Junoh Hotel

We only stayed overnight during a layover, but would happily come back for longer. After arriving late from the freezing cold, we checked in without having to speak to anyone. There were instructions left for us, and we never saw staff during the stay. The room was warm and clean, with nice toiletries. Extra towels and water were just across the hall. Compared with the budget hotels I’ve used in Vietnam, this felt like bliss.

The location puts you amid a pleasant shopping and art area, and Gyungbukkung is only 1-2 bus stops away. It isn’t especially close to subway stations or bus stops, though. Room 202 was clean and had one double bed, one single, and a disc player my husband really liked. The bathroom was bigger than I expected and had a bathtub. There’s no reception area, and the luggage storage is just a small space on the stairs. No elevator or guest restroom on the ground floor either, so you’ll need to carry bags upstairs yourself or ask staff for help.

Juno is close to the Palace, Hanbok Village, and Cultural Street store, which made it a handy Seoul base for us. We checked in by calling the number posted at the counter and sending payment online. The room was clean, comfortable, and smelled nice. It had a TV with local channels, and you can sign into your Netflix account. The internet was great, the shower had a hot and cold mixing valve, and toiletries like shampoo, soap, and towels were supplied. Coffee is available in the lobby. I do wish each room had an electric kettle.

The welcome was lovely: the front desk staff were cheerful and helpful, and the location is superb. But for the price, there were too many problems. The mattress was old, and noise from the pub downstairs was easy to hear. My room also smelled like a deep fryer, especially in the evening. I suspect it came from the bar downstairs, and the oily smell got onto all my clothes. In the shower, water pooled on the floor, making it slippery and uncomfortable. Water pressure was really weak, and the temperature kept switching between hot and cold.