Pyeongtaek Kabo Hotel

I stayed here for an extended period almost 7 year ago, and wouldn’t mind returning. The large breakfast buffet had plenty of options, and the staff were extremely helpful and willing to use Google translate to talk things through. There are plenty of restaurants within a five-minute walk. The rooms may feel different if you’re used to western hotels. My biggest issue was the bathtub and shower: the inside is raised several inches, so stepping down to get out feels precarious. A big plus is the underground garage, where I could park without wondering if the spot was legal.

The location near Pyeongtaek City Hall was convenient, and the room was cleaner and more spacious than I expected. It seems to have been renovated fairly recently. The toilet area could still use some work, though. At the front desk, I had to greet the staff and ask about my reservation myself, and they weren't very welcoming. Parking also needs attention. I can't quite settle on a rating, but 3.5 would be my ceiling. I didn't have a bad stay, and for the price and quality compared with other local hotels, I'd still recommend it for a short visit.

The staff were really nice, and the location is good. Some of the lower floors seem to have been updated, and my room there was clean and pleasant. Just keep in mind the photos make the rooms look brighter, bigger, and cleaner than they are. The building overall is dated, and cigarette odor hangs around on every floor and in the rooms, so I'd skip it if smells bother you. I also saw someone asleep on the floor of the attached restaurant, which was an odd sight. Some rooms include free Netflix. Sound carries pretty badly, though I gather that's common in Korea. Even in the renovated room, the fridge had stains and maybe mold. In an older room, there were questionable brown marks on the bathroom door frame and mold in the bathroom. Still, it's an affordable option for a quick stay, and not a bad place if you don't expect too much.

Breakfast was great, and the TV is large with decent Wi-Fi. The beds are firm. Storage is pretty minimal, with a tiny closet and a very small fridge that has no freezer. There's no microwave, dresser, ice machine, or shower curtain. If you're used to Korean hotels, it may be fine. For American expectations, though, it's close to unacceptable. I wouldn't bring a family. It feels more like a basic crash pad for lower-wage workers traveling for work.