Hotel Snapshot
For decades, Seoul’s hotel landscape was dominated by big-brand chains clustered in predictable touristy enclaves, such as Gangnam and Myeongdong.
That began to shift in 2018 with the opening of RYSE, Autograph Collection in Hongdae, the thrumming, hectic neighborhood anchored by Hongik University—one of South Korea’s leading art and design schools. The 272-room hotel made a mark with its bold, design-forward interiors and for offering the ability to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points, combining creative expression with loyalty-program convenience in a way that was rare in Seoul at the time.
Design & Character
Playful. Colorful. Youthful. These aren't descriptors I usually associate with hotels I'm fond of, but RYSE balances these qualities with the young staff’s exceptionally polite and attentive service. Though guests are constantly coming and going, no matter the hour, the property maintains a comfortable, unhurried atmosphere.
The interiors skew industrial and modern, with raw concrete walls, unexpected pops of color—the lobby's petal-pink lacquered floors gleam like a fresh manicure—and eye-catching art, including a massive metal sculpture by Kwon Kyung Hwan suspended high above the hotel's multi-level spiral staircase.
The Rooms
The three room categories—Creator, Editor, and Director—reflect RYSE, Autograph Collection’s independent spirit. For something more distinctive, book one of the hotel’s four signature Artist Suites. Artist Suite 1504 by Yeojoo Park is especially dreamy, with kaleidoscopic window installations that transform light into a moody, ever-shifting atmosphere.
I was delighted by the thoughtful complimentary touches. Snacks, sheet masks, and earplugs were laid out on a table, while the bathroom included a felt pouch stocked with practical essentials like a comb and other easily forgotten toiletries.
RYSE, Autograph Collection’s Zero Project reflects its commitment to sustainability. Each room includes a filtered water dispenser and reusable rubber slippers—sanitized between guests, of course—as an alternative to disposable options.
The Food & Drink Situation
An outpost of Oakland-based Blue Bottle Coffee anchors the open-air lobby, where stylish guests linger from morning to night. CHARR, RYSE's main restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets featuring classic Korean dishes such as stews, tteokbokki, and assorted kimchi alongside continental fare, including freshly carved meats. Perched on the 15th floor, Side Note Club is a dimly lit lounge with plush velvet seating, whimsical cocktails—the rum-based Singing in the Rain arrives with a tiny paper umbrella—and a spacious terrace with sparkling views of the Seoul skyline.
Amenities
The fourth-floor, 24/7 fitness center features floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light and is stocked with all the essentials—free weights, treadmills, and yoga mats—for a proper workout.
In place of the typical hotel boutique peddling bland, branded merchandise, RYSE houses Savor, a skateboarding shop, and Worksout, a multi-level retail space dedicated to workwear and streetwear labels such as Reigning Champ, Carhartt, and Brixton. In keeping with the property's youthful ethos, there's also Monoplex, a mini theater for private screenings, and Print Culture Lounge, an open space adjacent to the check-in area featuring a curated selection of books, magazines, and records.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Hongdae is an ideal base for first-time visitors to Seoul, especially if you enjoy being surrounded by nonstop energy. Every corner offers something new—shopping, food and drink, nightlife, and live street performances.
Fast Facts
Location: Hongdae, in the heart of it all
Vibe: Unapologetically creative and dynamic
Room Count: 272 guest rooms and suites
Pricing: From $230 per night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The thoughtful complimentary in-room amenities: my travel-parched skin soaked up the sheet mask, and the cloud-like rubber slides felt like a dream after a long day of exploring
Dining: Blue Bottle Coffee (coffee and pastries), CHARR (buffet restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and Side Note Club (evening cocktails)
Nearby Attractions: Hongdae Shopping Street, Trickeye Museum, KT&G Sangsangmadang
Airport: Approximately 60 minutes from Incheon International Airport by car
Seoul, South Korea
