Jung-gu sits at the geographic and commercial center of Seoul, encompassing Myeongdong (K-beauty and street food), Namdaemun Market, and the financial district. The food here spans the full range — from tourist-facing street stalls in Myeongdong to understated lunch joints serving office workers, and traditional Korean restaurants that have operated for decades without needing to advertise.
Excellent 5 night stay at Le Méridien Seoul. Super polite staff, modern design hotel and the best is the food in the club lounge and the breakfast daily. Housekeeping was very good everything was replenished daily including chocolates! Location was also fantastic so close to everything especially Meongdong night market. Check in and check out was also efficient. I would fully recommend Le meridien. It's one of the most memorable stay in a hotel that I've had. Ps/ great that the hotel stocks my favourite coffee brand, Illy!
It’s hard to believe this is the same Le Méridien I fell in love with back in the Starwood days, long before Marriott took over. The service here is, frankly, a far cry from what the brand once stood for. [Room Condition] Housekeeping did a solid job — the room was clean and nothing was visibly lacking. [Room Readiness & Housekeeping] I submitted special requests well in advance and received nothing in return — not even a printed welcome letter. The lack of any acknowledgment was disappointing. [Room Design] The view was a concrete office building, so the blinds stayed shut the entire stay. Not exactly inspiring. [Bedding Comfort] The bed felt a bit narrow and I genuinely struggled to get a good night’s sleep. [Breakfast] This property gets a lot of praise online, so I came in with high hopes — and left underwhelmed. Store-bought yogurt and juice, weak pastries, and a Korean spread that felt overrepresented at what’s supposed to be an international hotel breakfast. [Egg Station] Adequate. Nothing more. [Coffee & Beverages] Below average. [Club Lounge — Ambiance] The space itself is genuinely attractive and well-designed. [Club Lounge — Staff Service] During evening hors d’oeuvres, I was directed to a specific seat rather than being allowed to choose. Meanwhile, a group of Chinese guests who didn’t speak English were seated freely at a large sofa area. Hard not to read that as differential treatment of locals. [Hors d’oeuvres] Decent, but noticeably weaker than other Le Méridien properties I’ve visited. [Elite Member Recognition] The staff was technically aware of my Titanium status — but it didn’t translate into anything tangible. [Location] One genuine highlight: the hotel is brilliantly situated for exploring Myeongdong, City Hall, and Cheonggyecheon Stream. [Communication] I messaged ahead on check-in day asking whether early check-in would be possible and requested an update closer to arrival. No one followed up — I had to chase it myself at the front desk. [Major Complaint] After returning from breakfast, I found my room door left open. This is a serious security lapse, not a minor oversight. I filed a formal complaint.
The hotel was very convenient for exploring Seoul, although it was definitely tourist central. There was not a good breakfast offering so we had to go out any buy breakfast everyday. Hotel is modern and fairly new, but did not feel “luxury” like a 5 star hotel, which we would have expected for this price. Also you share a building entrance and elevator with the Moxy hotel, which is a budget cheaper option. There is no laundry in this hotel, but the Moxy let us use their washing machines for free (they were very busy though !)
