Words by Aude Camus
For the first few years of motherhood, I was firmly in the *beach holiday* camp. With a baby, then a toddler, the appeal was obvious: a pool, a beach, a kids-friendly resort and very little need to venture beyond the hotel gates. Easy, convenient and, frankly, a lot less exhausting than trying to navigate a bustling city with little legs that tire after approximately three minutes of walking.
But somewhere along the way, I realised that city breaks could be just as rewarding with children, albeit in a different way. The trick? Choosing the right destination, and more importantly, the right hotel to call home while exploring it.
For our family of four, Seoul was an obvious choice. There was culture and history for all of us, Korean food to discover (and plenty of fried chicken to keep the little ones happy), K-beauty shopping for yours truly, and K-pop for our resident fans of KPop Demon Hunters. All we needed was a hotel that could offer a comfortable retreat between adventures, with the kind of service that makes travelling with two young children feel less like an expedition.
For the first few years of motherhood, I was firmly in the *beach holiday* camp. With a baby, then a toddler, the appeal was obvious: a pool, a beach, a kids-friendly resort and very little need to venture beyond the hotel gates. Easy, convenient and, frankly, a lot less exhausting than trying to navigate a bustling city with little legs that tire after approximately three minutes of walking.
But somewhere along the way, I realised that city breaks could be just as rewarding with children, albeit in a different way. The trick? Choosing the right destination, and more importantly, the right hotel to call home while exploring it.
For our family of four, Seoul was an obvious choice. There was culture and history for all of us, Korean food to discover (and plenty of fried chicken to keep the little ones happy), K-beauty shopping for yours truly, and K-pop for our resident fans of KPop Demon Hunters. All we needed was a hotel that could offer a comfortable retreat between adventures, with the kind of service that makes travelling with two young children feel less like an expedition.
Enter Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
A prime location for exploring Seoul
Location is everything when you're travelling with children, and Four Seasons Hotel Seoul makes a very convincing case for itself. Just a stone's throw from Gyeongbokgung Palace, it is ideally positioned for exploring some of the city's most fascinating historical sights. If you're up for a longer walk, you can even make your way to Changdeokgung Palace via Bukchon Hanok Village, with its traditional Korean houses and winding streets.
We used the hotel as our base for exploring the palaces, clocking up an impressive 25,000 steps in just a few hours. Our six-year-old deserves a medal. Or at least another waffle.
Madame tip: If, like me, a trip to Seoul wouldn't be complete without a serious K-beauty haul, there's a small but well-stocked Olive Young right at the foot of the hotel, on Saemunan-ro 9-gil. Because skincare shopping is practically a cultural activity, isn't it?
The kind of concierge service that makes all the difference
Luxury hotels often promise impeccable service, but it's the little things that make a stay memorable, particularly when travelling with children. At Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, I was especially impressed by the concierge team.
I reached out before our arrival for recommendations and continued to rely on them throughout our stay via the live chat on the Four Seasons app. Responses were consistently quick, helpful and thoughtful, whether we needed restaurant suggestions or a little last-minute logistical assistance.
Take our first evening. We'd booked a Korean barbecue restaurant for 9pm, but with our flight landing at 7pm, the distance between Incheon Airport and the city quickly became apparent. By the time we'd cleared immigration, collected our luggage and battled the traffic, we only made it to the hotel at 9pm aka precisely the restaurant's final booking time. Hong Kong has rather spoiled us when it comes to airport transfers.
While in the taxi from the airport to the hotel, I contacted the concierge team, explained the situation and shared the restaurant we'd originally chosen. They swiftly recommended a similar option in the same neighbourhood that served food well past midnight. Crisis averted, barbecue cravings satisfied.
Their help also came in handy on our final evening, when we wanted to squeeze in a proper dinner for two. They arranged a babysitter to look after our girls in the comfort of our room while we headed out to a little wine bistro. The babysitter turned out to be both professional and warm, winning the girls over almost immediately by playing with them. Knowing they were in good hands meant we could actually relax and enjoy our evening.
Of course, the warmth extended beyond the concierge desk. From the team helping us into taxis at the hotel entrance to the reception staff and breakfast waiters, everyone we encountered was genuinely friendly. It's the sort of hospitality that makes a difference when your travel companions are a six-year-old and a one-year-old.
A family room that feels like home (only better)
We used the hotel as our base for exploring the palaces, clocking up an impressive 25,000 steps in just a few hours. Our six-year-old deserves a medal. Or at least another waffle.
Madame tip: If, like me, a trip to Seoul wouldn't be complete without a serious K-beauty haul, there's a small but well-stocked Olive Young right at the foot of the hotel, on Saemunan-ro 9-gil. Because skincare shopping is practically a cultural activity, isn't it?
The kind of concierge service that makes all the difference
Luxury hotels often promise impeccable service, but it's the little things that make a stay memorable, particularly when travelling with children. At Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, I was especially impressed by the concierge team.
I reached out before our arrival for recommendations and continued to rely on them throughout our stay via the live chat on the Four Seasons app. Responses were consistently quick, helpful and thoughtful, whether we needed restaurant suggestions or a little last-minute logistical assistance.
Take our first evening. We'd booked a Korean barbecue restaurant for 9pm, but with our flight landing at 7pm, the distance between Incheon Airport and the city quickly became apparent. By the time we'd cleared immigration, collected our luggage and battled the traffic, we only made it to the hotel at 9pm aka precisely the restaurant's final booking time. Hong Kong has rather spoiled us when it comes to airport transfers.
While in the taxi from the airport to the hotel, I contacted the concierge team, explained the situation and shared the restaurant we'd originally chosen. They swiftly recommended a similar option in the same neighbourhood that served food well past midnight. Crisis averted, barbecue cravings satisfied.
Their help also came in handy on our final evening, when we wanted to squeeze in a proper dinner for two. They arranged a babysitter to look after our girls in the comfort of our room while we headed out to a little wine bistro. The babysitter turned out to be both professional and warm, winning the girls over almost immediately by playing with them. Knowing they were in good hands meant we could actually relax and enjoy our evening.
Of course, the warmth extended beyond the concierge desk. From the team helping us into taxis at the hotel entrance to the reception staff and breakfast waiters, everyone we encountered was genuinely friendly. It's the sort of hospitality that makes a difference when your travel companions are a six-year-old and a one-year-old.
A family room that feels like home (only better)
We stayed in the hotel's aptly named Grand Family Room and it turned out to be the perfect retreat for our family of four. Spacious enough to feel almost as big as our own apartment, it gave us room to spread out after long days exploring the city.
My favourite feature was the alcove, which gave our six-year-old a little sense of having her own space while still sharing a room with us. A win-win situation: independence for her, and a little breathing room for us parents. I won't say intimacy, because what exactly is intimacy when you have a six-year-old and a one-year-old? But you get the idea.
The room was also thoughtfully equipped for families travelling with a baby. Alongside the cot, we found a few nappies and a bottle steriliser, which meant one less thing to worry about when packing.
Then there were the details that might seem insignificant until you experience them. The Diptyque amenities, for one. You can take the girl out of France, but you can't take France out of the girl, and I have a soft spot for my beloved French luxury brands.
My favourite feature was the alcove, which gave our six-year-old a little sense of having her own space while still sharing a room with us. A win-win situation: independence for her, and a little breathing room for us parents. I won't say intimacy, because what exactly is intimacy when you have a six-year-old and a one-year-old? But you get the idea.
The room was also thoughtfully equipped for families travelling with a baby. Alongside the cot, we found a few nappies and a bottle steriliser, which meant one less thing to worry about when packing.
Then there were the details that might seem insignificant until you experience them. The Diptyque amenities, for one. You can take the girl out of France, but you can't take France out of the girl, and I have a soft spot for my beloved French luxury brands.
And the shower. Oh, the shower.
I know it sounds ridiculous to devote a paragraph to a shower, but hear me out. It was enormous, with wonderfully strong, consistent water pressure. Having grown up in Paris, where showers in old buildings can barely muster enough pressure to get shampoo out of your hair, I have come to appreciate a really good shower as one of life's underrated luxuries. Is this what getting older feels like? Possibly. Did I feel properly washed? Absolutely.
And, finally, the Korean toilet. If you know, you know.
Breakfast: a buffet worth getting out of bed for
I know it sounds ridiculous to devote a paragraph to a shower, but hear me out. It was enormous, with wonderfully strong, consistent water pressure. Having grown up in Paris, where showers in old buildings can barely muster enough pressure to get shampoo out of your hair, I have come to appreciate a really good shower as one of life's underrated luxuries. Is this what getting older feels like? Possibly. Did I feel properly washed? Absolutely.
And, finally, the Korean toilet. If you know, you know.
Breakfast: a buffet worth getting out of bed for
Hotel breakfast buffets can be a bit of a gamble. Impressive in size, perhaps, but not always in quality. Thankfully, the spread at The Market Kitchen, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant in the basement, manages to deliver on both fronts.
There is an extensive selection of Korean specialities, including an array of fermented vegetables and kimchi (great for gut health), alongside international breakfast staples. A Korean street-food corner was particularly popular with our six-year-old, whose holiday breakfast of choice quickly became Korean fried chicken.
Yes, fried chicken for breakfast. Don't judge. We're on holiday.
It also came with freshly made waffles topped with cream, while madeleines dipped in the chocolate fountain provided another compelling reason to let the usual breakfast rules slide. Some battles are worth fighting; hotel breakfast is not one of them, as far as I'm concerned.
While the children were busy negotiating their next plate, I appreciated the chance to explore the more local offerings.
Madame tip: Look down as you make your way through The Market Kitchen. Transparent glass floor panels reveal preserved historical remnants of a roughly 600-year-old Joseon-era house foundation discovered during construction of the hotel. It's a fascinating reminder that Seoul's history is never far from the surface, even in a contemporary luxury hotel.
Pool time, Korean baths and a little me-time
There is an extensive selection of Korean specialities, including an array of fermented vegetables and kimchi (great for gut health), alongside international breakfast staples. A Korean street-food corner was particularly popular with our six-year-old, whose holiday breakfast of choice quickly became Korean fried chicken.
Yes, fried chicken for breakfast. Don't judge. We're on holiday.
It also came with freshly made waffles topped with cream, while madeleines dipped in the chocolate fountain provided another compelling reason to let the usual breakfast rules slide. Some battles are worth fighting; hotel breakfast is not one of them, as far as I'm concerned.
While the children were busy negotiating their next plate, I appreciated the chance to explore the more local offerings.
Madame tip: Look down as you make your way through The Market Kitchen. Transparent glass floor panels reveal preserved historical remnants of a roughly 600-year-old Joseon-era house foundation discovered during construction of the hotel. It's a fascinating reminder that Seoul's history is never far from the surface, even in a contemporary luxury hotel.
Pool time, Korean baths and a little me-time
When you're travelling with children, a hotel pool is rarely optional. It's practically a contractual obligation.
The pool at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul was a welcome pit stop for our girls, but it also proved useful for the adults. Whether you're looking to start the day with a swim or ease tired legs after a full day of sightseeing, it's a lovely facility to have at your disposal. After those 25,000-step days, I was certainly grateful for it.
The Korean baths (available at an additional charge) were another highlight for me personally.
I'd been curious about experiencing a traditional Korean bathhouse, but as a first-timer, I wasn't entirely sure I was ready to go fully naked in an unfamiliar space surrounded by strangers. That's how it's traditionally done, after all. And despite having lived in Asia for more than a decade, apparently there are still some things this French girl needs to work up to.
Trying the experience in the comfort of the hotel, in a rather plush setting, felt like the perfect introduction. The facilities are impressively spacious, with cold, warm and hot baths, dry and wet saunas, showers and a relaxation lounge.
But my favourite feature? The no-phone policy.
No notifications, no scrolling and, most importantly, no messages from my husband about the children he was looking after while I enjoyed an hour or so of peace. Heaven, in other words.
The powder room, stocked with Korean skincare and body-care products, was another lovely touch. For anyone who wants to combine a little wellness with a taste of local bathing culture, it's well worth considering.
Boccalino: when pizza is the answer
The pool at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul was a welcome pit stop for our girls, but it also proved useful for the adults. Whether you're looking to start the day with a swim or ease tired legs after a full day of sightseeing, it's a lovely facility to have at your disposal. After those 25,000-step days, I was certainly grateful for it.
The Korean baths (available at an additional charge) were another highlight for me personally.
I'd been curious about experiencing a traditional Korean bathhouse, but as a first-timer, I wasn't entirely sure I was ready to go fully naked in an unfamiliar space surrounded by strangers. That's how it's traditionally done, after all. And despite having lived in Asia for more than a decade, apparently there are still some things this French girl needs to work up to.
Trying the experience in the comfort of the hotel, in a rather plush setting, felt like the perfect introduction. The facilities are impressively spacious, with cold, warm and hot baths, dry and wet saunas, showers and a relaxation lounge.
But my favourite feature? The no-phone policy.
No notifications, no scrolling and, most importantly, no messages from my husband about the children he was looking after while I enjoyed an hour or so of peace. Heaven, in other words.
The powder room, stocked with Korean skincare and body-care products, was another lovely touch. For anyone who wants to combine a little wellness with a taste of local bathing culture, it's well worth considering.
Boccalino: when pizza is the answer
When I travel, I'm usually the person who wants to eat local food, explore neighbourhood restaurants and cross town for a meal I've been looking forward to. My six-year-old, on the other hand, is not quite as food-obsessed.
After a full day of sightseeing and 25,000 steps, convincing her to leave the hotel and walk another thousand steps for dinner was never going to happen. All she wanted was pizza.
Luckily, Boccalino , the hotel's Italian restaurant, proved to be a very good compromise. My daughter was delighted with her pizza, and after stealing a bite, I had to admit the dough was particularly good. Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the ones that surprise you.
As for us, we decided to make an evening of it and treated ourselves to a tasting menu. Because why not?
We enjoyed a lovely dinner, made all the more memorable by the warm hospitality of our waitress, who asked about our plans for the rest of the stay and shared some thoughtful recommendations. The beverage manager also introduced us to Charles H., the hotel's award-winning bar, and offered some fascinating insights into its story.
As someone who has spent plenty of time exploring Hong Kong's bar scene, I particularly enjoyed learning more about its connections to the city's hospitality world. Did you know that Lorenzo Antinori, the celebrated bar operator behind some of Hong Kong's most talked-about cocktail destinations (I’m talking Bar Leone and Montana), once worked at Charles H. before making his mark in our home city?
It was a lovely evening, and a reminder that sometimes a good night out happen when you allow yourself to change plans.
A gym that deserves more than a passing mention
After a full day of sightseeing and 25,000 steps, convincing her to leave the hotel and walk another thousand steps for dinner was never going to happen. All she wanted was pizza.
Luckily, Boccalino , the hotel's Italian restaurant, proved to be a very good compromise. My daughter was delighted with her pizza, and after stealing a bite, I had to admit the dough was particularly good. Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the ones that surprise you.
As for us, we decided to make an evening of it and treated ourselves to a tasting menu. Because why not?
We enjoyed a lovely dinner, made all the more memorable by the warm hospitality of our waitress, who asked about our plans for the rest of the stay and shared some thoughtful recommendations. The beverage manager also introduced us to Charles H., the hotel's award-winning bar, and offered some fascinating insights into its story.
As someone who has spent plenty of time exploring Hong Kong's bar scene, I particularly enjoyed learning more about its connections to the city's hospitality world. Did you know that Lorenzo Antinori, the celebrated bar operator behind some of Hong Kong's most talked-about cocktail destinations (I’m talking Bar Leone and Montana), once worked at Charles H. before making his mark in our home city?
It was a lovely evening, and a reminder that sometimes a good night out happen when you allow yourself to change plans.
A gym that deserves more than a passing mention
While I was busy appreciating the spa facilities and the shower pressure, my husband had his own favourite discovery: the gym.
Spacious, modern and fitted with Technogym equipment, it impressed him enough to earn a spot among the best hotel gyms he's experienced. And coming from someone who pays considerably more attention to hotel fitness facilities than I do, that's quite an endorsement.
What sets it apart is the feeling of a private members' club rather than a standard hotel gym. The equipment selection, including a substantial range of weights for lifting, goes well beyond what you might expect from a typical hotel fitness room.
If keeping up with your training routine while travelling is important to you, this is a serious plus.
More reasons to check in
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul has plenty more to offer beyond the facilities we managed to experience during our stay. Food lovers can explore Akira Back for Japanese fusion cuisine, while Yu Yuan serves Cantonese specialities.
And then there's Charles H., the hotel's acclaimed bar, which had been on my own Seoul wish list for a while. Sadly, I didn't get the chance to experience it this time. Travelling with children inevitably involves a few compromises, and apparently missing out on a cocktail bar is one of mine.
Next time, perhaps.
The verdict: city breaks with children, done right
Our stay at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul reminded me that family travel doesn't have to mean choosing between cultural experiences and creature comforts. With the right hotel as your base, you can spend your days exploring palaces, wandering through traditional neighbourhoods, discovering new flavours and indulging in a little shopping, then return somewhere that feels genuinely relaxing.
The location made sightseeing easier, the spacious family room gave us room to breathe, and the concierge team took care of the details that can otherwise make travelling with young children feel overwhelming.
And while a beach holiday will always have its place in our family travel repertoire, I'm happy to report that city breaks have officially earned their spot, too.
Especially when there's a good pool, a seriously good shower and Korean fried chicken for breakfast.
Spacious, modern and fitted with Technogym equipment, it impressed him enough to earn a spot among the best hotel gyms he's experienced. And coming from someone who pays considerably more attention to hotel fitness facilities than I do, that's quite an endorsement.
What sets it apart is the feeling of a private members' club rather than a standard hotel gym. The equipment selection, including a substantial range of weights for lifting, goes well beyond what you might expect from a typical hotel fitness room.
If keeping up with your training routine while travelling is important to you, this is a serious plus.
More reasons to check in
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul has plenty more to offer beyond the facilities we managed to experience during our stay. Food lovers can explore Akira Back for Japanese fusion cuisine, while Yu Yuan serves Cantonese specialities.
And then there's Charles H., the hotel's acclaimed bar, which had been on my own Seoul wish list for a while. Sadly, I didn't get the chance to experience it this time. Travelling with children inevitably involves a few compromises, and apparently missing out on a cocktail bar is one of mine.
Next time, perhaps.
The verdict: city breaks with children, done right
Our stay at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul reminded me that family travel doesn't have to mean choosing between cultural experiences and creature comforts. With the right hotel as your base, you can spend your days exploring palaces, wandering through traditional neighbourhoods, discovering new flavours and indulging in a little shopping, then return somewhere that feels genuinely relaxing.
The location made sightseeing easier, the spacious family room gave us room to breathe, and the concierge team took care of the details that can otherwise make travelling with young children feel overwhelming.
And while a beach holiday will always have its place in our family travel repertoire, I'm happy to report that city breaks have officially earned their spot, too.
Especially when there's a good pool, a seriously good shower and Korean fried chicken for breakfast.
This review is based on a stay that was partly complimentary and partly paid for by the author. No payment was received for this review, and all opinions expressed are the author’s own.
