Axel's take: 8.2/10
A comfortable Gangnam base with grand interiors, but some five-star rough edges. an ornate five-star hotel with serviced residences in Gangnam, scored for what it is.
Grand Mercure Imperial Palace is an ornate five-star hotel with serviced residences, best suited to travelers whose plans center on Gangnam. We'd pick it for comfortable rooms, old-school character and breakfast rather than cutting-edge luxury. Expedia and Accor guests repeatedly praise welcoming staff and the breakfast selection; overall feedback is strongly positive. Hakdong station is about five minutes away on foot, making it a practical south-of-the-river base.
The polish isn't uniform: recent Accor reviews flag uneven housekeeping and service follow-through alongside plenty of praise. More immediately, the sauna is closed for renovation July 1–October 31, 2026; the gym and indoor pool remain open. The outdoor pool's published 2026 season has also ended. We'd skip it for a wellness-led stay this October, or if most sightseeing is north of the river.
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Best for: Gangnam business travelers; Fans of traditional grand-hotel interiors; Longer stays in serviced residences
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Watch out for: Sauna renovation through October 31, 2026; Uneven housekeeping and service follow-through; Outdoor pool is seasonal and separately charged
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Location: About five minutes' walk to Hakdong station; strongest for Gangnam-focused trips.
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Rooms: Comfortable rooms draw praise; hotel rooms and serviced residences offer different styles.
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Cleanliness: Strong Expedia cleanliness ratings, tempered by several recent Accor housekeeping complaints.
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Service: Warm staff are a recurring strength, though request handling and coordination can be uneven.
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Amenities: Restaurants, gym and indoor pool; sauna under renovation and outdoor pool outside its published season.
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Fees and surprises: Breakfast depends on the booking; parking and seasonal outdoor-pool access carry extra charges.
Axel's opinion of Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam, from the hotel's website and recent guest reviews. Sources: Hotel website · Expedia · Booking.com. Reviewed Oct 15, 2026.