Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel, Seoul
Expert reviews
“The IP Boutique Hotel is conveniently situated in Itaewon. It has a colorful facade that matches the 132 comfortable rooms within: think lots of white with splashes of Pop color.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Seoul.
“With its distinctive, multicolored exterior, the IP Boutique Hotel manages to be an Itaewon landmark without quite joining the chaos of the party district in earnest. The lobby is open and sociable and the location is ideal.”
What guests liked
- Clean rooms
- Friendly staff
- Boutique style
- Great location
- Comfortable beds
All you need to know
There is no compromise in quality style or comfort at the Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel of Seoul, South Korea. The luxury hotel is located in the cosmopolitan shopping and entertainment district of Itaewon, specifically Yongsan-gu. The unique design and serene ambiance enchant guests as soon as they step through the front doors. The 4-star, smoke-free property not only caters to leisure travelers but also has arrangements for businessmen and women with conference rooms and business facilities.
The accommodations are of the highest standard. Each soundproof room is artfully decorated. Artistic murals make a bold statement against white walls, giving the room a futuristic edge. The rooms also feature a flat-screen television, TV channels, safety deposit box, air purifier and glass bathroom. Pop-art paintings on the walls add to the trendy feel of this hotel.
The hotel’s central location puts it only a few minutes away from Seoul tower, Namdaemun Market and the Icheon International Airport. The National Museum of Korea, War Memorial of Korea, Seoul Central Mosque, Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower are also very close by. This is also great as travelers get the convenience of public transportation, can get easily immersed in the district’s culture and have plenty of other sites for sightseeing.
Hotel Details
— 133 rooms
— Built in 1987
— Ultra modern style
Hotel Features
— Free WiFi
— Restaurant
— Non-smoking rooms
— Free parking available
— Fitness center
— 24-hour front desk
— Tour desk
— Airport shuttle available
— Laundry service available
— Tour desk
— Currency exchange
— Business Centre
Additional Info
— Check in begins at 2:00 PM
— Check out ends at 12:00 PM
— Minimum check in age is 19 years old
Address
South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Hannam-dong, 737-32.
Hotel deals & lowest price guarantee
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Location
Recent guest reviews
11 August 2025
Affordable stay in Itaewon!
Great hotel to stay at in Itaewon, walking distance to the train station (about 5-10 mins) and also away from the nightlife so it's not too noisy. Such an affordable stay for a weekend in Seoul.
Nothing - everything was good!
10 August 2025
Pleasant
The location was ok and the rooms were a good size. The restroom was very nice.
Only one functioning elevator for the entire hotel and the crumbled carpet outside the entrance made my father fall flat on his stomach.
9 August 2025
Great location comfortable room just bring earplugs for noise of neighbors
Close to the subway and theatres. Rooms a great size comfortable bed with good pillows.
Need earplugs rooms not sound proof can hear your neighbor easily .
25 July 2025
We enjoyed our stay, especially the chair and window that faced the outside (perfect for the work calls), however we did
The location to public transportation and good food was nice.
The bathroom is,including the toilet stall, is all glasswalls. There is a curtain to draw, but it does not close all the way, leaving a space for the closet door to reveal what is happening in the bathroom. There is a motion-sensor light that we could not deactivate so any triosto the bathroom at night shone a light for all to see.
24 July 2025
Fabulous
Friendly and accommodating staff. Perfect location to all the attractions and also a walkable distance to nightlife.
They don't have self-service laundry, so you pay per clothing. This needs to be clearly stated on booking.com. The hotel does not manage the kitchen, so it has limited control. Unfortunately, the hotel does not have any utensils to lend to guests.
21 July 2025
A central hotel located in the very heart of Itaewon, close to everything.
We I liked the location — it was central and just a short walk to the subway. Despite being on the main street in Itaewon, the hotel was surprisingly quiet. The staff were friendly, and since breakfast was included, we were served a freshly made breakfast each morning.
We didn’t like that there were way too many mirrors in the room, and the toilet offered very little privacy since the walls were transparent. Even though there was a curtain to pull across, it still felt a bit too exposed for us as a couple. Just because you’re in a relationship doesn’t mean you don’t need some bathroom privacy!
19 July 2025
Fabulous
I loved how clean and spacious my room was. Housekeeping was amazing and the staff was so helpful when I had to change my check-in time due to rescheduled flights. I would stay here again!
16 July 2025
great location, close to a lot good restaurants and not far to walk to line 6 metro station
The deco is kind of funky and arty... but the corridors and rooms themselves are very dark because they used dark paint on the wall to create that vibe... Lights in the room also not very bright
Very dark in our room
12 July 2025
Great place
Perfect location with convenient parking on site.
5 July 2025
Great Place to Stay In Itaewon
Location was in the quiet spot of Itaewon. Good for Muslim Travellers as you have access to Seoul Central Mosque and Nearby Halal Food. There is an Indian Veg Chain Sarvana Bhavan at a walking distance of 10 mins as well for ones who prefer Vegetarian Food. Itaewon Metro Station is at a walking distance of 10 to 15 mins. Rooms were Ok.
28 June 2025
Beautiful but cold
The location in Itaewon is great if you need to be in that area, next to the Gucci shop or opposite the Black Label music company. But for central Seoul it's not near a lot of bus routes nor near rail or national link stations. I liked the decor and the lobby.
I left a do not disturb notice yet was interrupted during the day by a cleaner who didn't believe that I didn't need my room cleaned. As a disabled person, I rang down to the front desk to ask for some oat or almond milk but was informed not only did they not have any, but no staff member could go next door to pick some up for me from the convenience store. It's my understanding that most front desk staff actively look for ways to accommodate their clientele but I did not feel helped at all.
26 June 2025
Very good
Love the unique decor of the lobby. Great location as well, probably one of my favourite hotels i stayed at on my trip. And I love the cafe you have breakfast in, the food and the staff were great
24 June 2025
Work & Pleasure
location is outstanding. Close to Hannam
feels a bit outdated but undergoing renovation. Gym was not up to par. Restaurant and bar disappeared to a small venue. but given the location i can understand why
23 June 2025
Fabulous
The room was spacious. The hotel is located between a less gentrified area, and a hipster street. So a great location. Plus it's near a few art galleries.
22 June 2025
Pleasant
Rapporto qualità / prezzo
The lobby was poor and there was no place / table / area where to have a quick talk, open the laptop, etc. we had to go to a nearby coffee shop to meet with people.
22 June 2025
Good stay
Location, breakfast, overall design
17 June 2025
Could have been better.
The location and comfortability
The way they clean the rooms. Every time we ask a staff to clean it, they only did the beds, the hairs were everywhere. Be careful where you place your clothing, because a good amount of our underwear and 2 pairs of shorts went to who knows where, probably trash.
17 June 2025
Really comfortable and well located.
The hotel is located not really far away from the metro station, and far away enough from the party area. The personal was so nice with us and always ready to help, also the cleaning staff.
The soundproof was quite good, but not enough. We heard some really unpolite guests making noise in hall during the night. Which bearing in mind that we were close to the party area and we didn't hear the noise from outside is "funny". Not really a complaint, but something that we should have known. There were some reparations in the main entrance during our stay. Not something that can be avoided (reparations are need), but if you go with big luggages you can only access the hotel from the side (a couple stairs).
15 June 2025
Pleasant
Loved the location great breakfast
There were very tiny mosquitoes in the room
14 June 2025
Fabulous
Clean, comfy, nice staff and away from the party crowds
Room doors close too aggressively. Got woken up by slamming of door in the early morning/middle of the night.
5 June 2025
Ok but did't like location
Overall fair, except for location
Location
4 June 2025
Fabulous
Super friendly staff
Itaewon-ro facing room was noisy due to street traffic. Lowest room temp was 20%C which is too hot for me for sleeping.
3 June 2025
Good Hotel and location. Needs few improvement to make the guest friendly
Clean and Nicely done hotel and rooms
Room passages are very dark and poorly lit. Need more light. Also, air conditioning is not effective. They switched it off the main control mid night and it became very hot. The windows are sealed too, no chance of fresh air in case you are feeling hot.
3 June 2025
Great hotel choice
Very conveniently located in Itaewon. Walking distance to subway station and next to restaurants, bars, clubs and shopping. Hotel very nice. Room very comfortable and service great.
Not Apolicable
2 June 2025
Very good
Location, very large bright space
Very low ceiling ht in bdrm. Bathroom needed a bit better cleaning.
1 June 2025
Very good
I found the rooms facing the street side lacked abit of privacy and you could hear the traffic at night but otherwise overall the location was nice and rooms super well equipped!
1 June 2025
Pleasant
Staff, location.
29 May 2025
Fabulous
Location, spacey rooms
The bathroom should be separated by a wall, not glass
29 May 2025
Very good
Just so you know there is no shuttle bus from the hotel to and from incheon (there was one but they shut down the line) and we had to take the taxi which is more expensive. Not the hotel fault, but it would have been better to know beforehand and not when we were already there.
28 May 2025
Amazing view
We had an amazing view over the city, just as requested. Room was great too. All the amenities you'd need we're there.
You could see the hotel was a bit past its prime. And the bathroom didn't offer a lot of privacy. But I guess I could've known from the images.
20 May 2025
Great location, hotel simple but clean and good value
Location Pricing
Small room Very dark with poor lighting
19 May 2025
I want to go back!
Loved the hotel - quick check in and very comfortable and spacious room. The view wasn’t too bad either! The lobby was a little quirky and there was some work being completed just outside on the hotel steps. But nothing to detract and no real complaints! The room itself was a good size with a fridge and kettle, both very handy. The bed was comfortable and a large TV allowed us to switch into personal accounts like Netflix. Close proximity to Itaewon station. Lots of shops/restaurants around too
If I had to pick anything, it would be that the shower is low in the bath. I’m 6’2” and couldn’t stand directly under the shower.. but wasn’t the end of the world.
18 May 2025
Hotel is ok but there are better options in the middle of the week around Insadong area.
Part of the staff was very friendly. the room was clean, and the bed sheet was so confortable and clean! the location was very good for my trip. The hotel is open to help religious jews for shabbat .
At arrival the staff was not nice. They ask for 10,000 won for each hour you receive the room early thant the check in hour. We receive it 3 hours before the time at 12:00 instead 15:00. is the first hotel I paid for it! the recepcion area has not confortable seat to spend time there.
16 May 2025
Good location.
The location was great. Ten minutes from metro. Lots of restaurants and shops nearby.
The room was so dark. Painted in a dark blue with a window that didn’t open. Asked for a city view which I suppose it kind of was. But mainly of the building opposite. I expected bright, white rooms like the ones on the photos in here. It was the opposite. I think they have refreshed some rooms and don’t think we were in one or them. There were so many lights but still the room was dark. And the corridor was so dark! Didn’t like the glass walls of the bathroom, no privacy. The bed was so hard, I couldn’t sleep as bad to keep turning over otherwise uncomfortable. The cleaner didn’t refresh the coffee pods or tea. So we were given two at the start and then had to ask for more. Also one day totally ran out of toilet paper and had to go to reception. I personally didn’t like the decor of the hotel but that’s just personal taste. For what we paid I expected it to be a bit more luxurious.
11 May 2025
Good Hotel in the perfect surrounding with good public transport connection
The style and the location of the hotel were perfect! also the people are very helpful and friendly.
Only downsides where that you can't open the window to get fresh air into the room. And during our stay only one elevator where working, so the waiting times for the elevator where a bit long.
11 May 2025
It was safe, comfortable, clean and beautiful speaking English staff as well as in kitchen.
It was a beautiful stay in this place. The lobby, the breakfast food and room, the helpful staff, the bedroom room is absolutely clean as well .
Location: taxi driver’s gps not match or unable to locate base to its # location address online. Also, the dark hallway upstairs but not bad at all. It is quiet and big enough. Love the hotel over all.
11 May 2025
Good hotel to party around Itaewon
Plenty of places to eat and drink on walking distance. Try “all that jazz “ across the street The staff, Galaxy in particular, were all very helpful Breakfast was surprisingly good.
The gym area looks depressing My first room had a hint of smoking smell A bit pricey for what it is
9 May 2025
Fabulous
The boutique style, comfy bed and normal size towels.
No taxi service during my stay
7 May 2025
Great location. Big clean room.
location was great and the rooms were quite big in comparison to others we have stayed in Seoul. The hotel was very clean and well managed and overall it was a good experience to stay there. It is very well located in Itaewon, almost half way between 2 metro stations. Lots of restaurants and coffee shops nearby. It was close enough to be a quick walk to the action of Itaewon, but far enough away to avoid the scuzzier parts.
There is no pool or other facilities and the hotel restaurant is tiny so it fills up very quickly.
4 May 2025
Charming hotel in the heart of Itaewon. Perfect location to explore the city.
Location, cleanliness, and amenities.
Air conditioning shuts off and doesn’t maintain the room at all good temperature. The room felt constantly stuffy. Not great when air pollution is present and there is no fresh airflow.
2 May 2025
Very good
Good location for international travelers. About ten minutes walking distance from nearest subway station. The hotel crew help us a lot with issues like calling taxi , and keeping the luggage for a couple of hours the last day. We could communicate in English easily.
23 April 2025
Good enough since the location is superb
Location is superb
Staffs are not so accommodating
21 April 2025
Fabulous
The room was located on the 11th floor with a view of main street below and the newer Northern and newer side of Seoul dotted with Skyscrapers across the Han. Room interior was like a bluish-green and bit dated, but was comfortable and had modern fixtures and master controls on the night stand. Very close to Metro ad you can the Government district and Yeouido Park in 20 mins. Located close to lots of restaurants, Revolution Pizza (nice Pizza 2 bigs Slices for like 700 Won ~$7) a famous Indian Vegetarian restaurant chain Saravana Bhavan, and Middle Eastern place Dubai for the Veggie and Vegan folks. But for those nostalgic for pulled pork there is Texas BBQ. Please make srue you also walk around the back streets where there you will get a glimpse of the older Itaewon.
The absence of a nice quality closet drawer to keep clothes and decent chair to sit on to do some work was a negative, that could be addressed. I was told that rooms were recently renovated (I guess the older rooms must has been really dated :)).
30 March 2025
Quirky Hotel with some disappointments!
We liked the quirky decor of the hotel. The location was good. The room was spacious and kitted out well. The staff were friendly.
The fact there was serious noisey ( pneumatic drill ) repair works going on at the hotel at the very front of the hotel through the whole time we stayed ( 4 days) including the weekend. The work started at 07.30 am every day and as our room was at the front we were woken up early every day. This was not flagged up on the website! The shower wouldn't function to begin with and it took two staff members to repair it! It was reasonably hot during the time we stayed and found out the AC was broken in the hotel! We were not informed until I enquired with the reception. They did provide a small fan. The hotel advertised on their website they provided an express bus to and from the airport, at a stop right outside the hotel, but when we enquired about it, we were told the service had been suspended! The nearest stop for the express was quite a long walk away up a steep hill!
20 March 2025
Overall is valued for money
There are many good food eateries and cafe closed by . Food option are plenty and subway is also nearby like 6-8 min walk
Tooth brush and tooth paste was not provided
12 March 2025
Overall it was good!
There’s a bus stop right in front of the hotel, its also near the subway! Alot of shops, restaurants and the party scene is nearby
the bidet controller was broken in our room plus they didn’t have free shaver kits or toothbrush/toothpaste
9 March 2025
Very good
Great quiet room , very modern facilities, in the center of Seoul and in Itaewon , breakfast was very delicious
No window in the room , little dark corridors
5 March 2025
Average and since we were there for such a short time we rolled with it
Location. Bistro in hotel offered a great breakfast
Staff were not helpful at all, seeming annoyed when we attempted to ask questions. While it was a non smoking hotel the smoke smell was tough at times. They even had an air purifier in the room. They also did not provide wash cloths.
5 March 2025
Pleasant
Loved the gym, coffee in the room, friendly staff
Dated, uncomfortable beds, overpriced
Hotel facilities
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Nightclub/DJ (additional charge)
- - Fitness
General
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Non-smoking throughout
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers

More photos

12 August 2025
Very good