Edit: After this comment of mine, the managers reached out to me. They informed me that the front desk lady I spoke with would be more mindful of her communication with guests and that she would be warned. I truly appreciate that they responded to the issue promptly—it was an important and valuable step for me. Above all, I could feel that they genuinely care about their guests, and I thank them for that. I believe I was able to express my thoughts clearly. Once again, I would like to thank Mr. Kay Kim for his kindness and hospitality. However, as you can understand, I also feel it’s my responsibility to share my experience with others who may consider staying here. For this reason, I won’t make major changes to the review itself, but I’m updating the rating accordingly.
Room cleaning was good, although one glass was dirty at check-in. No biggie, I called and it was replaced. There are no toothbrush, cotton pad and cotton swab. That was not a problem for me because I carry those all the time. We used the housekeeping service everyday, everytime the sheets were perfectly clean and towels changed. You need to put a blue card on to your bed that says “this hotel was acting in favour of positive hospitality. If you wish your bed linens to be changed, please place this card on your bed.” The location is great — close to many places and right next to the subway. I gave this rating based on these features. Lastly, I will tell you what I experienced.(I already mention about the edit section, they reached out to me therefore there is no issue for me anymore)
On the first day of check-in, we were given one free Coke and one sprite as welcome snacks. We checked in on July 29. This morning, I saw Coke, sprite, and Pringles on the housekeeping cart. Out of curiosity, I asked the reception whether Pringles was also a part of the welcome set. They said yes, and they talled me that they would send it to our room. I thanked them for the information.
We went out, and when we came back, the room had been cleaned, but there was no Pringles. I called “0” and asked. There was a lady on the phone. She said I had already received the Pringles on the first day, so they wouldn’t give it again. I told them there had been no Pringles in the room on the first day, and I had already talked to reception about this earlier that morning. Later, I received another call, but I missed it and called back. This time, they told me that Pringles is only given to king-size rooms. And they said because I ask, they will send me another one.(But I never received it in the first place — how can it be given again?)
I don’t owe anyone a lie. And, I’m staying on the 15th floor. I can’t know who gets which snack. Now I know that Pringles is not the part of the snacks. (maybe it should wrote as beverages instead of snacks because it’s confusing). She should’ve checked my room info first or maybe she couldve ask the superior first to learn the issue because I told the whole story to her. Anyway, I don’t need any kind of product, it was just a curiosity. Abstract things like communication is more important, saying things accordingly is the everything. I believe they heard me out and it will be never happen to anyone again. That’s why I’m glad. Overall it was a...
Read moreThis was my 3rd stay at Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae, but definitely my last. I had to change three rooms in a single day, and the experience was beyond frustrating — especially as a guest who had just completed a full marathon this morning and was really exhausted.||First Room (1609):||The toilet had a serious sewage issue. When flushed, it created a strong suction that completely drained the water out of the bowl — but no water refilled afterward. I used the toilet at around 2am and didn’t notice this until I woke up at 4:30am to find the entire room filled with a horrible sewage smell. I had to open the balcony door in 8°C weather to air out the stench when I should have been preparing for my race. It was nauseating, and I genuinely wondered if it was a health hazard to breathe in for two and a half hours while I was asleep.||Before leaving for the marathon, I flushed again and saw the same problem — the toilet paper got sucked away, then floated back up with the water that gushed out of the hole. Completely unacceptable for any hotel, let alone an international chain.||Second Room (1705):||After my race, I was moved to another room. The bathroom drainage was slow and partially clogged — water took forever to drain. I decided to ignore it because I was in pain, exhausted, and didn’t want to move again after my full marathon. But while I was lying in bed, I started hearing a loud running water sound from the ceiling above. I tried to tolerate it for three hours before giving up. It was affecting my rest. So I spoke to the reception and they changed me to another room on the same floor.||Third Room (1710):||This one had a bidet remote that stopped working mid-use — even the flush didn’t respond until I stood up and it auto-flushed. I was changed to this room at 5pm but only realise the issue at 10pm. A red battery light was flashing. I called reception and a technician came up; of course, everything started working again in front of him. He then assumed I didn’t know how to use a bidet and proceeded to demonstrate how to use it, which was insulting given I’ve been to Japan (the home of bidet!) near to 30 times.||After all that, the hotel offered me 2,000 Accor points (~SGD $58) as compensation for an entire day of room changes, broken facilities, and unnecessary stress.||This is not the standard expected of an Accor property. While the staff were polite, the maintenance issues, sewage problems, and lack of proactive resolution made this stay extremely disappointing.||Verdict:||Great location, but terrible plumbing, bad room maintenance, and poor management response.|No guest should ever have to change rooms three times in one day — especially not after running 42 km.||⭐ 1/5 –...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of spending a week at this hotel during my holiday in Seoul, and it was an experience worth raving about. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Hongdae, this hotel is a haven for travelers seeking convenience, comfort, and a taste of Seoul's lively atmosphere.
Location-wise, it couldn't get any better. Situated just a stone's throw away from Hongik University station, getting around the city was a breeze. For avid shoppers, the plethora of shops nearby caters to every budget, ensuring that indulging in retail therapy is an absolute delight. Additionally, the abundance of food and beverage outlets, ranging from local eateries to international cuisines, guarantees a culinary adventure for every palate.
One of the highlights of the hotel's location is the accessibility to late-night amenities. With many shops and eateries staying open until the wee hours, guests can immerse themselves in the city's bustling nightlife without a worry.
For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the hotel's proximity to Mangwon Hangang Park provides the perfect setting for a scenic stroll or invigorating run along the riverside.
The staff at the hotel deserve special mention for their exceptional hospitality and attentiveness. From assisting with taxi bookings to ensuring our every need was met, their warmth and professionalism truly enhanced our stay.
As for the accommodations, our room exuded modernity and freshness. The furnishings appeared brand new, and cleanliness was impeccable. Despite the compact size, the room was thoughtfully designed and boasted a comfortable bed that ensured a restful night's sleep.
Kudos to the chambermaid for her impeccable service. Each day, our room was meticulously cleaned and replenished, leaving us feeling pampered and refreshed.
A quirky touch that added to our enjoyment was the high-tech toilet with its heated seat and automated features—a small detail that made a big difference.
While the balcony was a nice addition, its petite size left much to be desired. However, this minor quibble paled in comparison to the overall excellence of our stay.
The only slight disappointment was the limitation of the complimentary welcome drink, which could only be redeemed as a takeaway from the hotel's coffeehouse. Nevertheless, this did little to detract from the overall satisfaction of our stay.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this hotel to anyone considering a stay in Hongdae. With its unbeatable location, top-notch amenities, and exemplary service, it's the perfect choice for an unforgettable...
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