Urban Hideaway

A stay at The Shilla Seoul promises total comfort, standout dining and exceptional service at every stage, so does it live up to expectations? Alice Franklin  finds out

- Alice Franklin

AS OUR CAR sweeps around the driveway of The Shilla Seoul, my immediate reaction can’t be described as relaxing into an oasis of calm. In all its brutal brick glory, this is not, after all, a hotel that purrs tranquillity from the outside. Step through the entrance however, and things slowly start to change. The cavernous foyer is imposing, yet clean-lined furnishings painted in oak, chestnut and mahogany hues – brown is clearly the new black – give a natural feeling to the pristine, polished space. It’s hard to miss the cascading crystal installation that sends light ricocheting from floor to (very high) ceiling, a creation by celebrated Korean artist Bahk Seon Ghi that serves well to emphasise The Shilla’s conscious blend of traditional and contemporary design.

It’s a quick check-in before bags are dropped in our neat little room. Spacious enough, with a mini bar we can’t figure out how to open, and an in-vogue but awkward glass window separating the bedroom and bathroom, our room has plenty of natural light and remote-controlled blinds for added ease.