Banpo Seoul, South Korea
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$
Rated for
Wellness Design LuxeOutside the door
The house
MarriottSubterranean wellness retreat
Perched over a bustling transport hub, the hotel conceals a massive underground bathhouse and fitness facility beneath dark wood and quiet minimalism.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Natural underground hot spring baths and a three-story fitness complex with a scuba pool.
Notable
Bruno Moinard shaped the interiors with dark-paneled wood, low lighting, and warm taupe tones.
Notable
Spacious rooms feature deep marble soaking bathtubs and ninth-floor Executive Lounge privileges.
What they say
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
There’s beauty in simplicity, and JW Marriott Hotel Seoul embodies that with its spacious, tranquil feel.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Underground walkways connect directly to the Express Bus Terminal subway hub, Shinsegae Gangnam department store, and Central City shopping.
The rooms
Muted taupe guest rooms feature hardwood floors, photography by Seungsang Park, and deep marble soaking tubs overlooking the Han River or city.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The fitness club and spa
Three subterranean levels hold an 85-meter indoor running track, a 25-meter lap pool, and a full-service spa.
Restaurant
The Margaux Grill
The wood-fired grill sits inside a glass conservatory designed by Olson Kundig, next to an outdoor garden.
At the table
Flavors prepares seafood across live cooking stations, and MOBO Bar infuses cocktails with botanicals from its greenhouse.
How it began
A major 2018 renovation removed more than a hundred rooms, expanding guest accommodations into far larger, minimalist layouts.
Good to know
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JW Marriott Hotel Seoul
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Seoul
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.