The Hotel Sokcho by Best Western Signature Collection

We had a Premier Sea View Damily room with one queen bed, one single bed and a three-seat sofa. The sunrise view from our window each morning was stunning. e-Mart, a supermarket, and local eateries were within a five-minute walk, while Sokcho Beach took about ten minutes on foot. Free parking was provided, which was convenient for us since we were driving.

The location was very convenient, next to the Express Bus Terminal and stops for buses to Mt. Seoraksan, Sokcho Fish Market and other tourist spots. Sokcho Beach and Cheongchoho Lake were walkable too. I paid an average of SGD70 per room night for an ocean-view room. I booked a standard queen room with a sea view and got a decent view as promised. The room was very spacious, with a mini fridge, extra sink and mini pantry. There was an induction cooker, but using it wasn't permitted. It also had a hairdryer and large TV with Netflix, though the bed faced the full glass windows for the sea view, making TV watching awkward. Ice was available from a lobby machine, but there was no bucket to collect it. Two microwave ovens were in the lobby. Amenities included hair and body shampoo, conditioner, handwash, slippers and bathrobes. No disposable items like a shower cap, toothpaste or toothbrush were provided. The staff communication was poor. At check-in, I was told garbage would be removed after two nights and the room cleaned after three, and that I didn't need to request either. By Day 4 neither had happened. The front desk then said I had to make requests. I did, and was told the garbage would be removed that day and the room cleaned the next. The garbage was taken as promised, but no cleaning happened on Day 5. My room was never cleaned during my six-night stay, despite my Day 4 request. Requests were also needed for rubbish removal, fresh water and towels.

My daughter and I came down with a serious virus just before our planned stay, so we had to cancel. I contacted the hotel right away by email several times and called repeatedly to ask for a penalty-free cancellation or a postponement because of the medical emergency. I explained what had happened, but got no reply at all. I had to get Agoda involved. After they reached the hotel directly, it refused a penalty-free cancellation and wouldn't agree to a compromise, such as splitting the charges 50/50. The silence and refusal felt deeply disrespectful and unprofessional. They also seemed unconcerned that our contagious illness might put other guests and staff at risk. This showed a serious lack of customer care and basic empathy. If you need support or flexibility during an emergency, look elsewhere. I strongly advise against booking here. Don't expect kindness, flexibility or even a simple response if something unexpected comes up.

A newly built hotel in a nice spot, close to both the beach and public transportation.