Hotel the Designers Dongdaemun

On 28 dec 2025, my family and I were waiting outside the hotel for our bus tour, not staying there. We went inside looking for a washroom and got screamed at. It was a shocking experience. Maybe the hotel needs to review its security system and limit lift access to guests, or have security manage the entrance and exit better. Since this is a popular designated tour pickup point, there seems to be a process gap. I hope management reviews it so the employee doesn’t get so worked up when members of the public come in to use the washroom.

For local eateries, you have to walk deep into the backstreets. The room was a good size and the bathroom amenities were better, and the price was affordable for such a prime location near the subway and airport buses. But the room amenities were very old. One woman at the front desk was cold and didn’t say a word. Very bad.

We were woken up because the hotel turned off all the lights and air conditioning twice each night, around 2 a.m. and again between 4-5 a.m. I had a terrible 3-night stay. I booked a Deluxe Room for 3 nights through Agoda and requested a high floor and large window, but check-in put us in a small, stuffy room. Looking at the hotel’s official website, I realized it was a Photo Studio Room, not a Deluxe Room. I asked the front desk to change it, and they eventually agreed, but they had switched the room type without telling us at check-in. The front desk staff member, a girl wearing glasses and a lip piercing, had an unacceptable attitude. We expect a clear explanation and proper compensation for the inconvenience and emotional distress. We’ll never come back, and we’ll warn our friends to stay away.

The receptionist at the other branch across the street was warm, welcoming, and helpful, which made the contrast clear. I first visited Dongdaemun on August 6, 2025, and mistakenly went into this branch of Hotel The Designers because there are two hotels with that brand in the area. The woman at the desk, wearing glasses, didn’t greet or acknowledge me, so I had to start the conversation. After checking my booking, she curtly said I was at the wrong branch and should go across the street. When I politely asked her to confirm, she raised her voice and said, “Across!” in an unfriendly way. I understand her English may not be fluent, but even subway staff with limited English try to help politely. Front desk service should be courteous regardless of a hotel’s star rating. First impressions matter. I’m sharing this to encourage improvement, not to criticize harshly. A kind tone would make a real difference to the guest experience.