One of the best hotels in Seoul is the Grand Hyatt. For an incredible view of the city, check out the lobby or the Paris Bar, which has a posh clubhouse atmosphere. Also not to be missed is the Deli, the most authentic German bakery in Seoul, which carries an impressive selection of multigrain breads. Those seeking relaxation can take advantage of the Grand Spa, the most luxurious of its kind in Seoul.

The Westin Chosun offers the best of both worlds: all the convenience of being located in the heart of Seoul and the quiet and serenity of a location away from the busy main roads. In accordance with its rich history, the hotel grounds include a historic site called Wongudan, which was the coronation site of King Gojong. Its Ninth Gate has always been a premier spot for French cuisine in Seoul and the newly renovated restaurant floor includes Vecchia e Nuovo, a beloved café for Seoulites.

Inside the Shilla, visitors can take advantage of both the Guerlain Spa and the Clinique de Paris, thereby rendering it a one-stop destination for those seeking a serious beauty regimen. Discerning local gourmands give rave reviews to the weekend lunch buffet served at the Parkview, which boasts a spectacular view of the hotel's own 10-acre sculpture garden and the city beyond. Also notable is the hotel's shopping arcade, which carries the most exclusive labels including John Lobb, Brioni, Kiton and Vera Wang bridal shop.

Given its superb business center and conference rooms equipped with the latest technology, the Grand Inter-Continental is one of the best options for business travelers. It is also connected to COEX, Seoul's most important convention and exhibition center. The vast COEX mall and Hyundai department store are also accessible through the connecting underground arcade. The cosmopolitan buffet menu is popular for both business and family occasions, especially for the desserts.

Located in downtown Seoul, the Lotte remains a perennial favorite for Japanese tourists. Although the tasteful interior and façade are unremarkable, the overall complex includes Asia's largest duty-free shop, a department store featuring exclusive international labels as well as trendy local brands, a multiplex, a concert hall, a gourmet supermarket and choice restaurant selections. Visitors might not feel the need to ever leave their hotel grounds.

Situated on the northeast side of Gangnam subway station, the recently renovated Ritz Carlton Seoul boasts easy access to one of the biggest entertainment districts of the city. The hotel's indoor swimming pool is still considered one of the best in the city, and the effortless check-in and check-out services in the intimate club lounge add to the appeal of staying here.

In operation since 2002, the JW Marriott Seoul is perhaps best known for its Marquis Thermal Spa and fitness center, one of the city's best-equipped, offering an indoor track, scuba-diving instruction in its Olympic-sized pool and a sky-lit indoor rock-climbing wall. In addition to the fine dining options, guests will enjoy impeccable service from the English-speaking staff.

Its location on the eastern edge of the city affords the W proximity to precious greenery, yet the building itself is a gleaming tower of ultramodern design. Every room features a view of either the Han river to the south or Mt. Acha to the north, and is equipped with hypermodern furnishings and equally state-of-the-art facilities. The hotel is also the home of Woo Bar, the first truly stylish lounge bar to open in the city, as well as Namu, the hotel's Japanese restaurant.

The latest addition to Seoul's array of luxury hotels, the Park Hyatt Seoul boasts a superb location for business travelers, across a large intersection from COEX and right on the Tehran-ro, one of the city's main business arteries. However, it is the ambience of exclusivity that really sets this hotel apart from the others. It is the first hotel in Seoul to position itself as a boutique hotel, and deservedly so, given its impeccable interior and exclusive, buzz-worthy on-site amenities. And according to Park Hye-soo, senior beauty editor for Harper's Bazaar Korea, the Park Hyatt spa offers "the most comfortable beds in Korea." Not to mention Aesop amenities in every bathroom.

Set to open in 2009, Banyan Tree Club and Spa Seoul will undoubtedly become a gathering place for elite Seoulites and international visitors. Run by the internationally famed Banyan Tree Club and Spa Group, the Seoul location will occupy the former Tower Hotel on the eastern side of Mt. Namsan. Currently under renovation to make room for a state-of-the-art, full-service spa and more accommodations, this new development marks a departure from traditional five-star hotels by positioning itself as an oasis within the metropolis for locals and tourists alike.