View from the Room: Hotel Naru Seoul
Our tradition on long-haul trips, since staying at the Kempinski in Shanghai, is to lux it up at the end. The only stipulation is a two-night minimum, as I learnt in 2019: one night in the most luxurious hotel of the trip is simply not enough.
The Hotel Naru overlooks the quite stunning River Han and is perfectly located, with the underground station just a few minutes away. An exceptionally modern tower, and one that announces itself immediately: the electric curtains with an underlay of sheer nets, opened automatically as we entered, framing that view for a dramatic welcome.
After unpacking, we sank into the comfy sofa at the end of the bed with coffee, taking our time to acclimatise to both the view and the many comforts the room had to offer.
The Room
Our room, although not too big, was light, airy and full of storage which provided a contrast to what had come before on this trip. Three drawers, plenty of shelving, seven assorted quality hangers, an iron and board, and international power sockets. There was enough January sun pouring through the floor-to-ceiling windows to keep us warm, and the heating could be turned off with a single touch.
Bathroom
A separate toilet and shower, loads of storage and towels plus actual hooks. The high-tech toilet goes without saying. A handheld pull-out shower from the bathtub, a small drawer housing vanity kits for just-in-case moments, and full-sized Grown Alchemist toiletries, a brand new to me that I very much enjoyed. Two luxurious bathrobes and two sets of slippers: one pair for the pool, a branded towelling set for the room.
Food and Drink
A kettle and a pod coffee machine. A paid minibar, a fridge, and a couple of bottles of water, though we generally avoid single-use plastic. I always know I'm in a luxury hotel when the crockery comes in a drawer.
Breakfast had an even more spectacular view than the room, which is saying something. We had dinner at the hotel restaurant one evening and, on our last night, a cocktail - possibly the most extravagant single purchase of the whole trip - just to sit with that view one more time.
Amenities
Pod coffee machine, minibar, fridge, iron and board, pool access.
Service
Reception staff insisted on bringing up our luggage, which arrived just minutes after us. From concierge to bar and restaurant to the pool, every member of staff was courteous and friendly throughout.
We aim to end any multi-hotel trip with a touch of luxury and succeed to end our trip to Seoul
February 2026
