Hotel 28 Myeongdong — Hotel in Seoul

This was my second 9D8N stay at Hotel 28 Myeong amidst a host of other tantalising options in Seoul and it will remain my first choice for my future stays.

The well-located premise is labelled a small luxury hotel, and what it might lack in terms of large scale offerings like a pool or extensive lobby space, it more than made up with its cosy, cinema-themed decor, big rooms, quality amenities and above all, simply exceptional customer service.

Big kudos to the management team for its biggest asset - an unmatched front desk reception team. Over and above the usual service one would expect from this important first-line crew, they truly got round to deliver the goods and exceed expectations.

From clear, timely and polite (can’t say this for many outlets in Seoul, oftentimes marred by language or cultural barriers), the team and its WhatsApp courier service were stellar in providing information and offering outstanding personal concierge assistance.

From ordering taxis, booking theatre tickets and appointments with restaurants and beauty services, connecting Netflix programmes from our mobile phones to the TV, ordering midnight snacks to resolving language and payment issues with hot-blooded taxi drivers, the team helped willingly and cheerfully. What a treat and we truly appreciate their amazing work ethos. We would give 6 stars if that were an option.

Special shout out to Suga, Jinny, Patrick, Amanda, “Santa Claus”, there was also another slim fair bespectacled very friendly, well-spoken staff whose name we are remiss not to have remembered. For a seasoned and well-travelled guest like us, you guys take the cake in making our stay cheerful, comfortable, convenient and carefree. Thank you very much.

What we did not enjoy as much from this hotel was the housekeeping staff and their “bedside manners”/ services. They are adequate at best, but did not meet luxury standards in according small comforts one would expect in the room after returning from a long day. Towels were not entirely neatly or adequately replaced, room was not packed even minimally in areas where they could have, example folding up the bed runner which remained strewn on my sofa for 9 days, shopping bags were not arranged neatly where possible so it leads one to believe there was no vaccuming, dusting and packaging at any point throughout our entire stay. Aside from the initial candy, a fruit basket and ear plugs on day 1, there was no extra effort or process to delight with small snacks, candy, message or flower. Everything felt perfunctory and true to a mid range hotel.

What peeves us most were the repeated generic sheets of “we-were-here” memo which were slipped under our door if we were still in the room or the “do not disturb” sign was left on.

This felt impersonal and seemed to be a waste of resources in this day and age where environmental consciousness and actions should be more intentionally considered. We recommend information and timing around housekeeping to be included in the pamphlets placed in the room upon check-in, and communicated during check-in. We also recommend for the cleaning staff to practise better noise control along the corridor when servicing other rooms or handling their logistics / glassware etc near other guests’ rooms especially when the latter group is still resting or sleeping. Not pleasant at all.

Finally, the gentlemen/staff at level one who received and greeted guests, helping oftentimes with flagging and notifying us of our taxi arrivals. They were not conversant in English and men of few words as a result. They were helpful and it would make a world of difference if they master some basic English to proactively greet and engage the guests as...

I usually stay at larger Hilton properties but decided to try this SLH option for our stay in South Korea.

The check in process was ok, but we were assigned one of the smallest and noisiest rooms which was shabby and in need of maintenance - with not enough room even for our luggage. We managed to get an upgraded room which was much better (but staff then accidentally left some of our luggage in the old room) - my advice is to carefully check room details before booking. Many of the rooms are not ‘luxury’ in my view.

The lack of recognition of my Hilton Gold status (before me directly raising it) was disappointing - this is, after all, a hotel using the Hilton brand name and loyalty should count for something. It also didn’t really live up the Hilton service level I have come to expect with front desk staff being mixed. Check in was quite poor with a distinct lack of warmth, but check out was good with a friendly gentleman arranging our taxi.

Rooms themselves had all the amenities you needed. A proper Dyson hair dryer was excellent. Daily replenishment of drinks was also a very good idea. Large shower was welcome and beds were comfortable.

Breakfast was mixed. Whilst there was clear focus on presentation it didn’t really cater to western tastes. The western option was an odd mix of waffles with an undercooked sausage and some egg. It was not to my taste and I would have preferred more options, or simply self serve. The fruit, juices and fresh items were all excellent though, as was the service which was quick and efficient.

Whilst location was central, do be aware it’s in a very busy and noisy area - which some people will love! For me personally, I would have preferred a quieter hotel away from the hustle and bustle. On the plus side, everything was within walking distance and lots of shops and amenities near by. I also didn’t like the disjointed feel with a cafe and restaurant in the same building and the reception not on the ground floor - lots of mixing with non hotel guests.

Overall it left something to be desired for me and didn’t really represent a small luxury hotel. Some of the rooms are shabby and in need of TLC. I didn’t enjoy breakfast. Front desk service was mixed. Don’t expect the same experience as a proper...

Stayed here for 5 nights with my 16yr old|daughter and we had the best experience ever. There is so much good things to say about this hotel i don't now ware to start! Firstly location was unbeatable! As soon as you step out of the hotel is all bustling shops with food and al kind of things. The daily night market is right at ur doorstep. Mcdonalds is at ur doorstep. Bustop to Airport limousine bus is 2mins walk from hotel so you dont have to waste money on a taxi to airport thats very very expensive. There is a Din Tai Fung right in the hotel which we loved and a delicious cafe at the 1st level. There is a laundry room at the top of your hotel where you can wash and dry your clothes for a very cheap price. Only thing is to access the laundry room you have to come out of the lift and exit into the carpark and then go into the laundry room which was quite creepy for my daughter and i as we did laundry very late at night after midnight Haha! The staff were exceptional. They helped us carry our luggage when we checked in. They even helped us heat up our food and even helped us book KTX train tickets to places. I could go to them with any question at anytime and they would help me happily and never showing any face. Every one of their staff was wonderful kudos to them! There is an Olive Young just next to the hotel too! Euljiro 1(il)-ga subway Station is just 2 mins way away next to a Starbucks. Next the room was so gorgeous with a separate|standing shower area and a separate bathtub area and a separate toilet area. I loved this about the hotel as I have never liked a wet toilet besides the shower area and this hotel was a perfect|fit for me. Beds were super comfy! Rooms were clean. Water pressure was excellent. Very good Dyson 3 types of hairdryer provided that my teenager loved. Had Netflix on TV to keep us...