Castle

I had a very early flight the next day so my friend put in the Castle Hotel which was right next to the Bus Terminal to Incheon Airport. Check in was fast and efficient. The ceiling of the lobby was unusually low for a hotel. Walking in I felt like I've entered a building still stuck in the 70's and 80's. There was nothing bad about it, just reminiscent of a different era. I was first given a Junior Suite like room, although it was tiny. There were no windows in the room so I had it changed to one with a window. Apparently the hotel was full and the only room available with a window was a really tiny room. That was fine with me. I don't believe the bed was full size, but that too was fine with me. The room can be a little bit noisy if its facing the main road. After checking in, I took a walk up and down the street. There are many restaurants and shops along the main road and many smaller shops on the parallel lanes. I believe there is a college nearby because I could see many young people packing the streets. Breakfast was very basic, but the restaurant was open early. The bus terminal is literally next to the hotel so I only had to walk a short distance with my luggage directly to the bus.

I usually stay at the Ramada, but this time all other hotels were full. I found the Castle Hotel rather depressing, but one way to look at it is to picture yourself in North Korea. The hotel was once grand but is now pretty dated. Rooms are decent but a can of flytox on the desk does not create massive trust. The lighting in the marble bathroom (one spotlight on the ceiling) adds a depressing touch. The bed comfort and room cleanliness were quite good thought. The worse was the breakfast buffet, very Korea and not high quality. The best was the receptionists, very helpful when I needed to find a restaurant or public transport to Seoul - they save a couple of stars !

The hotel lobby looks grand and spacious. However the room tells a different story! Room is dark and woody, no floor mat on the floor so you need to be very careful after you come out of bathtub. No free water in the room. The Insect Repellant spray is beside the coffee/tea and cups, but the kettle is hidden under the bedside cabinet! OMG! When I want a hotel receipt when I check out, they refused to print, saying since I booked from Expedia I have to print from there! I use Expedia many times but this is 1st time I encounter this. I stayed in Ramada Plaza 500m away before, it is so much better, so I strongly recommend not to stay here unless you have no choice !