63, Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Jongno-Gu, 03132 Seoul, South Korea
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The garden hotel Overview

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to The Garden Hotel – honestly, the name made it sound like one of those generic places you’d find anywhere. But there’s something genuinely charming about this 3-star spot that kind of sneaks up on you. The entrance actually does have this lovely little garden area (hence the name, I guess), and I mean, it’s not going to win any landscaping awards, but there’s something refreshing about seeing actual greenery instead of just concrete and glass when you walk in.

The lobby has this lived-in feeling that I actually prefer to those sterile chain hotels – you can tell real people stay here, not just business travelers passing through. Check-in was pretty smooth, though the front desk staff seemed a bit overwhelmed during the evening rush when I arrived. The room itself was clean and honestly more spacious than I expected for a 3-star place. Sure, the furniture’s seen better days and the bathroom could use some updating, but everything worked fine and the bed was surprisingly comfortable. What I really appreciated was how quiet it got at night – you know how some hotels you can hear every door slam and conversation in the hallway? Not really an issue here.

The 7.4 rating makes total sense to me because this isn’t a place that’s trying to be something it’s not. It’s solid, reliable accommodation without any pretense. The housekeeping staff actually seemed to care about their work, which you notice in little details like how they arranged the towels and made sure the coffee setup was properly stocked. I stayed during what felt like a busy period, but the elevators weren’t constantly packed and I never had trouble getting hot water. Look, if you’re expecting a spa experience or fancy restaurant downstairs, you’ll be disappointed. But if you want a clean, comfortable place to sleep that won’t break the bank and has staff who seem to actually work there (not just show up for a paycheck), this place delivers. The garden area is actually nice to sit in during quieter morning hours with coffee – there are a few tables tucked between the plants that most people seem to miss.

The garden hotel Accommodations

AccommodationDetails
Superior Double Room1 large double bed for 2 adults
Superior Twin Room2 single beds for 2 adults
Superior Quadruple Room2 large double beds for 4 adults
Triple Room3 single beds for 3 adults
Deluxe Twin Room1 single bed and 1 double bed for 3 adults
Economy Double Room1 double bed for 2 adults
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Reviews of The garden hotel

  • Aya from Japan (8/10)

    beds are clean, but toilet and shower was smelly, there is no cleaning or replacement of towels S/ water, rubbish bins. people in my floor put the rubbish bin at the corridor .Aor conditioner make noisy sounds – seems slightly broken

  • Daria from Russia (8/10)

    Great location! The staff is very polite and friendly. So many great cafes and BBQs around

  • Joan from United Kingdom (6/10)

    The location is excellent. Beside one of the palaces and a five minute walk to Ikseon Hanok Village and Barbeque Alley which have amazing restaurants, bars, coffee shops and shopping. Seven minute walk to the nearest underground station. The hotel was pretty clean. There is a free washing machine, dryer, hot drinks and snacks.

  • Rogers from South Korea (8/10)

    For the price it was good

  • Anna from Belgium (7/10)

    The place has what you need, no more no less. Do not expect attention to the finest detail but everything has been taken care of for you to have a nice stay. The neighborhood between the Palace, the Sanctuary and Jongno is perfect to move around the city. Even though there are a lot of restaurants at 2min walking distance, at night is quiet. Nice stay, I totally recommend.

  • Marlen from Mexico (7/10)

    Location, close to tourist area

  • Erikas from Lithuania (8/10)

    Staff

  • Simindokht from United States (7/10)

    Super friendly and helpful staff. Great location

  • Hemligjaga from France (8/10)

    The location was great, the metro isn't too far, lot of restaurants/pubs and hot baths are close by…. Palaces are at 5 min walk!

  • Giona from Netherlands (7/10)

    The location was amazing. Close to many famous attractions by walk such as ikseon Pocha street (6 min) Insadong (10 min) The palace (20 min). Also many metro stations close by.

Surroundings

What’s nearby:

  • Donhwamun: 450 m
  • Topgoal Art: 500 m
  • Unhyeongung: 450 m
  • Tteok Museum: 100 m
  • Hagajae Museum: 100 m
  • Beautiful Tea Museum: 400 m
  • Changdeokgung Palace: 450 m
  • Alive Museum Insa-dong: 450 m
  • Arario Museum in Space: 450 m
  • Kyungin Museum of Fine Art: 500 m

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Cafe/barsikmul: 50 m
  • Cafe/bar Brew 3.14: 50 m
  • Cafe/bar Cafe 1993: 5 m

Top attractions:

  • Tapgol Park: 550 m
  • Wonseo Park: 600 m
  • COEX Aquarium: 10 km
  • Changdeokgung: 700 m
  • N Seoul Tower: 4.5 km
  • Savina Museum: 800 m
  • Wongaksa Pagoda: 650 m
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace: 1.7 km
  • Changgyeonggung Palace: 1.6 km
  • The National Museum of Korea: 8 km

Natural beauty:

  • Peak Namsan Park: 3.1 km

Ski lifts:

  • Star Hill Resort Lift 2: 31 km
  • Star Hill Resort Lift 4: 31 km
  • Star Hill Resort Lift 5: 31 km

Public transport:

  • Metro Anguk: 550 m
  • Train City Hall: 2 km
  • Train Euljiro 4(sa)-ga: 1.4 km
  • Metro Jongno 3-ga Station: 400 m

Closest airports:

  • Gimpo International Airport: 19 km
  • Incheon International Airport: 58 km

Facilities

General:

  • Grocery deliveries
  • Shared lounge/T V area
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating
  • Soundproof rooms
  • Lift
  • Family rooms
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Airport shuttle
  • Non-smoking rooms

Kitchen:

  • Shared kitchen

Outdoors:

  • Terrace
  • Garden

Food & Drink:

  • Coffee house on site

Accessibility:

  • Auditory guidance
  • Visual aids: Tactile signs
  • Visual aids: Braille
  • Emergency cord in bathroom
  • Lower bathroom sink
  • Higher level toilet
  • Toilet with grab rails
  • Wheelchair accessible

Languages spoken:

  • English
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Cantonese
  • Chinese

Cleaning services:

  • Laundry

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm
  • Key card access
  • 24-hour security

Reception services:

  • Invoice provided
  • Lockers
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Luggage storage
  • Express check-in/check-out

Business facilities:

  • Fax/photocopying
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House Rules at The garden hotel

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 16:00 to 23:00

Check-out:

  • From 01:00 to 11:00

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.

Guest reviews

Staff:

8.9

Comfort:

7.6

Location:

8.9

Free WiFi:

8.1

Facilities:

7.4

Cleanliness:

7.6

Value for money:

8.1