Hotel the Designers LYJ Gangnam Premier

I usually don't leave bad reviews, but this is genuinely the dirtiest hotel I've ever stayed in Korea. There was a whole patch of mold on the bathroom sink, and the trash from the room next door was just left outside their door – it was still there when I returned in the afternoon! The hallway also had a very strange, unpleasant smell. The only upside is its proximity to KSPO Dome, just about 4 stops by express train, less than 20 minutes away. I guess it might be okay for a one-night stay if you're not bothered by cleanliness.

The hotel room facilities and cleanliness were just okay, nothing to write home about, but perfectly acceptable. However, the location is truly excellent. Getting around is super convenient, and there are tons of restaurants nearby with a great variety of food options. The hotel service was quite good too.

The location is fantastic, making it super convenient for getting around. Taxis, the subway, buses, and even the airport shuttle are all easily accessible. There are also plenty of dining and shopping options nearby. The room was a bit small, but it was clean and acceptable.

Overall, it was quite good. However, the air conditioning wasn't controllable, so it got very hot at night even with the blanket. The bathtub didn't have a curtain, so the floor was all wet after showering, and you had to be careful not to slip getting out of the tub. The location is excellent; there's a street full of restaurants right behind it, and it's very close to the subway.

I've been staying at this hotel for three years now. Let me share my experience. In the first year, I had to speak English with the front desk. The staff were expressionless – not exactly rude, but certainly not welcoming. You also had to specifically request room cleaning as it wasn't done daily. Honestly, from a cost-saving and resource-saving perspective, that's actually quite good, and many European hotels operate similarly. This year, my third time here, all the ladies at the front desk spoke simple Chinese, were friendly, and greeted guests warmly. It also feels like the hotel has been renovated. Rooms are now cleaned automatically every day. What's more, I've noticed an increasing number of Chinese signs on the streets, in the subway, and in restaurants. Even the BBQ restaurant staff invited us to leave a review on Dazhong Dianping in exchange for a drink! It's clear that travel for Chinese people is becoming much more convenient. Apologies, the photos aren't from the hotel.