Shilla Stay Ulsan

The gym on Level 3 was well kept, with a good mix of machines and free weights, plus complimentary water and towels. Breakfast on Level 2 was another highlight, with Korean and Western choices like noodles, bao buns, an egg station, bircher muesli, cheese, juice, and good coffee. Weekends got hectic, especially from 7:00-8:00 a.m., and tour groups and sports teams also made the elevators crowded. A later breakfast time may be more relaxed. We spent seven nights at Shilla Stay Ulsan. It’s close to Ulsan Bus Terminal, and getting there by taxi or public transport was easy. The staff were friendly and spoke good English, so check-in and other conversations went smoothly. Our room was a decent size, modern and practical, with comfortable bedding and good lighting. The TV seemed small for the room. The bathroom had plenty of space, strong water pressure, and basic toiletries: a toothbrush, comb, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. The room came with tea and coffee, though no milk, and the cups were disposable paper ones. They’re convenient for housekeeping, but felt a bit cheap and made me wonder about using them with hot drinks. The bathroom night light can’t be switched off, which could bother someone else in the room at night. The pillows were quite soft, and I would have preferred bin liners in the waste bins for easier, more hygienic rubbish disposal. Water refill stations and ice machines on every floor would be welcome. There’s free laundry on Level 5, which is handy for a longer visit. There’s only one washer and dryer, so timing matters, and detergent costs a small amount. The dryer was disappointing: small, and it took up to an hour and a half for just a few light items. When the room is busy, that’s frustrating. Nearby, WashEnjoy is a local laundromat that does a great job for little cost, and works well for bigger or quicker loads. In the evenings, the bar had a ₩9,900 unlimited draft beer deal from 6 p.m. to midnight, along with bar-style food. A live singer performs on Fridays and gives the place a nice atmosphere, though the songs were rather solemn. Something livelier would have lifted the mood. Even so, it was a pleasant place to unwind. The three elevators don’t seem to be programmed very efficiently. Although each is assigned certain floors, the system doesn’t make the best use of all three, so waits can drag on when groups arrive or head to breakfast. The hotel also shows wear: scuffs on walls and floors, stains on furniture and curtains, and dirty bathroom grout. Even the big teddy bear in reception had a tear in its leg. The design is lovely and the place has potential, but it needs maintenance and more attention to detail. For the price, the hotel offers good value, friendly service, and useful facilities for business or leisure. Some refurbishment, better upkeep, and a more efficient elevator setup would make a real difference.