests, and there are Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlets on-site as well. Travelers may also want to consider the Sheraton Seoul D Cube City Hotel, which offers modern rooms and suites, an indoor pool, a spa, and a club-sized fitness center.

The luxury Shilla Seoul has a peaceful setting on the fringes of the city center; it's far from popular attractions, but free shuttle service keeps it connected. Its 464 elegant rooms have views of Namsan mountain, huge smart TVs, and handsome bathrooms with marble sinks. On-site features, some incurring extra charges, include indoor and outdoor heated pools, a spa with Guerlain products, and an attractive terrace, plus a large gym and fitness facilities, and a sculpture garden. Five excellent restaurants serve Asian and Western cuisine, though breakfast is an additional fee, while the luxurious executive lounge is atmospheric. Reliable Wi-Fi is free throughout, and there are plentiful meeting spaces. For a similarly luxurious experience closer to the thick of downtown, consider the Lotte Hotel Seoul.

Overlooking the Han River, the Conrad Seoul is a luxury 38-floor skyscraper located in Korea's Wall Street, connected to the International Financial Centre with an underground mall. The 434 elegantly furnished rooms have flat-screen TVs with Apple technology and city and/or river views, and suites feature living rooms. Features include four elegant eateries serving international fare, a spa with an indoor pool, and a 24-hour gym with virtual golf ranges. Three floors of meeting space and 24-hour business services make this is a popular conference venue, but leisure travelers should note that the Lotte Hotel Seoul is closer to the tourist sights.

This 269-room Sheraton is an upscale hotel in South Seoul -- it's a solid pick for business guests, though tourists will need to use the attached metro station to get anywhere of interest. Rooms are modern and include large TVs and high-end espresso machines. They also have amazing city views, especially on upper floors. While the hotel has a gorgeous lap pool, spa and a virtual indoor golf center, the restaurants and amenities don’t compare to luxury hotels such as the Park Hyatt in Gangnam. Still, the Sheraton is considerably more affordable for families and business travelers who don’t mind being further from the action.

Situated in Gangnam, the famous epicenter of Seoul’s financial district, this five-pearl hotel is classic and classy. The 185 rooms are immaculate and chic, and most have tremendous city views. The hotel’s three restaurants serve creative and tasty food, and the indoor infinity pool gives the sensation of swimming in the sky. With an enormous, full-service fitness center, a spa with pampering services, and numerous meeting rooms, this hotel offers a regal experience for business travelers, honeymooners, or tourists. However, it is pricey for the area -- travelers looking for something more affordable may want to check out the Ibis Styles Ambassador instead.