Shilla is supposedly the pinnacle of Korean hospitality and star quality. Or it probably was - a decade ago.

The hotel feels decidedly old and worn - and the rooms (Superior room, 2146) are very small. The lobby is by all means impressive, as is the entrance driveway.

The neighbourhood is empty - at least if you, like me, like a bit of life in the street beneath you. You have to take taxis to most places from here. Gangnam, for example, seems to have a lively cafe and restaurant life (I'm by no means an expert).

The service is average. If you only have a GSM phone (they don't work in Korea), there is a free rental attached to the room. Outgoing calls of course cost - but at least your loved ones (or the office) can call you.

However, I still stress at paying usd 25 for an internet connection per day - at those rates and in this day and age, you just can't justify that. Especially in a city where internet is free in most cafes.

As I was staying 4 days, I asked if I could instead join the Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) Leaders Club - which Shilla is a member of - pay the usd 100 membership fee and in return get free WiFi (that is guaranteed as a LHW member). That would make sense, at least. However, no help to get here, either; that was not possible after the booking was made - and besides, the room rate would probably be different. I could join the Shilla Dynasty (only worth anything if you travel in Korea, I believe ?). Not a lot of help - and seemingly not interested in promoting the Leaders Club, either.

Final straw; a skinny fruit platter and cafe latte as a quick morning bite will set you back usd 50 !

I would accept that Shilla used to be Korean top quality. Today, however, they seem to have been taken over - in most aspects - by the large international chains. I'd advise you to book at a Gangnam business quality hotel instead.

Did 2 nights here a few days ago.

Had the transfer from the airport, given the distance from incheon its well worth doing!

The hotel is amazing and has real wow factor. Lobby is cavernous. Well worth paying the 40k won extra per night to go one step up from the deluxe.

Room was really nice. True luxury after just coming back from the south pacific and having had a couple of overnight flights!

My only criticism would be the food and drink prices. Room service - 2 of the cheapest dishes on night 1 cost us more than the rest of our combined f&b spend the remainder of thee trip to Seoul!

More than likely will stay here though next time in Seoul.

I recently stayed at the Shilla Seoul for 3 days. It was my second visit. I really like atmosphere and service at the hotel, rooms are always keep clean. I highly recommend !!

I was at this hotel last week.
As Seoul is far from Incheon airport it always takes time to get into the city.
The gentle climb to the hotel opens a great view of the japanese style building around.
The entrance is nice and in the -7C the warmth from the burners are welcome.
The lobby is huge !
The attraction now is the large christmas ornament hanging at the lobby,made with over 1 lakh crystals with strings,looks great ( have put in a picture of the same)
The checkin was on the executive floor and was very smooth and fast.The floor also has a executive club that has happy hours in the evening,good! and a lovely view across the glass wall.
The rooms are large and comfortable,bathrooms included.
There is complimentary internet in the room,which is so welcome nd very easy to plugin as well. The breakfast is continental only
In all I had a good stay.I had herd the name of this hotel for the very first time and was sceptical,but was plesantly surprised.