Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
The first Four Seasons in South Korea, a luxury hotel near Gwanghwamun with palace and Namsan views, a year-round pool and the Michelin-starred Yu Yuan.
RYSE, Autograph Collection
A design-led hotel in Hongdae, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, with a rooftop vinyl bar, creative interiors and quick links to the airport.
At a glance
- Type
- Design hotel
- Area
- Hongdae, Seoul, South Korea
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- marriott.com
Good to know
- Rooftop bar
- Restaurant
- Fitness centre
- Retail on lower floors
- 24-hour reception
Why we recommend it
RYSE is a design hotel in Hongdae, the lively university district in north-west Seoul known for street performers, independent music venues and nightlife. It is part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, a group of individually styled hotels, and its look is aimed squarely at creative travellers, with art, music and fashion woven through the building. The ground to third floors are taken up by Worksout, a streetwear and lifestyle store, which tells you a lot about the hotel's character.
Rooms are stylish and well designed, with names that reflect the creative theme: Creator and Editor rooms, and Artist and Director suites. The hotel also offers themed concept rooms for limited periods.
The hotel's social life centres on Side Note Club, the rooftop bar on the 15th floor. It holds a collection of more than 1,000 vinyl records and hosts DJ sets, live performances and events, opening every day from 17:00 to 02:00 for adults. CHARR, the restaurant on the fourth floor, serves Western cooking with Korean touches and hosts the breakfast buffet, so it is easy to start the day without leaving the building. Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is at 12:00, with reception open around the clock.
RYSE suits younger travellers, couples, creatives and anyone who wants to stay in a neighbourhood with plenty going on in the evening. It is less convenient for the palaces than central hotels, but the subway connects quickly. Rates sit at the upper end of mid-range, and the noise of Hongdae at weekends is part of the experience, so ask for a higher room if you are a light sleeper.
The fitness centre on the fourth floor opens from 06:00 to 21:00, and valet parking is available for guests arriving by car. Even if you stay elsewhere, Side Note Club is a good place to start an evening in Hongdae.
Hongik University Station, served by Line 2, the Gyeongui-Jungang Line and the AREX airport railway, is a short walk away, which makes this one of the most convenient hotels for Incheon and Gimpo airports. The Gyeongui Line Forest Park, Yeonnam-dong's cafés, Hapjeong and the Mangwon Hangang Park on the river are all nearby.
RYSE, Autograph Collection FAQs
Where is RYSE?
At 130 Yanghwa-ro in Hongdae, a short walk from Hongik University Station.
What is the rooftop bar?
Side Note Club on the 15th floor, with more than 1,000 vinyl records, DJ sets and live events, open daily from 17:00 to 02:00 for adults.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is at 12:00; reception is open 24 hours.
Is there a restaurant?
Yes. CHARR on the fourth floor serves Western cooking with Korean touches and the breakfast buffet.
Is it convenient for the airport?
Yes. Hongik University Station is on the AREX airport railway to Incheon and Gimpo.
Is it a quiet hotel?
Hongdae is busy at night, especially at weekends, so ask for a higher room if you are a light sleeper.
Is it part of a chain?
Yes. It belongs to Marriott's Autograph Collection.
What is nearby?
Hongdae's music venues, Yeonnam-dong, the Gyeongui Line Forest Park and Mangwon Hangang Park.