The Shilla Hotel, Seoul

Seoul is one of the most vibrant cities in Asia but very different from other cities there as it is sprawling with many neighborhoods spread out from one another. It is much like Los Angeles with mountains all around.  Taking a taxi from one area to another involves going through tunnels in the mountains and as it is situated on both sides of the Han River, it seems you are never far from a bridge.

Seoul is the fourth largest metropolis in the world right now and since the Korean War, South Korea has grown to become one of the world’s top economies with companies like LG, KIA, Hyundai and notably, Samsung.  When Americans think of Samsung they automatically think of electronics, however, in Korea Samsung is a diverse company that has expanded from electronics to include high-end retail and hotels. One of their properties is The Shilla Hotel, which opened in March 1979 under the direction of Lee Byung-Chull, Samsung’s founder.

The Shilla stands proudly on one of the mountains of Seoul, an imposing brown brick building surrounded by traditional Korean buildings descending a hill.  The entire complex is an astounding 23 acres.  As you pass through the main gate and ascend, you get a feeling of entering old Seoul but as you approach the main building, you are immediately face to face with modern Seoul.  A massive crystal sculpture that almost looks like shimmering rain dominates the lobby reflecting the light outside by day and bathing the surroundings in dazzling light by night.

Accommodations are modern and efficient with deluxe rooms featuring a spacious sitting area with loveseat and club chair.  Baths have both tub and shower.  Furnished in shades of beige complemented by earth tones, the space is the perfect environment for catnapping after a hectic day of touring this city.

The Shilla offers its guests an executive lounge on the top floor of the hotel with panoramic views of Mount Namsan and downtown Seoul.  Paneled walls and numerous bookshelves almost make it feel like a private club.  A grand fireplace partitions the two main rooms offering a wonderful backdrop for selfies over cocktails.  The lounge offers dining services four times a day (breakfast, light snacks, afternoon tea and happy hour) and is complementary with Executive Rooms. However, you can also buy an upgrade from a standard reservation and gain entry for 24 hours.

The Shilla is the only city center hotel in Seoul to offer the experience of the “Urban Island” which is a beach club in the heart of the city.  A large heated pool, cabanas and Jacuzzi allow guests to get away from it all.  There is also an excellent fitness center with free weights, cardio machines and trainers allowing busy travelers to balance their trip.

Yeong Bin Gwan is Korea’s only hanok (a traditional Korean house and one of the original buildings in the Shilla complex) that is the centerpiece of a special events area with a scenic backdrop.  It includes three banquet rooms, an inner garden and backyard.

The Shilla has four restaurants on site as well as a buffet and bakery on the main floor.  The restaurants include Palsun for high-end Chinese, Ariaka for Japanese cuisine, Continental, a French restaurant, and La Yeon, featuring Korean specialties at the Top Chef level. The Parkview buffet offers an all day selection from Dim Sum in the morning, sushi at lunchtime and Italian dishes for dinner. The Bakery offers confectionery creations that rival Paris or Vienna.  Another option for a beverage or tea is the Library in the lobby.

The Shilla Arcade has a treasure trove of stores for serious shopaholics and there is a Duty Free Mall below Yeong Bin Gwan.  This property is always on the list of best hotels in the world and with all these options, it is difficult to leave it.  When you are at the top of a mountain, why come down?