Best Louis Hamilton Hotel Gwang-An

Since we booked too late to get an ocean view, we ended up in a city view room. The better parts: the shower area was larger than usual, the window was big, and there was no clingy shower curtain. Hot water had good, steady pressure, the Japanese style bidet worked fully, and the windows opened for fresh air. Access to Gwangali Beach was cheaper, and the hotel sits by a fish market on the laneway side. Large towels were available on request, though we only got 4 small towels. I'd already read about the soap and lack of toiletries, so I bought supplies in Seoul. There were no hooks for towels or clothes near the shower. The dark, busy colours hid carpets that seemed soiled, making the whole stay feel oppressive, dingy, and unclean. Thick dust in the room corners and on the back of the TV confirmed that impression. The Harmon Kardon tablet tech sometimes shut off completely if we used the wall touch light buttons to turn off the lights. The reception style hasn't changed despite the reviews, and they don't store bags after checkout. Don't expect any Formula 1 affiliation from the hotel's name.

We paid about $400 for three nights, and the room itself was fine for that price. The service was another story. This feels like a love motel, with just a bed and no shampoo, soap, or toothbrushes, so don’t expect hotel-style care. When we asked for cleaning at the front desk on our last night, nothing was done. Earlier in the stay, cleaning had only meant taking out the trash. The sheets stayed the same and the bed wasn’t made. On day one, someone called in a rude tone to tell us checkout was at 11, then hung up before I could explain that checkout was three days away. I speak Korean, so I called back and asked why they hadn’t let me answer or checked our date. They called later to apologize, though the whole exchange still felt very love motel-like. I definitely expected better service.

The room was peaceful even with bars and clubs nearby, and the beach is right there. I loved the platinum ocean view, plus the full window behind the bed looking out toward the mountains and city. The bed was really comfortable too. A few basics are missing: no hand soap, shampoo, or body wash, so bring your own or buy them at reception. You also can’t leave luggage there after checkout. The reception staff felt unfriendly throughout. They didn’t smile or welcome me, and the answers were mostly one word. I get that English may not be easy for them, but a smile or a little kindness would go a long way. I had a pleasant stay, though the staff took away from it. I’d probably choose somewhere more hospitable next time.

The room and location were acceptable for the price, but the staff’s rudeness overwhelmed everything else. I’ve traveled a lot and rarely been treated with so little respect. The person I assume was the manager seemed unqualified, arrogant, and unhelpful. Whenever I asked something, I got a rude response. When my partner, whose English isn’t perfect, repeated a question to clarify, he said, “You already told your friend.” There were no daily sheet changes or hygiene products, not even soap. You have to buy everything separately at reception. That low price doesn’t excuse the way guests are spoken to. At checkout we asked to leave our bags for a couple of hours and were told, “After check-out, it’s not our problem.” I won’t get into more detail. It was pathetic, and we won’t return. Strongly not recommended.