Able Guesthouse Hongdae

This is the best place I’ve stayed in Seoul. The rooms are small, but there’s space for my luggage and the bed is comfortable. There aren’t many stairs to climb, and the host is helpful and responsive during working hours. Everything was clean, and the facilities and breakfast were enough for my trip. It’s very close to a convenience store and subway station, and you can have your luggage delivered here too.

My wife, our one-year-old son, and I stayed for a week, and the place had everything we needed and more. The room and facilities were just as described. Line 2 is a very short walk away, and you can go straight to Incheon airport. I’d highly recommend it.

The owner gives customers a lot of trust, which is part of why I rated the service so highly, even though I didn’t actually receive any service and can’t really score it. The location, rooms, facilities, and price were all fine. You can cook and do your own laundry, among other things. I’d love to come back.

At 22, I took a solo trip to Seoul and stayed four nights in the women’s dorm. I paid $70 CAD, which would cost less than one night somewhere in Canada, so it felt like a good deal. There were two bunk beds, everyone was respectful, and the privacy curtains made it feel like I had my own space. The house had what I needed, with a night market right nearby and plenty of places to eat. It was a little messy, probably because so many women had luggage around, but that didn’t bother me. Check-in was contactless: I texted the boss when I arrived and told him which bed I’d picked, which was easy and convenient. I’d seen some negative reviews before coming, but maybe those guests expected more. I’m fine with a bit of mess and things not being perfect. It’s not a fancy hotel, just a nice place to crash while exploring. I’d recommend it and stay again if I come back to Seoul.