Jongnowon Hostel

It is not a hotel. It is a hostel. On Agoda and here it is called a Hotel but on the building itself and on the Korean apps, it is a HOSTEL. So yes it is highly rated because as a hostel, it is a good hostel. As the hotel, I expected, it was not great. The only room big enough to accommodate us with 2 kids was in the basement. While it was modernized and we had our own bathroom it had a horrible musty sewage smell. They had spread out like 3 or 4 of those oil stick aroma things in the hallway and in the room. I am allergic to perfumes so I moved them out and ask them to take them away but that left that horrible sewage smell. We ran the dehumidifier all day and night to try to absorb the smell but it was the kind of dehumidifier that had to drainage so we are not clear about what did or if it did anything but at least it moved the air around. there were no English buttons and I had to use my phone to translate but none of them really made sense. The air condition was good and the beds were comfortable but the only storage were these pull out drawers under the beds and when I pulled them out when I dropped something, it was filthy. There was a couch and a TV which was nice. The bath was a wet bath and because of the in floor heating everything dried right away despite the insane heat. When we did complain about the damp, they turned the floor heating on while we were out to get rid of the damp. They could only do that when we were out because it was over 40 degrees C and so heating would not have been great. There was only a frosted window to nothing, from the building orientation, I think it faced the alley so I was too afraid to see something I couldn't unseen. Garbage was collected at the bottom of the stairs where are landing was so that wasnt awesome. There was free laundry and since we were in the basement, it was convenient to monitor progress. The communal kitchen was across the hall too and that was also convenient for morning tea. The staff were amazing and communication on the Agoda app was great. And honestly, you cannot beat the location. It was seconds from food alley, a few minutes from beautiful shopping. 10 minutes from the palace and the temple. 15/20 walking to Gwanjang and the Han River walk. As long as you know what youre getting into, a hostel not a hotel, then youre good. But I do not recommend it if you are forced to stay in the basement if you are scent sensitive. So as a Hotel a 2 because it is misleading. As a hostel, a 4.

Arrived from Canada train from Incheon airport booked oversize room as son met us and got us set up in Korea. Booke another night with smaller room very reasonable rates. Location within walking distance of temples and Buchang village. Hotel staff assisted with booking to DMZ and very helpfull. Nice markets just around corner for shopping and authentic Korean BBQ and other foods. Highly recommend for cleanliness and location.

I thought I've left a review already but oh well. A great little hotel with friendly and multilingual staff conveniently located near Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok and Insadong street. A short walk from Anguk and Jongno 3 (Sam) ga stations. If you've got strong legs, you can walk to Gwanghwamun! For the hungry people there's a very small eatery on-site, but the are loads of other options nearby. Free breakfast for all customers - only bread, hard boiled eggs, fish cake and bananas, but good to get you started for the day! My double room was spacious, but no bathtub or shower screen (the toilet will get wet). Free laundry service (not drying though) but haven't used it. Heated flooring for winters and they can help you book a taxi. There's a refrigerator, but way too small! Would be great if staff could pre-translate the aircon remote - I used google translate which does the job... I would certainly book this place again if I revisit Seoul.