Crystal Hotel

We spent a little over two weeks at Hotel Crystal Daegu, and it was one of the best budget places we've stayed. Getting around was easy with Line 2 so close by. We walked into downtown each day, which was a nice stroll, and there’s a convenience store and supermarket nearby. We could see daegu tower from our room. Our room was spacious and pleasant, and housekeeping came every day. There was an LG wardrobe sanitiser for freshening clothes, plus a Japanese style bidet. We could open the window for air. Bottled water, coffee, Netflix and Disney plus were included. The TV remote also controlled the lights and aircon, which was great. There’s a commercial gym guests can use, too. Breakfast came with the room rate. The selection was limited, but it worked for a budget stay, and we only went down for coffee and toast. The congee was something we liked, but by 9am there was hardly any left, and it often wasn't replenished until the next morning. The woman in the breakfast lounge seemed a little unfriendly, though maybe that was a language barrier. Staff were lovely and tried to meet our requests. When the housekeeper missed our room, they cleaned it straight away. Toiletries were supplied, including shampoo, conditioner, body soap, face masks, soap, cream, location and a shower cap, but there was no toothbrush or toothpaste, which is typical in South Korea. Bring your own or buy them downstairs. The free luggage storage downstairs was really handy. You just set a four digit code and lock it, no keycard or coins needed. Our room had a bathtub, but there was no screen to keep water off the floor. The bathroom was wet most of the time, and getting out of the tub felt a bit dangerous. A curtain or something to contain the splashing would help. We could also hear the VR golf upstairs, with the ball rolling and knocking, which was annoying and disruptive. A great budget friendly hotel. We'd stay again if we come back to Daegu!

The reception staff were friendly and helpful, and the hotel itself was new and clean. It’s only a few seconds from a metro exit, with the shopping area two stops away. I’d be happy to stay again on a future trip to Daegu.

The room was spotless, spacious, and newly renovated, and I was surprised to find a smart wardrobe. I’ve never seen one in any other hotel I’ve stayed at. Rates were reasonable, too. The downsides were no daily housekeeping and a limited buffet breakfast. The location is handy, about a three minute walk from the subway.

I picked this hotel partly because guests can use the gym. Yellow Gym is huge and well equipped, with dozens of machines, so it’s suitable if you want to train seriously. I stayed two nights at hotel Crystal while in Daegu. It’s right across from Bangogae station, with Dongseongno shopping area just two stops away. The room seemed renovated, with new furniture and a giant TV, and it had an LG styler for freshening up clothes. The only issue for me was the ondol, the warm floor. It was too hot, but after a while I worked out how to turn it off.