The Classic 500 Pentaz Executive Residence

This is our go-to in Seoul, and we've stayed at The Classic 500 Pentaz twice now. The rooms are huge, and for the price I doubt you'd find one this large elsewhere in Seoul. It's a great option for a long stay, though it's not a typical hotel and there's no room service. The location is terrific, right by metro line #2 and a large mall with a grocery store, Lotte dept. store, and dozens of restaurants. The gym is huge. The breakfast buffet was OK, though not as good as on our first stay.

We've stayed at the Classic 500 a few times over the past several years. It's still pretty good value, but after our last visit, I don't think we want to deal with the hassle again. The staff's attitude was a particular problem, and this didn't feel like the service level of a true five star hotel. The location is great, within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, bars, and mass transit, and close to recreation along the Han River. But in our usual room, 1503, which is listed as a suite with a king bed, we found a double and a single separated by a nightstand. When we complained, they said that should be fine since we're two men. My husband and I were astonished. We offered to move the nightstand and push the beds together, but they said we couldn't. After a lot of complaining, they finally sent someone with a second nightstand to put the beds together. There was also a strong vape smell, apparently absorbed by the grass cloth wallpaper from previous guests. The humidity was so low we couldn't sleep well, and the housekeeper complained when we asked her to make up the room in the afternoon.

There's a huge sauna in the basement with several hot tubs, and plenty of eateries and shops are within walking distance. The living room is spacious and the kitchen was clean. I'd definitely stay here again.

The location makes getting around easy, with the train station nearby and Lotte deparment store, convenience stores, emart, and food malls around it. The apartment is quite nice and has everything in place. Service was excellent, and staff were always glad to help. Hera Kim, the young woman at the front desk, was friendly and professional, and more than happy to help whenever we needed. It's wonderful having someone so thoughtful and kind at the hotel.