California Tourist

On several past trips to South Korea, I have stayed at this hotel upon arrival and before departing Seoul. It isn't terribly convenient relative to the airport in Incheon, but it is definitely in the heart of the Songpa district. The room rates are very reasonable, the rooms are clean and well appointed, and the hotel location is very convenient relative to nearby businesses, restaurants, banks, and shopping. The hotel has always been comfortable and the staff is friendly and helpful. I usually have someone with me who can translate (I do not speak Korean), but the front desk staff can typically understand enough English that we can conduct our business easily. The hotel is certainly a good, cost-effective option for business travelers in this district.

If this location in Songpa is fairly convenient to your needs, then it should be OK for business person or tourist traveller with a budget of around $ 90 US per night. (I have stayed in many 4 star hotels in Seoul and finally got tired of rooms well over $250 and expensive breakfasts just for a place for comfortable sleeping). Other reviews here with positive scores are right on, but would add my room, listed as business room but at same price, had a computer and fast internet connection and also a small fridge (with no minibar items, thank goodness) that I could use for drinks purchased at a minimarket directly across the street. There is also a Citibank cash lobby a few doors away with English language and foreign card options. There are many coffee shops, including a Starbucks, in the area and many restaurants catering to lunchtime office workers. The hotel has a coffee shop for breakfast and other meals, but I did not use it. I am not sure if they have non smoking rooms, mine smelled of smoke when I checked in but the smell was easily removed by running the airconditioner with the window open for a couple of hours. Finally, like many hotels, you will see some couples checking in at odd hours of the day and probably not spending the night. While called love hotels, you can understand why people including married couples somtimes need a private place given the crowded living conditions many have. Note: There are other hotels in Seoul with "California" in the name, if you want this one be sure of the address and it helps to have a map and the phone number to show a taxi driver or find your way. Coming from Gimpo or Incheon for the first time, I suggest a limo bus to Lotte World hotel in Kangnam and then taxi until you get your bearings for the subway

This property gets 3 stars because it seems that so much more could be done for it to be 4 stars and I am feeling generous. Hotel would be good for a business man but would not necessarily recommend for couple or family unless your budget was really tight. I would stay again but probably closer to other sites. Pros; Near a subway station. Good location. Comfortable bed. Restaurants and convenience stores nearby. Kind and Helpful staff, though with limited English. Bathroom is spacious with Europeon shower heads. Price. Around $90 a night. Air Conditioner, Large screen tv, wood interior, lots of amenities Cons Price. Around $90 a night. $65 would be about right. Rooms on street side a bit noisy, though with windows closed noise is reduced. Room service is insanely expensive. About $25 for a selection of fruit. It just does not knock your socks off the way a 3 star should, but good enough. No adequate. but not great. Business center advertised but non-existent. I couldn't print my boarding pass (they were helpful though; I needed to connect my computer--wireless was not working--then get their email address, forward my information to them---not so private...then they printed it for me=tedious and time consuming