Mama Guest House

I liked how easy it was to get around from Mama guest house. Myeongdong market was about a 5-minute walk, Nandemun market around 15 minutes, and there’s a bus stop for Seoul Tower nearby. Daiso, Starbuck, CU, and Lepak Laa Restaurant are close too, with Seoul Tower in the background. The room suited me since I mainly used it to sleep while I went out shopping, eating, and exploring. There was no bedsheet, but I was okay with that as long as I was comfortable. The price is reasonable, so I wasn’t expecting more. There wasn’t a receptionist around, though I saw staff in the morning. They changed my towel when I asked and gave advice. I stayed 10 days and met two different receptionists, both mostly helpful and friendly.

The room felt neglected. There was visible dirt on the furniture, window frames, and under the bed, and the bathroom had heavy mold and a strong bad smell. The bed had just a mattress cover and a blanket, with no sheet or proper bedding. Getting help was very difficult because staff were almost impossible to reach, and I got no real assistance during my stay. I was also concerned that guests seemed to be encouraged or rewarded for posting positive reviews. That makes me question how honest the ratings are. I wouldn’t recommend staying here unless cleanliness, communication, and management improve substantially.

Breakfast was okay, though you have to wash things and make it yourself. The bed only had a flimsy sheet that kept slipping off, and there were no proper bed sheets. If you want something a little better, stay somewhere else.

We couldn’t find anyone to complain to. There was no one at reception, the beds had no bedding, and although they said breakfast was served each morning, we were told we couldn’t touch the food because it belonged to the people living there. This is ridiculous. Update: After we complained, they kicked us out. Our Flight Centre agent has since tried to contact them about a refund, but they’ve disappeared and aren’t responding.