I just returned from a short break to Seoul, South Korea with my parents. Given how often I travelled and how much I enjoyed my K-dramas, it's actually amazing that I waited this long to visit Seoul. Not surprisingly, when I asked around for suggestions as to what I should do, the most common reply I got was to go shopping. Heh. And some were even quite specific, that I should go and get my year's supply of face masks or Korean cosmetics.
Unfortunately, shopping isn't just the only one I wanted. So I did my research and here's documenting what my parents and I did during our R&R in wonderful Seoul, starting with a review of 1 of the 2 hotels we stayed in: the Ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong.
The main deciding factor in choosing Ibis was its accessibility. There were other factors as well, such as its mid-point price range and the consistent good reviews on various platforms, but nothing beats its location. Right in front of the hotel is a subway station and the airport bus also stops here. If you choose the KAL Limousine bus as I did, it stops at another hotel (the Westin Chosun) just across the street, about a 3 min walk away. Ibis is surrounded by a myriad of eateries, the Myeongdong shopping streets just a corner's turn and the Lotte departmental stores across the street. Several attractions are also located nearby. Basically, even with their old-age mobility issues, my parents and I were able to move around to and fro the hotel with relative ease.
Hence, I booked us a triple room for 4 nights. The main reception and lobby is located on the 19th floor, same level as where the hotel's breakfast is located. Nevertheless, there is an express counter on the first floor for easy check out. There was also a gym but I didn't go check out so I'm unable to comment on that. Some would also be glad to know that laundry can be easily taken care of since there are coin washing machines available on the guest floors. We also found a ice machine tucked away at a corner on our floor. It probably would have seen a lot of action in the summer.
As advertised by reviewers, our room was clean and well-maintained. Although on our first night checking in, there was a stale cigarette smoke smell, which was surprising given that ours was a non-smoking room. It was promptly rectified and we had no further issues thereafter. Wi-Fi was also readily available and didn't require a password either. Signal was strong enough that I could easily surf the Internet and even watch a couple of shows on my phone.
Space was a luxury though; just enough for 3 beds, a wardrobe, a table and chair by the window plus a corridor of a walkway enough for us to unpack from our luggage. Toilet was a compact, efficient affair as well. Having said that, it was still good enough that I didn't bang myself as I would have been prone to if I was in a tiny Tokyo version.
The view from our window was that of the Lotte departmental store opposite the road, a constant reminder of how easy it was for shopping. Heh. Not that I minded the reminder.
Our nights' rest was taken care of and having our breakfast at the hotel was convenient and allowed us to complete the recharging needed for each day. Granted there probably were many alternative breakfast options around the hotel for us, but there were a couple of days where I had planned for early itineraries, hence it would just have been easier for us to settle the meal within the hotel.
The spread at Ibis was decent, although I must admit, after the 3rd day, I got a little tired of it since the menu didn't change much. There was the usual local and international spreads such as the usual cereal bar, an egg station, breads and pastries plus local porridges and side dishes.
But I have to say, what I really missed most was the breakfast view we had every morning. On one side was an impressive cityscape while the other wall featured Namsam and the Seoul Tower. Forgot to take the mountain pic though.
All considered, I would say I enjoyed staying at Ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong and would definitely recommend this. Its location is just awesome. Just note that if you're travelling by taxi, some drivers may confuse it with another Ibis hotel located nearby.
Tourist Information
Ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong 이비스 앰배서더 서울 명동
Website: https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-6317-ibis-ambassador-seoul-myeongdong/index.shtml?adults=&children=&nights=&dateIn=
Address: 78, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 04534 South Korea
Local address: (우) 04534중구 남대문로 78
DID: +82263618888
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