Lydia Craft Guesthouse

Lydia Craft Guesthouse Overview

You know what really surprised me about Lydia Craft Guesthouse? It’s one of those places that completely flies under the radar but honestly delivers way more than you’d expect from a 4-star spot. I mean, that 9.6 rating isn’t just inflated review scores – this place actually earns it through all the little things they get right.

Walking in, you immediately notice the attention to detail that gives away why “craft” is right there in the name. The common areas have this carefully curated but lived-in feel – not like someone hired a designer to make it Instagram-perfect, but more like someone with really good taste actually lives here and wants you to feel comfortable too. The morning coffee setup alone (and I’m picky about coffee) made me extend my stay an extra day. They’ve got this whole ritual around breakfast that feels more like staying at a friend’s house who happens to be an amazing cook than typical hotel service.

What really won me over though was how the staff – and honestly, calling them “staff” feels wrong because they’re more like hosts – remember the small stuff. Second morning there, they already knew I liked my coffee black and had figured out I was the type who’d appreciate restaurant recommendations that weren’t just the obvious tourist spots. The rooms themselves are surprisingly spacious with these thoughtful touches you don’t usually see – good reading lights (actual good ones, not those useless decorative things), enough outlets in the right places, and blackout curtains that actually block light. Sure, the bathroom could use slightly better water pressure, but everything’s spotless and the toiletries are way better quality than you’d expect. The whole place has this quiet, settled feeling too – thick walls, no hallway noise, none of that hotel-corridor echo you get at chain places. I actually slept better there than I do at home, which never happens when I travel. If you’re looking for somewhere that feels more like a discovery than just another booking, and you want to deal with people who genuinely seem to enjoy what they’re doing, this is definitely worth checking out.

Lydia Craft Guesthouse Accommodations

Reviews of Lydia Craft Guesthouse

• Su from United States (10/10)

  Very comfortable stay in a great location! Lydia welcomes you with tea and treats, and a tour of the home and the area, including good places to hike and eat. If this is your first visit to Seoul, you will find her inside information very helpful. Our family of 7 had a very comfortable stay and the guesthouse can easily sleep 9 comfortably. Some of our favorite nearby visits along with the other sites she may mention are Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Sin, Statue of King Sejong the Great (and museum), and the Cheonggyecheon. Please note that the address on Google Maps and Naver Maps (LUDIA Crafts Guest House) will lead you to the wrong street. You might want to try 8 Pirundae-ro 1-gil, as that will be right in front of the alley that leads to the guest house.

• Nik from Malaysia (10/10)

  Its central location, yet quiet when we came back at night. The area is amazing with cute cafes around. Plenty of food options. The washing machine and dryer provided is super convenient too and definitely a plus point. We wash and dry our clothes every other day and I fly back home with luggage full of clean clothes and no dirty laundry.

• Agra from Canada (10/10)

  This is the best host I can imagine and the most charming welcome to this beautiful country. Lydia was in touch with me as soon as I booked and as many times as I needed to ask questions as my arrival date approached. Her explanations and directions were very clear and effective. She and her husdand also waited for me close to the guesthouse when I arrived so she can guide me to the house, which is in a maze of quaint old alleys. After being on a long flight and severly jetlagged, this was such a blessing. The room is cozy and spacious, in an old Korean house in a hanok area. There is everything you need there. It is very well appointed, with cute and tasteful ceramics and details. There is a kettle, microwave, stove top, plates, bowls, cuttlery, shared washer and dryer, and quality toiletries in both the room and the bathroom. I had the opportunity to try a really good cosmetics brand which otherwise I wouldn't have tried, which she supplies guests with. The shower has strong flow and hot water in abundance. The bed is on the hard side, but this may be ok with most people. I tend to sleep on soft beds. The pillows are the perfect softness and height. I'm both a back and side sleeper and they were right on. The AC was on at night and it was quiet enough to sleep with it on. What stands out the most though, is the host herself. I booked a guesthouse on purpose for my first stay in Korea so I can talk to a host rather than a more impersonal hotel but Lydia exceeded all expectations in that regard. It felt like I was hanging out with a friend more than anything. She showed me the neighbourhood, had coffee and lunch with me, and went on a hike with me. We talked about a lot of things and she answered patiently the many questions I had. I hope she gets excellent guests all the time because she works hard and people need to meet his wonderful person.

• Steven from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Lydia was really nice and she showed me around the local area and we walked up to the Ansan mountain nearby as well. Gyeongbokgung Palace is just down the road and most of the central Seoul sightseeing places are within walking distance from the guesthouse, so the location is excellent. There was a washing machine and tumble dryer in the room which were both very useful to have at the end of the week. Highly recommend staying here.

• Rick from Netherlands (10/10)

  Great location! Nearby tourist attractions (palaces), restaurants and the metro. Perfect stay, in a good, clean, modern appartment. With all facilities. Very comfortable beds. And a lovely, very helpfull host! Great stay in Seoul!

• Rodrigo from Spain (10/10)

  What we enjoyed the most was the location: the house is right next to the palace and well connected. We also appreciated the friendly treatment from the host. Finally, we believe the experience is definitely worth the price.

• Gerrit from Belgium (10/10)

  Good communication with Lydia, who is very considerate. Guesthouse was well located and clean.

• Maciej1976 from Poland (10/10)

  First of all – Lydia, our host. Extremely kind and very, very helpful. Will give you all the necesarry information on places to go, see & eat, shops, everything. The apartment is clean, quiet, stylish and fully equipped. Beds are comfortable, air conditiong and wifi works fine. The location is very convenient if you plan to use metro and buses (5 min walk).

• Samuel from United States (10/10)

  Lydia (and her husband) were the perfect hosts! From day one she welcomed us with her beautiful energy and kind smile. This was our first time in South Korea, and Lydia made our experience feel like home. She was the best tour guide embodying the beauty and culture of her country. Her home is tidy, clean, and filled with love (little games, a wonderful radio speaker, tea set, etc). Recommend 1000%.

• Li from China (10/10)

  Lydia is very nice and helpful. The place is comfortable and convenient. Very quiet.

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