Where to Stay in South Korea: Golden Seoul Hotel

Seoul, a city bursting with tranquility and beauty, welcomed me with open arms during my recent work trip. Back then, South Korea was not on my bucket list at all… but as I embarked on my adventure, I couldn't help but marvel at the city's charm.

An Honest Review of Golden Seoul Hotel

(Book on Agoda | Book on Klook)
663, Gonghang-daero, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Period of stay: 7 Days 6 Nights
Room booked: Superior Twin (Room 1419)
Price: ₩844,800 (Approx. $1,020 for 7 days)

Accommodation was conveniently arranged for me by the company, and although I didn't have a say in the selection process, I must say that the Golden Seoul Hotel in Gangseo-gu exceeded my expectations. We arrived late in the night but the hotel was still bright and the staff were a blessing. My colleagues and I had a quick walk around to get our bearings right, and stopped by the convenient store to grab some snacks before checking into our room.

Where is the Golden Seoul Hotel located and how accessible is it?

The next morning, I woke up all excited to explore this new country with my students. I quickly realized the significance of choosing the right location for my accommodation. The Golden Seoul Hotel is strategically situated in an area perfect for a leisurely school trip. Although there weren't many attractions in the immediate vicinity, this location proved advantageous for keeping students safe and contained during nighttime hours. There is a charming convenience store, a bakery and a cozy little restaurant right around the corner, but other than that, most of the shops there close rather early.

 

The hotel was conveniently located near the subway station (about 10 minutes walk away) and offered easy access to various tourist attractions. Additionally, there were plenty of coffee chains, a nearby Daiso, and a small Paris Baguette outlet just around the corner.

What can I expect from the rooms at the Golden Seoul Hotel?

The room itself was simple yet comfortable. To be honest, I had initially expected more from a four-star hotel, but I soon realized that hotel ratings can vary across different countries and I was just being a spoilt brat. This hotel was honestly very well maintained.

Adjusting my expectations accordingly, I appreciated the hotel's clean and tidy rooms. While the decor wasn't overly extravagant, it exuded a cozy and inviting ambiance. The room was fully equipped with most of the items that I need and they were thoroughly cleaned every morning. However, on a few nights, I did experience some loud noises emanating from the rooftop bar.

As I settled into my room, I recalled reading several tips on TripAdvisor regarding the hotel's different room views. Thankfully, luck was on my side, and I enjoyed a breathtaking view of the city and river, unobstructed by neighboring buildings. It was really calming to open up the curtains to this beautiful view in the morning, and watch the lights and cars go past at night.

Are there any other amenities at Golden Seoul Hotel?

Before my arrival, I had browsed the hotel's website and discovered the presence of a "fitness center" on the premises. Unfortunately, it consisted of only three machines and some yoga mats that appeared as if they hadn't seen a wash in quite some time. The lack of ventilation was the tipping point for me and I resorted to working out in the lobby area adjacent to the fitness center. Thankfully, the fitness center also had an underutilized massage chair that became my go-to relaxation spot throughout my stay. Maybe I am not meant to work out afterall. 🤣

What are the dining options like at the Golden Seoul Hotel?

Their buffet breakfast was super satisfying. While some food items were occasionally repeated, the buffet area had a variety of dishes, thoughtfully categorized into different sections that suit different dietary preferences. The hotel's alfresco dining area definitely added to the charm, emanating distinct Korean vibes that left a lasting impression. I really enjoyed sitting in the cold breeze with the students during breakfasts.

The Highs and Lows: My Final Verdict

Throughout my stay at the Golden Seoul Hotel, several aspects stood out for me. The massage chair, in particular, proved to be a blessing and having Paris Baguette and Daiso conveniently located around the corner added to the overall convenience and enjoyment of my stay. Lastly, my favourite memory of this place has to be the breakfast area, where I really got to know the wonderful students that were with me during this trip. The unventilated and cramped gym space was really disappointing but I was not here for a leisure trip, so this minor setback didn't hinder my overall impression of the hotel.

As for the question of whether I would choose to stay at the Golden Seoul Hotel again, I find myself in a 50/50 position. Given that this was my first visit to Seoul, I definitely would want to experience staying in another district the next time around. 

All in all, the Golden Seoul Hotel offered an enjoyable and memorable experience. Its friendly staff, efficient room service, and well-kept rooms left a positive impression. Though it had its drawbacks, such as the underwhelming fitness center, the hotel managed to provide comfort and convenience during my week-long stay. As I continue my exploration of Seoul, I look forward to discovering other hotels in the city and expanding my horizons.