Aboutstay Dongdaemun

There’s no front desk, so check-in is self-service. I booked a standard double through hotels.com. The day before check-in, they emailed a passcode to unlock the door, then I entered my reservation number at a kiosk to get a key card. Getting around was convenient: the Jongno 6-ga bus stop for Airport Limousine Bus No. 6002 is a two-minute walk, and Jongno 5-ga and Dongdaemun subway stations are about five minutes away. The walls seem thin, so sounds and conversations carry easily, and there’s no bidet toilet. Otherwise I had no particular problems. Given the soaring accommodation prices in central Seoul, the price and location are reasonable.

This was a simple, uncluttered hotel, and the room was very clean. It seemed newly built and still had that new-building smell. The room only had the basics, and amenities weren’t replenished during my multi-night stay, though the towels were replaced. I liked the details: strong airflow from the hairdryer, good shower pressure, and an outlet by the bed. The shower drain smelled a little, and the floor wasn’t cleaned during my stay. Since you take off your shoes in the room, I thought they could at least vacuum. If you’re a germaphobe, bring indoor slippers. Check-in and check-out are done by machine. You need a password to enter the hotel, and it’s different from the check-in PIN. I booked through booking.com. There’s a QR code above the keypad on the automatic entrance door; scan it with your phone to see the entry password, then check in at the machine once inside. The process is available in English and Japanese and wasn’t difficult. The hotel is near airport limousine bus 6002 from Incheon International Airport and close to Jongno-o-ga Station on subway line 1, so it’s convenient for train travel.

I stayed alone in a Standard Double as a Japanese woman. The hotel is clean and compact, with enough service for an overnight stay. There’s a delicious yukhoe restaurant almost next door, and the hotel is a little way inside the bar district. There’s a street sign, so it’s easy to find. Check the code emailed the day before check-in. You need it to enter the hotel. Once inside, the unmanned check-in machine is on the left. Follow the instructions and enter the code to get your card. There’s no elevator, so keep that in mind. The room doesn’t get much sunlight, but it was very clean. There are plenty of amenities, and the TV has Netflix and Disney+. The shower room has an unusual design that can be a little confusing. Pull the knob up to switch to shower mode. The ondol heating is a bit fussy, but the room stays warm without the air conditioner because it’s heated. Seoul Bikes are available on the main streets, so getting around isn’t a problem. I’d use this place again.

I hadn't been to Korea in a while, so I was a bit unsure how everything worked. The room had plenty of space for one person, and I could spread out my luggage. The ondol kept it nice and warm, which I loved. Staff may only be around in the mornings, but I'd definitely come back!