Stanford Hotel

The breakfast buffet was one of the best spreads we had in Korea, with plenty of Western and Asian dishes, fresh fruit, and pastries. We also made good use of the little 7-11 in the lobby for snacks and light meals. The gym is small but well equipped, with TRUE cardio and weight machines, a Smith rack, free weights, dumbbells, and two benches. We got some great workouts in, and there’s a coin laundry for guests too. We spent two nights at the Stanford on a recent trip to Andong and had a great stay. Our bright, clean, modern room had a nice view of the nearby mountains, and the huge bed was very comfortable. The internet TV and Wi-Fi worked well, though regular TV didn’t really have English programming. It was easy to find in a new suburb. There are lots of restaurants and stores within a five-minute drive or a 20-30 minute walk, and plenty of free parking outside and underneath. Check-in was quick, and the front desk staff were friendly. We’d definitely recommend it to other travelers.

The rooms are spacious even by Western standards, with a large bathroom, and the beds were comfortable, though a little firm for me. My husband liked the firmness. We each had just one small pillow, which wasn’t enough, but it was late and I didn’t feel like asking for more. The coin laundry had good machines, two washers and two dryers. It’s a lovely, peaceful location, and the service and facilities are very good. There’s a cafe, casual restaurant, and 7-Eleven on site, but not much nearby. If you’re traveling by bus or train, the location may be inconvenient. You’ll need a taxi for the roughly 15-minute trip to Andong train or bus station, or to Hahoe Folk Village. It’s a much better fit if you’re driving.

I attended a short event on the second floor, in a well-appointed hall. The buffet afterward was great, the kitchen here does good work. The entrance foyer made quite an impression on me, especially the angular, sculpted, crystal-like bull standing in the middle just inside the main doors. The city is still fairly young, but from the hotel’s upper floors you get expansive views, and they should remain that way as the city grows over the years.

A very modern building with spacious rooms and parking included. It’s a really good hotel for a visit to Hahoe Folk Village. I’d definitely come back.