If you’re after a world-class brand with local hospitality, check into the sophisticated spot.

When we visited Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, it was like stepping into a fairy tale. A wedding shoot was taking place with the groom in black tie and bride in a princess dress. The lobby served as a beautiful backdrop with glamorous golds and fresh flowers. “The hotel is booked up for their big day,” smiled the Korean staff. Welcome to the destination for classy celebrations.

Our excitement for Four Seasons Hotel Seoul began before we even arrived. Whenever we told anyone that we were staying at the five-star hotel, they were buzzing on our behalf. “It’s the best hotel in the country,” remarked residents.

In 2015, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul opened, and it is an elegant entry into Korean (and Asian) culture. Whether you’re after local chefs or crowds, it offers an elevated take on Korea’s Greatest Hits. Hot baths. Yes. Kimchi. Yes. Korean fried chicken. Hell yes.

Situated in Jongno-Gu, the area showcases Seoul’s position on the world stage. The Prime Minister’s Blue House and embassies – the United States, no less – are its neighbours. The must-visit marvels, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Changdeokgung to Gyeongbokgung Palace, are on the doorstep. And, on our trip, we found visitors from the Middle East, and pro-Palestine protests with the city’s citizens.

Rooms and suites

While Four Seasons Hotel Seoul’s exterior is discreet, the interiors are dazzling. The lobby boasts high ceilings, brown and beige tones, and a sleek, shiny finish. The hotel is home to 317 rooms as well as suites. The rooms range from the Deluxe Room at 45 metres square to sprawling suites, which come in one-, two- and three-bedrooms. We checked into the Grand Family Room, which comes with one king bed or two double beds.

Spanning 75 square metres, we were on the 18th floor with panoramic views of the bustling streets and soaring mountains. On the surface, the room included signature Four Seasons’ touches. On closer inspection, it combined tradition with modernity across the ceramics, silks, and headboards inspired by hanboks.

The L-shaped sofa made it excellent for entertaining. While the beautiful bathroom wouldn’t look out of place in a spa. And, the Italian marble, spacious shower and bathtub made it a place to luxuriate.

Restaurants and bars

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul boasts blockbuster bars and restaurants. So much so, Yu Yuan featured in the Netflix’s Street Food: Asia. The episode is the stuff that fairy-tale foodie dreams are made of, as it follows Cho Yonsoon Kalguksi’s noodle stall in Gwangjang Market, and her son Lee Soo-hwan’s career at the luxury hotel.

Yu Yuan felt like a home away from home. The staff were warm and welcoming; on the table, they wrote our name with love hearts and took a polaroid photo. The Cantonese restaurant draws its inspiration from Shanghai in the 1920s. Dishes ranged from Marinated Live Lobster with Jellyfish and Korean Black Fungus to Traditional Beijing Duck. “This is the best meal I’ve had in Seoul,” shared our expat guest, who has lived here for 10 years.  

Charles H. is a sultry speakeasy. Despite its discreet door, it caught the attention of World’s 50 Best Bars. The crowd included well-dressed diplomats and boisterous businessmen. International guests will love that the Destination Cocktail Menu is a celebration of cities. Hankering after Hong Kong? Order the Kowloon Old Fashioned. Love London? Order the Velvet Martini. We were shaken and stirred by the bar – and visited twice. Each time, the bartenders possessed a forensic attention to detail, and were dressed like scientists in white lab coats.  

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul’s restaurants also include The Market Kitchen for European and Korean breakfast, and Boccalino for Italian food. Plus, celebrity chef Akira Back, whose restaurants can be found in Dubai, Riyadh and London.

Facilities

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul’s spa and wellness facilities are rooted in Korean techniques. The sauna is at the heart of spa, and includes hot and cold baths. The treatments range from the Art of Ancient Reflexology to a Revitalising Scrub. The pool options are perfect to do laps as well as linger. Plus, we were pleased that the gym isn’t banished to a basement; instead, the 120 state-of-the-art machines are perfectly positioned to make the most of that Insta-worthy view.

Throughout our visit, every wish was granted. And, like all good fairy tales, our Four Seasons Hotel Seoul stay had a happy ending.

GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com for more information.