Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae, an IHG Hotel

Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae, an IHG Hotel Overview

You know what really surprised me about the Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae, an IHG Hotel? It’s actually tucked away just enough from the main Hongdae chaos that you can sleep at night, but you’re still close enough to stumble back from the bars without needing a taxi. I mean, Seoul can be overwhelming if you’re not used to the energy, but this spot gets the balance right.

The lobby hits you with that modern Korean aesthetic – lots of clean lines and warm wood, but not in a sterile way. Check-in was smooth (they speak solid English, which honestly saves time when you’re jet-lagged), and the elevators are surprisingly quiet for a busy hotel. My room was on the 7th floor, and while it wasn’t huge, it was smartly designed with everything you actually need. The bed was firm – typical Korean style – and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that makes you want to stay in longer than you should. Little things matter when you’re traveling, you know? Like having enough outlets near the bed and blackout curtains that actually block out the neon from the street.

What I really appreciated was being able to walk to Hongik University in about five minutes, which puts you right in the heart of everything. The indie music scene around there is incredible if you’re into that sort of thing – tiny venues tucked into basements where you’ll hear bands before anyone else does. But if karaoke and soju are more your speed, there’s literally dozens of noraebang places within a few blocks. The hotel staff actually gave me a hand-drawn map (well, sort of hand-drawn with some printed elements) showing the best late-night food spots nearby, which was way more helpful than anything I found online. There’s this 24-hour convenience store right around the corner that became my lifeline for morning coffee and weird Korean snacks I’d never tried before. Parking was available but honestly unnecessary – the subway connections are so good from this area that you can get anywhere in the city without much hassle. The whole Hongdae vibe is young and artsy, so expect some street noise until pretty late, but the hotel’s windows do a decent job keeping most of it out. I’d definitely stay here again, especially if I wanted to experience Seoul’s nightlife without paying Gangnam prices for accommodation.

Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae, an IHG Hotel Accommodations

Reviews of Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae, an IHG Hotel

• Karin from South Africa (9/10)

  staff are amazing. excellent breakfast. super comfortable rooms . LOVED the view from the room . nice convenient store downstairs. lovely mall. close to train station. close to party street

• Victor from United States (8/10)

  it's location. so close to the nightlife we were looking for.

• Gathoni from United Kingdom (8/10)

  The hotel is very easy to find from Incheon Airport. It was a good base for many of the tourist hotspots. The breakfast was fantastic! Plentiful, varied and always hot. The rooms were also a decent size and clean.

• Jeanette from Australia (9/10)

  So close to subway..shops and eateries great location ..has laundry facilities..

• Wilson from Singapore (9/10)

  The location is fantastic, right above Hongik University Station Exit 5 nearest to the AREX platform. This means if you need to catch an early flight in the morning or you are arriving into Seoul late at night via Incheon Airport or Gimpo Airport, this is probably one of the best hotels to check into. It is also a stone's throw away from the main Hongdae area and the Gyeongui Line Forest Park. The AK Plaza Hongdae is also situated just below the hotel (Hotel lobby is at 7th floor). There are also more than enough convenient stores surrounding the hotel for one to access daily necessities. Staff is awesome and basic necessities are cleanliness are there. Thumbs up.

• Meg from Australia (9/10)

  Really convenient location close to subway and above AK Plaza. Clean and comfortable rooms – the beds were especially comfortable with 2 pillows provided – one soft and the other firm. Breakfast was included which was a generous breakfast buffet with hot and cold food and both Asian and Western options. There was also a communal coin laundry with washers and dryers and ironing facilities which was really useful for us. Staff were lovely too. We really enjoyed our stay here.

• Kaz from United States (9/10)

  Laundry was an option, the breakfast was good, room and lobby were welcoming, location was fun.

• Thomas from South Korea (9/10)

  My third time staying here. Always very good. Clean and modern with friendly and professional staff.

• Lillian from Australia (8/10)

  The location was great to explore Hongdae and wider Seoul. Bed was quite comfortable and room was decent for the price.

• Gavin from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Location was excellent; close to various bars and restaurants. The subway was less than 2 minutes away! Staff were extremely welcoming and helpful, spoke English extremely well. Bottled water in room, fantastic service. And the cleaners kept a high standard

Facilities