The hype
Travelers love the spacious, newly renovated rooms and the 'garden oasis' breakfast buffet, but the service can feel stiff.
Imperial Palace Seoul
$150-400/ nacht
Boek dit als You want the Wes Anderson aesthetic of a European grand hotel dropped into the middle of Gangnam's plastic surgery belt.
Waarom mensen ervan houden
- The unapologetically maximalist 'Bridgerton-meets-Seoul' lobby decor
- Newly renovated (2024) residence rooms with kitchenettes and laundry
- Soundproofing that actually blocks out the Gangnam bustle
Snel Overzicht: A quirky, old-money time capsule that just got a facelift, but still feels like visiting your wealthy aunt's mansion.
Beoordeeld door @thehighstandardgent: I picked this spot to end my trip and it was perfect. Being right in the middle of the party scene in Itaewon was a blast. The room was moody and cool, the breakfast bulgogi was delicious, and waking up to that city view for only $90 felt like a total win.
Gast die hier verbleef zei
Reality check
Despite the 2024 rebrand to Grand Mercure, some 'classic' issues remain: slow elevators and occasional drainage smells in bathrooms.
- You need a residence-style room with a washer/dryer for a longer stay
- You appreciate 'vintage luxury' over modern minimalism
- You are in Seoul for medical tourism (clinics are everywhere nearby)
Schoonmaak & Onderhoud
8.2
- Housekeeping: Generally thorough daily service, though some reports of missed dust in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly sparkling, but watch out for 'drain flies' or sewer odors in some units — a known Gangnam drainage issue.
- Maintenance: Newly renovated rooms are sharp, but common areas still show some 'vintage' wear and tear.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, high-quality white linens, though a few guests noted towels felt older.
- Odors & scents: Lobby is heavily fragranced; rooms are generally fresh unless there's a drain issue.
Sleepability™
8.5STIL
0-4LUID
4-7.5GEMATIGD
7.5-10STIL
- Occasional noisy in-room heating/cooling units
- Hallway noise if near the elevators
Voordat je boekt
Goed om te weten
- The hotel rebranded to 'Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam' in 2024.
- Airport Limousine Bus (6703) stops right at the hotel entrance.
- A deposit of ~200,000 KRW is required at check-in.
Wat je mee moet nemen
- Swimming cap (mandatory for the pool, if you are over 16)
- Universal travel adapter (though some rooms have USB ports, outlets are Type F)
Kamer Genie
Beste keuzes
- Residence Premier King: Comes with a kitchenette, washing machine, and 'Styler' steam closet — a lifesaver for humid Seoul summers.
- Corner Suites: Offer panoramic Gangnam views and separate living areas.
Kamers om te vermijden
- Rooms near the elevator bank (can be noisy)
- Lower floor rooms facing the main road if you are extremely noise-sensitive
Kamer Aanvraag Genie – kopiëren en plakken
“I would appreciate a high-floor Residence room away from the elevators. If possible, please ensure the room has been recently inspected for drainage odors.”
Veelgestelde vragen & Verborgen tips
Alles wat je eigenlijk wilt weten voordat je boekt.
Is the pool free for guests?
Yes, but it is strictly for guests aged 16 and older. No kids allowed.
Does the hotel have a gym?
Yes, a very well-equipped fitness center, but like the pool, it is 16+ only.
Is it close to the subway?
Yes, it's about a 5-8 minute walk to Hak-dong Station (Line 7), Exit 1.
Are there smoking rooms?
No, the entire hotel is non-smoking. You must go outside to designated areas.
Does the hotel serve breakfast?
Yes, the 'Familia' buffet is famous for its garden-like atmosphere and extensive spread.
Can I do laundry in my room?
Only if you book a 'Residence' type room, which includes a washer/dryer.
Tips van Insiders
- ✨
The 'Club Imperial Lounge' access will cost an extra 132,000 KRW per person starting Jan 2026 — check if your rate includes it.
- ✨
There is a hidden 'screen golf' range on-site if you want to practice your swing.
- ✨
Walk 5 minutes to 'Hanseong Kalguksu' for a Michelin-recognized bowl of knife-cut noodles.
5 dingen die je moet weten voordat je gaat
💡The lobby smells like a specific, expensive floral perfume that you'll either love or hate.
💡The 'European' decor includes random statues and oil paintings that feel like a museum set.
💡Drain flies have been a recurring complaint in some bathrooms despite the renovation.
💡The elevators can be painfully slow during peak check-out times.
💡You might spot Korean celebrities or drama filming crews in the lobby lounge.
Lokaal Playbook
Kaart
Bekijk waar Imperial Palace Seoul zich bevindt en wat er in de buurt is.