Not sure how to pick hotel

Hi, I have poured through TA Seoul hotels, and I am undecided on what to do.

I am arriving on 25th December and leave 30th December. I am on my year end break with my gf. I think she wants to shop and hang out. I want to take a break from a year of stressful work.

I can get some decent discounted rates at the Grand Hilton.

Yet I was thinking of somewhere central, convenient and comfortable, like ibis myeong dong, and save a bit of money (to spend on shopping, lotte world and food).

I don%26#39;t enjoy commuting, as its tiring, cumbersome (if caught in traffic), crowded during peak hours, and expensive if long distance by taxi.

Because of this, I am a bit lost on which hotel to pick. Anyone can help me think this through?

Not sure how to pick hotel

Seoul%26#39;s traffic jam will worsen as it reaches end of the year, so I think Grand Hilton is not a good choice, as you say you don%26#39;t enjoy commuting.

But, in terms of hotel itself, Grand Hilton is quite good and have more peaceful atmosphre compared to other downtowm hotels.

If you want to go for 5 star with more central location, I think Westin Chosun, Plaza is good. I%26#39;ve once stayed in Westin Chosun and I think it was fine. Room was rather small because it%26#39;s quite old building but it was recently renovated.

Millenium Hilton can be another choice. Hotel itself is a bit off the downtown but you can walk to Namdaemoon and as far as I know hotel have shuttle service to Itaewon. Another advantage is that the hotel has casino in the same building.

If you decide to save on hotel, Ibis could be safe choice, and I suggest you check on Sejong hotel also. You can walk to Myongdong from the hotel. It is rated 3 star on TA but I think it is close to 4 star.

Location wise, I think you should also check on Fraser suites. It is located in Insadong, and you can walk to Jongro. If you don%26#39;t mind a bit of walking, you could also walk to Kyong Bok Palace from there.

Seoul has limited choice in terms of good hotels, but with recent global economic crisis thing and added devaluation of Korean won, I think you should also try contacting hotels directly.

Hope you have good time in Seoul.