It seems only fitting that a Parisian-inspired boutique hotel from one of Korea’s largest retailers (Shinsegae) would be perched right in the heart of the capital’s busiest shopping district. With its lavish 19th-century-influenced décor and moody lighting, L’Escape Hotel Seoul proves a fashionable hideaway. Black-and-white-tiled floors lead to opulent rooms with velvet seating and an unabashedly chic ambiance.
This signature style continues into four refined restaurants and bars, a sleek spa and a cozy and a wood-paneled library that could entice you stay in the center of Seoul for days — though it might feel like you’ve been whisked to a chateau outside of Paris.
With its rich hues, heavy fabrics and bold, historically inspired design, L’Escape Hotel is a unique stay, which makes it a fabulous choice when visiting such a vibrant capital city.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- A top choice for Seoul’s stylish set, L’Escape Hotel is in the middle of Myeongdong, one of the capital’s most popular shopping districts. Fashionable destinations like Shinsegae department store, Lotte Department Store and an array of other local and international shops are all within arm’s reach.
- The luxury hotel was designed by French architect Jacques Garcia to reflect the opulent style of 19th-century Parisian aristocrats down to the ornate doorknobs and fringed lampshades. The result is an elegant, stylish and classical atmosphere with a touch of whimsy.
- Even the elevator is in line with the hotel’s concept — the voice that alerts you to what floor you’ve arrived on speaks both French and Korean.
- Partake in programs exclusively designed for the Seoul property’s creative clientele, including flower arranging, drawing classes and styling workshops. There are also special performances that take place in the library, a secluded tome-lined space reserved only for suite guests.
- Echoing design motifs of the French aristocracy, peacocks and other bird imagery are highlighted around the hotel. Be on the lookout for quirky sculptures, avian-themed wallpaper and logo details containing feathered creatures.
Things to Know
- There are flower installations
throughout the premises designed by Tony Marklew, a London-based florist known
for working with Givenchy and Shangri-La
Hotel, Paris. Designs are changed quarterly and add an exquisite touch to
each corner of the Seoul hotel.
- The pet-friendly hotel boasts an entire floor exclusively for four-legged friends and their owners. These rooms offer plush dog beds and other necessary amenities for animal companions.
- L'Escape Hotel has a meeting room that can accommodate up to 80 people.
The Rooms
- Rooms are generally decorated in three color concepts: red, green and a few in an exquisite yellow.
- The 204 rooms in the Myeongdong hotel are decorated in a romantic-chic Parisian style with elaborate fabric wallpaper and rich curtains hanging over the windows to create a moody atmosphere.
- While the décor is historic, the amenities are modern. Rooms feature a touch- or voice-activated GiGA Genie that can control lights, alert housekeeping to certain needs and answer questions regarding tourism in the area, among other things.
- Instagram-worthy bathrooms come with black-and-white-tiled floors, porcelain claw-foot bathtubs (in most) and double glass doors that open up for a grandiose reveal. Washroom amenities from French perfume house Atelier Cologne provide the luxurious final touch.
- Corner Suites afford the best view of the bustling Seoul shopping district with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the entire neighborhood.
- No matter which suite you choose, you'll still have suite room privileges consisting of daily breakfast for two, afternoon tea, valet parking, nightly drinks and more.
The Restaurants
- Developed in collaboration with renowned Hong Kong restaurant Mott 32, Palais de Chine is the hotel’s signature dining room. Evoking 1930s Shanghai, the restaurant serves up Chinese classics like dim sum and the ever-popular Peking duck, which must be pre-ordered.
- On the boutique hotel’s 26th floor, Marque d’Amour by L’Amant Secret is a chic and atmospheric bar serving up creative cocktails like the Spirit of Jeju (Jeju mandarin, frankincense and pisco) and Kiss the Bubble (rum, oak, pineapple and spices). Look out for the gilded peacock motifs lining the walls.
- L’Amant Secret (French for “Secret Lover”) is a striking red restaurant on the 26th floor serving locally inspired multi-course menus. Helmed by head chef Jongwon Son, the acclaimed fine-dining venue provides a gastronomic adventure through dishes like "Small bites of Namsan Street," an amuse bouche inspired by area cultures.
Amenities
Bar
Gym
House car
Meeting rooms
Pet friendly
Restaurants
Spa
Getting There
67 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 04529
TEL82-2-317-4000
