Seoul Loft Apartments (SLA) — Hotel in Seoul

We planned to be in Seoul 5 weeks and were looking for a place centrally located for day to day activities and near transportation for excursions around the country.||First and foremost I must mention Mr. Lee. I am sure the spelling is not right but that is Singba Lee or in Korea I think it is Lee Singba. Anyway, anytime we entered or left he would greet us with a smile and could he help with anything. Second is Dennis Mitchell. We corresponded with him for a few weeks getting the accommodations organized and then had the opportunity to visit with him several times during our trip. I am older and anytime he saw me with bags going up the stairs he would assist. Yes there are stairs but it is only one flight.||I have stayed all over the world and the difference of the experience is always the people you interact with. In this case the staff, including the cleaning lady, were spectacular but the accommodations were great as well.||We were three adults and two 7 year old twins. Rather than getting the much more expensive room, we were able to get a room and they provided a floor bed we could use.||Room included a washing machine and drying rack. We washed frequently and could have brought half the clothes that we did. Also a small kitchenette but we never actually used the cook top. Microwave, fridge and coffee pot we used daily.||In the first few days, we had a small leak in the bathroom by the sink and it was fixed before the day was over. These things happen, even at home so no big deal.||There is a rooftop area that we went up to a couple times to look over the streets and let the kids run around. I could see going up there with my wife at night and enjoying a good bottle of wine if we didn't have the kids along.||Overall, this was a great experience and we are already talking about when we can return to Seoul, stay here of course, and see Mr. Lee and Dennis again.||I will add we used the buses extensively and there are three stops within a couple blocks depending on where you are going. One is in front of the SLA entrance. Also, several good restaurants nearby and one right next door. A convenience store across the street which we frequented...

If you are looking for a full facilities hotel, you will not find it here. Instead, what u find is a very calculative almost hostel-like setting. The reception is very squashy, I used the single-unit washroom & immediately a lady knocked on the toliet door, wanting to use it! I want to sit down at reception but a man was sitting on the sofa & there is no more space & I have to stand. A staff almost toppled my luggage belongings as my luggage was in her way! We were there at 11.30am & was told for early check-in, there will be EXTRA CHARGE even though the room was ready. I read in another review they were allowed early check-in! Double standards! We asked for 2 extra pillows as the room only has 2 pillows & was told 2 EXTRA PILLOWS COST 33,000WON PER NIGHT, as it is considered EXTRA BEDDING! If that is how u like to be treated as a guest, stay here! The 1st studio room 316 that I stayed in has a bathroom that is very basic, the washing basin is shaky. That room 316 studio is not cozy, the floor is sticky. I have to sleep with 2 pillows only (for 2 pax, 1 each, how basic!) since I refused to pay 33,000won per night for 2 extra pillows. Housekeeping only last Monday to Friday. Reception is until 10pm. You have to climb steps, no lift. Edit: SLA eventually changed the studio room for us after one night & after much wrangling from them. It wasn't a pleasant no questions asked exchange. Again we got the routine, "u got to pay extra 180,000Won...(roll eyes)... it is a more expensive room... but in actuality, it is just a different but a MUCH BETTER STUDIO, room 317. It is NOT an upgrade (despite what they say), we just got another studio in better shape. How is it an upgrade when the new studio is similar size with the same glazed concrete flooring & same basin type? We got ONE extra pillow, instead of two. But I guess better than nothing. The washer is the best part of the studio if u need to wash clothes. I would have given 4* if we gotten that room in 1st place. But minus 1 star for all that inconvenience. Avoid studio room 316 unless u like getting bitten by bugs...

Spent a reasonable 9 nights here for 4 adults in the duplex suite. Note that it's more of a self catering service suite, rather than a full-service hotel/apartment, and it's only two floors as opposed to a high rise development. Room cleaning is offered every 3 days, which is reasonable. Chic-industrial-loft like design with a variety of room formations.

We were also offered an early check-in which was very helpful and kind of the front-desk. Also upon booking they sent us an immediate Whatsapp message for any prior correspondence regarding our stay, with prompt replies for any queries, excellent customer service there.

Very friendly and helpful front desk, (Dennis and Mr.Lee) and excellent strategic location in one of the major urban suburbs of Seoul. Walking distance to Gwangjang, Insadong and a short cab ride to MyengDong, Dongdaemun, Namdaemun. The other suburbs such as Hongdae, Gangnam are also easily accessible by cab or bus.

Minor drawback is that the rear units lack windows/sunlight as they are facing the back-end of the development. The unit we stayed in had a smallish window at the bottom room, and none for the room above which was a little claustrophobic and dim. Personally I would have preferred a unit with larger windows/daylight. Other bit is that there is only one bathroom to cater to 4 guests in our said unit, and ergonomically the showers tend to wet the entire bathroom floor, which may be a pet peeve to some.

Overall highly recommended for the quality to price ratio. Highly appropriate for families, group travel. Thanks for the memorable and...