Review: Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong
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This photo report is part of our series of articles about our family trip to Japan, South Korea and Turkey in spring 2023:
Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong – Booking
Le Meridien Seoul, Myeongdong is a luxury hotel in Seoul, ideal for a stay in the heart of the vibrant Myeongdong district. We stopped off with our two children in Seoul for 48 hours, following our trip to Japan. We chose the hotel for its convenient location and comfort. Depending on the period, the hotel offers rates from CAD 380 or 31,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
We personally used our Marriott Bonvoy points to book two nights, and enjoyed a great rate. Knowing that a free night at a Marriott hotel can require a lot of points, combining cash and points is another option.
The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to hold the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card (and/or Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card).
In addition to the great welcome bonus on both cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases and 5 points per dollar at Marriott locations. And each year, you’ll earn a certificate for one free hotel stay (35,000 point value) and 15 Elite nights toward your Marriott Bonvoy status.
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Seoul offers a wide range of Marriott Bonvoy hotels, from affordable luxury to ultra-prestigious establishments. Here’s an overview of the options, ranked to help you find the perfect hotel:
- JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul: ideally located near the historic Dongdaemun district, it features elegant design, an indoor pool and several restaurants.
- JW Marriott Hotel Seoul: located in the lively Gangnam district, it offers spacious rooms, an extensive fitness center and several dining options, including a Michelin-starred restaurant. It is, however, less modern.
- Moxy Seoul Myeongdong: With its hip, relaxed atmosphere, modern design and more affordable prices, it’s ideal for young and budget-conscious travellers.
- Courtyard Seoul Botanic Park: located close to Seoul Botanic Park, is ideal for travellers looking for a quieter, greener environment that’s well connected to the city center.
Other accommodation options offered by the Marriott group exist (Fairfield, Four Points, Courtyard, AC Hotel, Aloft). Take a close look at the location and its proximity to a metro station to make the most of it.
Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong – Location
Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong did not disappoint. It offers top-notch services and an exceptional location in the heart of Seoul, as mentioned earlier. It shares a common entrance with Le Moxy Seoul Myeongdong.
The Myeongdong district itself is a major attraction, with its lively shopping streets and street markets. You’ll easily find plenty of local, typical food at low prices. For those wishing to explore further, the traditional Insadong district and the Cheonggyecheon River are within easy reach.
The hotel is also just a few minutes’ walk from Myeongdong subway station. This provides easy access to the city’s main tourist attractions, such as the Namsan Tower and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
We thoroughly enjoyed our 48-hour getaway with the kids in Seoul.
Here is an overview of the common areas of the Moxy Seoul Myeongdong:
Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong – Check-In and Lobby
The taxi dropped us off in front of the hotel, but there is another access on the other side of the building as a drop-off zone. However, I didn’t see any dedicated parking for guests. The area is very touristy but easily accessible by car. To reach the reception, you need to take the elevator. The interior decor is modern and warm.
We were warmly welcomed and received a room with two double beds, granting access to the Club Lounge.
The hotel’s public areas are very chic and pleasant, with a contemporary style. The lounge area is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a coffee or a drink at the bar. Small statues of the Eiffel Tower adorn a counter.
Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong – Room
Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong offers a variety of comfortable rooms and suites, equipped with flat-screen TVs, mini-refrigerators, minibars and classic coffee and tea-making facilities.
Here are the different types of rooms, usually with one king-size bed or two double beds:
- Deluxe (no access to lounge Club)
- Club
- Club Deluxe
- Suite
- Executive Suite
- Le Méridien Suite
- The Lounge
It seems that all rooms offer a city view. The contemporary design combines comfort and modernity, making it an ideal retreat after a day of exploring Seoul. Here’s what our room looked like:
A screen on the bedside table allowed us to control the lighting. In the corner of the room, there was a small sitting area with a round table and a two- to three-seater sofa, along with a desk and a chair.
The room was a nice size and clean, in soothing tones of black, white, yellow and wood materials. We had large wardrobes in the hall with bathrobes and slippers for the adults.
The bathroom was modern and bright, featuring marble tiles in shades of white and black. It was fully equipped with a bathtub and an enclosed shower. The shower had excellent water pressure, with a rainfall showerhead and a handheld shower. A window with a blind in the bathroom overlooked the bedroom.
The counter featured a single basin with an illuminated mirror and additional lighting. The toilet was also located nearby. A box contained shaving kits, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other accessories. Overall, the bathroom was a highlight of the room, enhancing the overall feeling of comfort and understated luxury.
Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong – Breakfast
We enjoyed breakfast at La Palette Paris, which was included in our rate. The room seats around sixty people. It’s a hotel on a human scale, which is much appreciated.
The buffet was open to the dining area and very enticing. It offered a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, both Western and Asian. Made-to-order eggs, fresh pastries, fruits, yogurts, cereals, as well as sushi and Korean specialties like kimchi, rice, and noodles were all available. Everything was impeccably presented, and the service was attentive. The selection was impressive in both quality and variety, as you can see:
A good meal to start the day:
Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong – Other Services
For lunch and dinner, the hotel offers several dining options at the same restaurant. The Lumière Lounge in the hotel lobby, an elegant French lounge, is also a great spot to enjoy an afternoon tea or an evening cocktail. Additionally, you can have a drink at the Moxy bar, which is adjacent to the hotel.
Given our short stay and our desire to discover the street markets, we didn’t try the Lumière Lounge, but the quality of the breakfast and the display of pastries suggest that it is also worth experiencing.
Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong – Swimming Pool
The hotel features a beautiful heated indoor pool, located on the same floor as the fitness centre, on the 15th floor. The space is bright and well-designed, with comfortable lounge chairs and large windows offering a view of the city. The kids were able to enjoy it, making it a clear advantage for those looking to relax after a day of sightseeing. It remains open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
The pool also features well-equipped changing rooms with lockers and showers.
Finally, the fitness area is equipped with classic strength and cardiovascular machines, such as bikes and treadmills. Balls, yoga mats, and Bosu balls are also available.
Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong – Lounge
Thanks to our room, we had access to the Club Lounge, an exclusive area on the 15th floor. It’s a friendly little haven of peace. The ambiance is hushed and elegant, with comfortable armchairs, tables for working and a panoramic view of the city.
The Lounge offers an all-day snack and drinks buffet, as well as a breakfast service (a quieter alternative to the main buffet).
Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong – Around the Hotel
As we’ve already mentioned, the hotel’s location is its greatest asset. You’re literally in the heart of Myeongdong, with its bustling shopping streets, restaurants, cafés and street markets. It’s the ideal place to go shopping, sample local cuisine and immerse yourself in Seoul’s bustling atmosphere.
A few minutes’ walk will take you to a number of historic sites.
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong – My Overall Impression
Our stay at Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong was very positive, despite its brevity. The location is unbeatable for discovering the bustle of Myeongdong and easy access to the rest of the city. The comfort of the room, the quality of the breakfast, and access to the Club Lounge all contributed to making our stopover a pleasant one. It may not be the most “authentic” hotel in Seoul, but it’s an excellent option for a comfortable and convenient stay, whether for work or leisure.
See our other articles about this family trip to Japan, South Korea and Turkey:
Can I earn Marriott Bonvoy points when I stay at Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong?
Yes, as a participating Marriott Bonvoy hotel, you can earn points and enjoy the benefits of your status during your stay. Feel free to pay your bills with your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card.
What is there to do in Myeongdong?
Myeongdong is a lively district of Seoul, known for its boutiques, restaurants, street food stalls, cosmetics and effervescent atmosphere. It’s an ideal place for shopping, culinary discovery, and cultural immersion.
How long does it take to get from Seoul to Myeongdong?
Myeongdong is a district of Seoul, not a separate city. So it’s easy to get there from other parts of Seoul by subway, bus or cab. Travel time will depend on your exact point of departure.
- By subway (recommended): Seoul’s subway network is very efficient. Myeongdong station (line 4) is directly connected to the district. Travel time from other central stations (such as Seoul Station) is generally 5 to 15 minutes.
- Cab from the airport: From Incheon International Airport, allow 60 to 90 minutes.
Go further with Marriott Bonvoy
To maximize your stays and points earning, check our complete Marriott Bonvoy program guide and our best Marriott Bonvoy credit cards ranking. For personal use, see the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. For business expenses, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card earns points on every business purchase. And if a points purchase promotion is running, take advantage via our Marriott Bonvoy points purchase guide.