ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong

I stayed here with a friend for three nights and the service was excellent. The staff are very helpful and efficient, and the location is conveniently situated near transit stations, convenience stores, and many restaurants. The beds were comfortable and everything was clean. I was a little disappointed by the size and functionality of the bathroom because the shower was oddly shaped and didn’t seal well, and there was very little counter space. There is a good coin laundry center on the basement floor. However, the prices are quite high, and there are only two sets of washers and dryers, so for the size of this hotel, they are not quite enough. All in all, I’d happily stay here again and recommend it to others.

The hotel is located within 10 minutes' walk to 3 different subway lines, and also within walking distance to major attractions like palaces and Insadong. It is right across a small road from Ikseon-dong, a popular Hanok district with many cafes and restaurants. Also, the nearby Jongno 3-ga subway station exit 4 (with a narrow escalator) is crowded with diners every night. For the elevator if you have suitcases, head to exit 8. I had a (big) double bed room with a desk and lots of walking space. Unfortunately the toilet is small and feels like a capsule inserted into the room, and like a cruise ship toilet, but at least the shower area contained the water well (better than 2 other hotels I stayed in during this trip) and the toilet bowl is the bidet type. The washing machines and dryers, which cost 5,000 Won each per use, require all 1,000 Won notes or all 500 Won coins. I wanted to try the hot tub room but it's only open 6am~10pm and my travel days were pretty packed, plus you have to get the access card from reception, so I didn't even get a look. The staff seem pretty service-oriented and polite whenever they see you around the lobby. On my first night I found out at midnight that the attached hair dryer in my toilet wasn't working, and someone came to check quite quickly after I called reception, and also handed me a standalone hairdryer. On level 10 there is a water dispenser (I think level 6 too) and you can access the staircase to go up to the rooftop where there is a good, almost 360 degrees view. Overall, considering the price I paid as well, I would recommend staying in this hotel.

The place is very well located and very clean. Staff is very friendly and nice. There was a bit much vibration of slamming doors in the mornings despite using white noise, but the kids slept fine. The only problem with the place is that you cannot control the room temperature. So it was 24c/75F in the room at night. Not sure if the system needs an upgrade or they are trying to save on cooling. We also stayed at a hostel nearby (Hostel Korea) and that room was like sleeping in and ice box, so it should be possible to have individual AC units.