Korea Do - Seoul April 16-18, 2017
#107
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
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#108
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: YVR
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#114
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Somewhere in Y class
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Posts: 1,181
I thought I would add some information about lessor known hotels in Seoul. There are hotels in Seoul for practically any budget.
For about $100 a night (give or take $20):
Somerset Palace Seoul - Literally across the street from the Gyeongbokgung Palace. You might be able to book a room with a view inside the palace.
Lotte City Hotel Mapo - Located at Gongdeok station, giving you access to multiple subway lines and also one of the stops on the Airport Express train. Plus Airport Limo buses stop at the intersection so this is one of the easiest hotels to access from the airport.
Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun - located in the heart of downtown behind the US Embassy, this is a modern hotel with all new furnishings. It is just a few minutes walk from Gwanghwamun station or one of the stops for the Airport limo buses.
For around $60 a night (give or take $20):
Hotel Aventree Jongno - Also located in downtown, the hotel has been renovated a few years ago. While the rooms are a bit small, it is enough for a few days. Airport Limo bus 6005 takes you directly to the hotel from Incheon airport (cost 15,000 krw).
Ibis Budget Ambassador Dongdaemun - Rooms are clean and functional, but small. This one is located next to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).
There are lots of choices in the $50-100 range. Some of them are easily accessible if you have Google Maps running on your phone. I only listed a few that are easy to access from the airport using either the subway or Airport Limo buses. All of the hotels listed above can be booked either on their website or using Hotels.com.
For about $100 a night (give or take $20):
Somerset Palace Seoul - Literally across the street from the Gyeongbokgung Palace. You might be able to book a room with a view inside the palace.
Lotte City Hotel Mapo - Located at Gongdeok station, giving you access to multiple subway lines and also one of the stops on the Airport Express train. Plus Airport Limo buses stop at the intersection so this is one of the easiest hotels to access from the airport.
Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun - located in the heart of downtown behind the US Embassy, this is a modern hotel with all new furnishings. It is just a few minutes walk from Gwanghwamun station or one of the stops for the Airport limo buses.
For around $60 a night (give or take $20):
Hotel Aventree Jongno - Also located in downtown, the hotel has been renovated a few years ago. While the rooms are a bit small, it is enough for a few days. Airport Limo bus 6005 takes you directly to the hotel from Incheon airport (cost 15,000 krw).
Ibis Budget Ambassador Dongdaemun - Rooms are clean and functional, but small. This one is located next to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).
There are lots of choices in the $50-100 range. Some of them are easily accessible if you have Google Maps running on your phone. I only listed a few that are easy to access from the airport using either the subway or Airport Limo buses. All of the hotels listed above can be booked either on their website or using Hotels.com.
#115
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
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Posts: 29,517
Ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong
Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong
The former is (marginally) more central but older and looks tired. The latter looks newer and nicer but not quite in the centre of action.
#116
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Somewhere in Y class
Programs: OZ D+ Lifetime
Posts: 1,181
If I had to choose, I would go with the Ibis Styles Ambassador Myeongdong. Both of them are fairly close to the subway. But I think the Styles will be easier to get to from the airport if using the Airport Limo bus. That rooftop cafe/bar looks pretty nice, although I do wonder if it will be a bit too cold in mid-April.
Myeongdong in general is a fairly busy shopping area. Just exploring the area can be quite fun.
Myeongdong in general is a fairly busy shopping area. Just exploring the area can be quite fun.
#117
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 29,517
If I had to choose, I would go with the Ibis Styles Ambassador Myeongdong. Both of them are fairly close to the subway. But I think the Styles will be easier to get to from the airport if using the Airport Limo bus. That rooftop cafe/bar looks pretty nice, although I do wonder if it will be a bit too cold in mid-April.
Myeongdong in general is a fairly busy shopping area. Just exploring the area can be quite fun.
Myeongdong in general is a fairly busy shopping area. Just exploring the area can be quite fun.
#118
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Austin
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#119
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Somewhere in Y class
Programs: OZ D+ Lifetime
Posts: 1,181
Google Maps in Korea is limited because of some disagreement with the government. So some features such as Street View may not work. More info here. However, I still use it when finding places in Seoul. It also shows the various exits of a subway station.
For Ibis Styles Myeongdong, go towards Myeongdong station exit #10. Then walk to the big intersection, cross intersection, make a left and the hotel should be on the right side. Should be right next to Domino's Pizza.
According to this website, the Airport Limo bus stops first at the Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong. Then it makes a few more stops and finally comes to Myeongdong station near exit #8. From exit #8, it would be maybe a 5-10 min walk to the Ibis Styles.
For Ibis Styles Myeongdong, go towards Myeongdong station exit #10. Then walk to the big intersection, cross intersection, make a left and the hotel should be on the right side. Should be right next to Domino's Pizza.
According to this website, the Airport Limo bus stops first at the Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong. Then it makes a few more stops and finally comes to Myeongdong station near exit #8. From exit #8, it would be maybe a 5-10 min walk to the Ibis Styles.
#120
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan, Flying Blue Gold, Accor Silver, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 662
I'm booked at the Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong. It seems like a great value and the reviews are great. Plus buffet is included for all room rates. Too bad they only have standard room left as the deluxe are slightly more expensive but quite bigger.. I was hesitating between that Ibis and with the Pullman, but some of the reviews are not that great so went with the safer and cheaper choice.