Hotel Crescendo Seoul

Even years after the viral pop hit, Gangnam style still isn’t easily defined: the dynamic neighborhood in Seoul has ancient temples and modern high-rises, exclusive design boutiques and hole-in-the-wall soju bars. Hotel Crescendo Seoul, located in the heart of the district, is managed in part by Accor. But some effort has been made to distinguish this luxury hotel from its corporate chain counterparts nearby. Indeed, there are boutique hotel elements here: guest rooms are relatively petite, with sleek parquet floors and marble bathrooms with charmingly tiled walk-in showers, the minimalist decor enlivened with colorful splashes of turquoise and blue. There’s a rooftop terrace bar with views over the city, a Korean bistro serving modern versions of traditional dishes, and a Parisian-style café that’s open around the clock.