As a business traveler, I often visit cities where my clients are located. To get a better idea of your travel and destination preferences, you can stay in different hotels near your client’s location or try something entirely new. However, there’s a sweet moment when you finally find your “home away from home.”

This is how I feel when I step into the marble and wood lobby of Lotte Hotel Seoul. Seoul offers guests a plethora of hotels, including the Four Seasons, Shilla and Westin; but to me, Lotte stands out.
Lotte Seoul sits across from city hall in the middle of the city where traffic can be busy, but being from Los Angeles, it’s a familiar experience.

On my most recent visit I stayed on the Women’s Floor, reserved for female guests, which is very popular among its Japanese guests. There is an extra security level on the floor that includes a frosted-glass sliding door right off the elevators that requires a key card.

The floor features a women’s-only lounge during the day to use at leisure, but for snacks or cocktails, visit the Club Lounge.

The room, while in need of a refresh, features feminine touches including pink embroidered Lotte hand towels, floral art on the walls and a fully stocked bathroom amenity kit with hair products. Even my welcome snack was pink and purple. Some might see the Women’s Floor as passé or sexist, but I am glad I was able to experience the unique offering. I found the idea thoughtful for foreign guests.

This April, Lotte reveals its most ambitious project yet: The Lotte World complex. Named the fifth-tallest building in the world, it will be the home of The Signiel, its 5-star hotel with modern, exquisite rooms. Guests will enjoy views of the entire city and great restaurants.

This is truly a game-changer for Lotte and Seoul as a destination.

Do your plans take you to Seoul this year? Where will you stay?— Carly Allen, executive vice president, associate publisher