HOTEL THE MAY Jongno

Look, I’ll be honest with you – HOTEL THE MAY Jongno isn’t going to blow you away with luxury, but there’s something refreshingly straightforward about this place that I actually appreciated. It’s one of those 3-star spots where you know exactly what you’re getting, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need when you’re exploring Seoul.

The location is really what makes this hotel work. You’re right in the thick of Jongno, which means you can literally walk to most of the historical sites without dealing with the subway crush during rush hour. I mean, Gyeongbokgung Palace is practically around the corner, and you know how those morning crowds can get. The neighborhood has this nice mix of traditional tea houses and modern cafes – I spent way too much time at this little place down the street that served the best hotteok I’ve had outside of Myeongdong. The rooms are clean and functional, though honestly, the walls are a bit thin so you might hear your neighbors if they’re night owls. The staff tries hard with English, and there’s always someone at the front desk who can help you figure out subway directions or restaurant recommendations.

What I really liked was how the hotel sits in this pocket of Seoul that feels authentically local without being touristy. You’ll see actual residents doing their grocery shopping, kids walking to school, that sort of everyday Seoul life that you miss when you’re staying in the flashier districts. The 6.6 rating might seem middling, but I think that’s more about expectations than actual problems – if you’re looking for a spa and rooftop bar, this isn’t your spot. But if you want a clean bed, decent WiFi, and a location that puts you within walking distance of both Insadong’s art galleries and Cheonggyecheon stream, then it’s actually pretty solid. The breakfast is basic (think toast and coffee, not a spread), but there are so many great breakfast spots in the area that I’d skip the hotel meal anyway. Pro tip: there’s a 24-hour convenience store literally next door, which saved me multiple times when I needed snacks or forgot to pack something essential.