After a tense journey from Jeju, unsure if we’d make it for dinner, we finally reached Mondrian Seoul. The taxi ride from the domestic airport to Itaewon took over an hour, but the warm atmosphere made the trip worthwhile. Now, let’s explore the standout features of this remarkable hotel.
Design: I’ve always been a fan of Mondrian hotels for their innovative designs, and Mondrian Seoul certainly lived up to my expectations. Although it didn’t quite reach the exquisite beauty and uniqueness of, say, the Mondrian in Doha, the hotel still impressed. The lobby was a visual delight, resembling an art gallery with swings, captivating paintings, a charming garden, and modern furniture. Vibrant colors like greens, pinks, and blues added a lively touch, making the entire hotel a showcase of modern art and stylish designs.
Descending via escalators from the main entrance led us to an area with a food court and more captivating art. Although we missed the opportunity to sample the food court offerings, the variety looked intriguing. The entire hotel is an artistic haven, with every corner adorned with carefully curated pieces.
Dining: As you step in, a stylish bar catches your eye, accompanied by several restaurants within the hotel. Unfortunately, due to our limited time in Itaewon, we missed out on trying these options. Instead, we wanted to venture beyond the hotel and explore more of Itaewon and Seoul, discovering different experiences.
Still, Mondrian Seoul is known for its diverse culinary offerings, ranging from sophisticated international cuisine to delightful local flavors.
Rooftop bar: Now, onto our experience at the rooftop bar. The rooftop bar exuded modern elegance, even though the outdoor area was closed during our early April visit. We learned they opened it a few weeks later. The indoor space, however, was inviting and attracted people from various countries, as well as locals from Korea. While the drinks were excellent, we were slightly disappointed with the Wagyu burger sliders—perhaps our taste buds were still tingling from the exquisite 3-star Michelin experience at Mosu. Additionally, it would have been more enjoyable if the bartenders could showcase their creativity by making custom drinks based on personal preferences. Despite this, the drinks on the menu were very good, reaffirming our belief in the bartenders’ skill, but as someone who enjoys the artistry of mixology, I usually prefer exploring unique creations.
Rooms: Regarding the rooms at the Mondrian, we were fortunate to get a higher floor with a lovely city view. However, it’s worth mentioning that the rooms are on the smaller side, especially when compared to the three hotels we experienced in Jeju. This was something I anticipated, having done research prior to booking, so it wasn’t a surprise. The bed was generously sized and comfortable, though there was limited space for our luggage. The bathroom integrated into the room, with the sink adding a stylish touch, but again, space was limited, leaving little room for all my toiletries. While I might not recommend this hotel for an extended stay, it’s perfect for a short visit, especially for those who travel light. The room itself was vibrant, beautiful, and showcased a modern design.”
Pool: Another notable feature of this hotel is its two pools—an outdoor and an indoor pool. Unfortunately, we missed the chance to experience the outdoor pool, as it was closed for the season. It reopened a few weeks later, and I’m a bit disappointed we couldn’t enjoy it. The outdoor pool area looked inviting, complete with a pool bar.
Nevertheless, we did try the indoor pool. While the area was pleasant, the pool was more suitable for swimming than relaxing, and the water was a bit colder than I prefer. Wearing a cap was mandatory, so we decided to skip the pool when we were informed we couldn’t swim without one. I’m not a fan of caps; they bring back memories of swimming lessons from elementary school, and the cap was quite uncomfortable, feeling like it was pulling off all my hair when taken off—definitely not a pleasant association.
Fortunately, we were at least permitted to enter the jacuzzi without a cap, and the water there was much warmer!
Ideal Location: Lastly, Mondrian Seoul’s location, just a 10-minute walk from vibrant bars and restaurants in Itaewon, made it an ideal choice. Itaewon, a exciting area that I’ll share more about in upcoming posts, was the primary reason for our selection. Additionally, the renowned Mosu restaurant, which I’ll delve into later, is also nestled in Itaewon. Stay tuned for more insights into our adventures in this lively district!
Anyah Mroz 
One thought on “Mondrian Seoul”