Best Western Premier Kukdo, Seoul, South Korea
I had a really comfortable and enjoyable stay at this hotel ~ and it all started from the moment I walked into the lobby!
The concierge counter is on the ground floor and the staff here are very friendly and helpful - and pretty fluent in English! I have to mention Mr SK Lee ~ he was extremely friendly, helpful and always armed with a very charming smile - a nice welcome back to the hotel when he greets guests downstairs!
The check in counter and front desk is on the first floor as well as the restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
There are escalators and elevators to help you make your way to this area.
The check in process was quick and easy with most of the paperwork prepared beforehand and soon I was making my way up to my room on the 19th floor. I was there during winter and the hallways and rooms were all nice and warm compared to the stinging cold outside.
The rooms are big and spacious, with a toilet & bathtub in the bathroom, while the sink and bathroom amenities are on a counter in the room. I have read some reviews where guests complained about this - but I found no problems or hassles regarding this - it is basically right next to each other.
There is a mini fridge stocked with some drinks, a safety deposit box, TV and alarm clock in the room - and what I liked is that on the desk there are USB sockets for charging phones and electronic devices - which takes care of the hassles of electrical power plugs and voltage.
My room rate did not include breakfast - there is a convenience store on the ground floor which sells the basic products of convenience stores like sandwiches, TV dinners, instant noodles and a wide selection of drinks.
Getting to the hotel from the airport is very easy and direct - but not necessarily the cheapest or quickest with the airport limousine…. Bus 6015 stops right in front of the hotel, which makes it an easy and hassles free trip to the hotel, but it costs KRW14 000 for a one way ticket. The train is cheaper but involves changing trains and hauling baggage around the trains.
Added to that - guests need to do some research about the location of the hotel. Yes it is downtown, but not particularly near touristy areas or in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the city. It is what seems to be industrial-ish area with lots of lighting shops. I walked to most places I wanted to go and didn’t find it such a big issue. About 10min walk to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, about 10min to Myeongdong pedestrian & shopping area, 5min to Jongmyo Shrine and 25min to Namdaemun Market. There is a metro station just a few hundred meters from the hotel as well.
All in all, I had a comfortable stay here at an affordable rate and service & standards were top notch!
Best Western Premier Hotel Kukdo
