LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

Honestly, when I first walked into LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong, I wasn’t expecting much – I mean, it’s right in the thick of one of Seoul‘s busiest shopping districts, so I figured it might feel a bit corporate. But you know what? This place actually surprised me. The lobby has this clean, modern vibe that somehow manages to feel welcoming rather than sterile, and the staff genuinely seemed happy to help rather than just going through the motions.

What really won me over, though, is how they’ve managed to create this little oasis of calm despite being surrounded by the absolute chaos that is Myeongdong. I stayed on the 12th floor, and honestly, once you get up there, the street noise just fades away – which is impressive considering you’re literally steps from some of the most crowded shopping streets in Korea. The rooms are on the smaller side (this is Seoul, after all), but they’re thoughtfully designed. Everything has its place, the bed is actually comfortable, and the bathroom – well, let’s just say they know how to do a proper shower here. I also appreciated the little touches, like having both Korean and international power outlets, and the air conditioning that actually works without sounding like a freight train.

Location-wise, you really can’t beat it if you’re planning to explore the area. I could walk to Myeongdong Cathedral in about three minutes, hit up all the street food vendors and cosmetics shops without breaking a sweat, and when I needed a break from the crowds, Namsan Park was just a short uphill walk away. The subway connections are solid too – Myeongdong Station is practically next door, which made getting to other parts of the city pretty painless. One thing I’d mention is that if you’re arriving with luggage during peak shopping hours (basically weekends and evenings), navigating through the crowds can be a bit of a workout. The hotel doesn’t have its own parking, but there are a few paid lots nearby if you’re driving – though honestly, I’d recommend just using public transport in this area. Overall, it’s a solid 4-star choice that delivers on comfort and location without any major surprises, good or bad. The 8.4 rating makes sense to me – it’s not going to blow you away, but it’ll definitely take care of you while you’re exploring one of Seoul’s most vibrant neighborhoods.