Last Updated on December 10, 2023 by HB
Welcome, travelers to Korea! Are you considering a stay at the ‘Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun’ (★★★ 3 Star), situated in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea? Or perhaps you’ve already secured your reservation? Then you’ve landed at the right place on my blog!!
I, HB (Hotel Boy 😎), am committed to providing you with the most comprehensive reviews of Korea’s finest hotels, unrivaled by anyone worldwide!
In this post, I have compiled the following information:
- Comprehensive Reviews from Global Guests
- Best Reviews from Korean Guests
- Quick Overview of Hotel Information
- Lowest Price Analysis
Based on the experiences of a lot of Korean & Global users, I will provide you with a detailed hotel analysis that will easily sink into your eyes, ears, and mind.
And most importantly, I hope it will be helpful for your hotel selection and enjoyable trip to Korea.
Now, let’s get started!
1. About “Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun, Seoul“ Hotel
Before proceeding with the detailed analysis, Let me summarize a brief overview of the “Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun” Hotel.
“This stylish hotel is located in an area densely populated with shops and restaurants and is an 18-minute subway ride from the symbolic N Seoul Tower and Bukchon Hanok Village, a 14th-century building. The stylish rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee makers, safes, and mini-fridges, with city views. Some upgraded rooms have a living room with a sofa. Parking is free. Other amenities include a stylish restaurant, a cozy lounge bar, and a fitness center. Event spaces are also available.”
Source : Google Maps
“Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun” Hotel
- Grade : ★★★ 3 Star Hotel
- Address : 71 Sambong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Official Web site : https://www.shillastay.com/gwanghwamun
- Telephone : +82-02-6060-9000
- Check-in time : 2:00 PM
- Check-out time : 12:00 PM
2. Comprehensive Reviews from Global Guests
I will share the comprehensive analysis results of reviews from actual guests who stayed at the “Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun” Hotel.
Please note that the guests who left reviews are not only from Korea but also from various nationalities such as the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Australia, etc.
The following analysis is based on information compiled from data recorded on “Agoda,” “Booking.com,” and “Google Maps.”
2.1. “Agoda” Comprehensive Reviews
This is the rating for “Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun” Hotel from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 8.4, with the highest marks being awarded in the ‘Location’ and ‘Room comfort and quality’ categories.
The following is a comprehensive analysis of reviews from various guests, mainly focusing on the most recent comments to ensure the relevancy and timeliness of the information.
| Location | According to various reviews, Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun is conveniently located near major attractions such as Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, Myeongdong, and Dongdaemun. |
| Room | Generally, rooms are small and cramped but clean and neat. However, some reviews mention that the air conditioning system and furniture seemed old and dirty. |
| Breakfast | Breakfast is generally tasty and satisfying, according to reviewers. However, it is mentioned that during long stays, the breakfast menu does not change much and may become repetitive. |
| Friendliness | Reviews indicate that hotel staff are very friendly and helpful. In particular, having English-speaking staff members made it convenient for foreign guests. |
| Facilities | Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun offers convenient facilities such as public washing machines and dryers, which are useful for those who need laundry facilities during long trips. |
| Price | Most reviewers rate Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun as having good value for money, considering its location and price. |
| Others | Some reviews point out the issue of air conditioning and heating being centrally controlled, preventing individual temperature control in each room. In cases where a comfortable indoor temperature could not be maintained, guests had to open windows. |
2.2. “Booking.com” Comprehensive Reviews
This is the rating for “Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun” Hotel from users who booked through Booking.com. Out of a possible 10 points, Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun received a score of 7.7, with the highest marks being awarded in the ‘Location’ and ‘Staff’ category.
The following is a comprehensive analysis of reviews from various guests, similarly to the Agoda case, mainly focusing on the most recent comments to ensure the relevancy and timeliness of the information.
| Location | Most reviews mentioned that Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun has an excellent location. It is close to major attractions such as Gwanghwamun and Myeongdong, providing easy access and convenient transportation with nearby subway stations. |
| Room | Most reviews mentioned that rooms were clean and comfortable. However, some reviews felt that the room size was small and space was limited. Some reviews also mentioned that cleaning was not up to par. |
| Breakfast | Breakfast received high satisfaction in some reviews. One review, in particular, mentioned that the breakfast was very satisfactory for the price. |
| Friendliness | Most reviews mentioned that the staff were friendly and helpful. However, some reviews mentioned difficulties in communication due to the staff’s lack of English skills. |
| Facilities | Some reviews mentioned a lack of laundry machines and dryers. Also, some hotel facilities, such as bathtubs, were mentioned to be in poor condition. |
| Price | Some reviews mentioned high satisfaction for the price. However, some reviews pointed out that the price was somewhat high. Not only the price but also the parking cost was mentioned as disappointing in some reviews |
| Others | Other issues covered in the reviews include problems with air conditioning. Several reviews mentioned that the air conditioner did not work, making it hot and stuffy. Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun should strive to improve on this matter. |
2.3. “Google Maps” Comprehensive Reviews
The following is the rating summary from people who left reviews on Google Maps. Out of a possible 5 points, the hotel received a score of 4.1. Unlike other platforms that provide scores for specific categories, Google Maps interestingly rates the hotel based on guest type. Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun received identical ratings of 4.2 from Solo guests.
The following is a comprehensive analysis of reviews from various guests. Similar to the Agoda and Booking.com reviews, recent comments were prioritized to maintain the relevancy and timeliness of the information.
| Location | Most reviews mentioned that the location is quite excellent, being close to major attractions such as Gwanghwamun and Jongno. Access was reportedly easy, with close proximity to public transport, shopping streets, and restaurants. |
| Room | Rooms were generally found to be clean, but a few reviews criticized the small size. There were conflicting opinions about the cleaning status. |
| Breakfast | Breakfast was served diversely, but some reviews mentioned a somewhat limited variety. |
| Friendliness | Staff were generally friendly and had a positive attitude, but a few reviews mentioned a lack of communication. |
| Facilities | Some reviews praised the high-quality lunch buffet located on the 8th floor and its services. However, there were complaints about poor air conditioning, heat in the room, and inadequate ventilation facilities. |
| Price | Price satisfaction was generally good, and the hotel received strong recommendations for its combination of location and cleanliness. However, despite being categorized as a business hotel, some reviews pointed out that the room size and services did not meet expectations. |
| Others | Some reviews expressed dissatisfaction with issues related to air conditioning. Criticisms included the rooms’ cold temperature in the winter without proper heating and inconvenience for guests who stayed during periods when air conditioning was not available. |
3. Best Reviews from Korean Guests
The “Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun” hotel is located in South Korea, so the majority of its guests are probably Koreans. I have found various reviews written by Koreans about the “Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun“, and I would like to share some of the best reviews with you.”
3.1. Best Reviews 1 : “Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun accommodation review :)”
Source : https://blog.naver.com/whsk12345/222972620774
Summary of the Blog Post
On my recent trip to Seoul, I stayed at Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Jonggak Station Exit 2 and easily accessible to nearby attractions. The lobby is located on the 8th floor, where the check-in takes place, and there’s also a business counter and a fitness center.
My room was number 1026 with a view of Jogyesa temple. However, the room was a bit chilly, but they promptly provided a warm heater.
Summary: Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun is recommendable for its location and facilities, but bear in mind that rooms might be slightly cold during winter.
Source : https://blog.naver.com/whsk12345/222972620774
(* For a detailed review, I recommend visiting the original article.)
3.2. Best Reviews 2 : “Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun Standard Room review”
Source: https://blog.naver.com/coolyes1244/222672393403
Summary of the Blog Post
I recently went on a trip to Seoul and stayed at the Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun. The hotel has a great location, affordable rates, and offers basic amenities. The check-in and check-out process take place at the 8th-floor lobby.
The rooms are clean and well-equipped. The parking lot might be a bit small, but you can use an external parking lot and purchase parking tickets. The hotel offers a tasty breakfast, and although not very diverse, it provides enough food options. I recommend this hotel for those looking for basic accommodation services on their trip!
Summary: Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun is a good choice for travelers looking for basic accommodation services, offering a great location, affordable rates, and sufficient amenities and food.
Source: https://blog.naver.com/coolyes1244/222672393403
(* For a detailed review, I recommend visiting the original article.)
3.3. Best Reviews 3 : “Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun: A Cost-effective Hotel with a Great Location for Seoul Travel“
Source: https://blog.naver.com/free3394/223001561218
Summary of the Blog Post
We stayed at Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun, which is well-known for its good room conditions and affordable prices. The hotel is located in the center of Gwanghwamun, close to major tourist attractions such as the National Assembly, the Blue House, and major domestic media companies. When we arrived at the check-in time, the lobby was spacious and modern, and parking was available, making it convenient for those who brought their cars.
The double room we were assigned was spacious and clean. The bathroom was equipped with basic amenities, cleansing foam, and a hairdryer. The bed was wide and comfortable with soft pillows. There were also a tea pot for simple food and tea, a mini refrigerator, and a safe.
Nearby attractions within walking distance included Pimatgol, Cheonggyecheon, Jonggak Underground Restaurant Street, and Deoksugung. The location allowed us to fully enjoy the surrounding food and culture. Through this trip, we had a satisfying experience at Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun and would like to recommend it as an affordable hotel.
(* For a detailed review, I recommend visiting the original article.)
4. Quick Overview of Hotel Information
4.1. Amenities and Facilities
Languages spoken
- English
- Chinese [Mandarin]
- Japanese
- Korean
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
Dining, drinking, and snacking
- Bar
- Breakfast [buffet]
- Breakfast [continental]
- Coffee shop
- Grocery delivery
- Restaurants
For the kids
- Family room
Access
- CCTV in common areas
- CCTV outside property
- Exterior corridor
- Fire extinguisher
- Front desk [24-hour]
- Non-smoking rooms
- Pets allowed
- Security [24-hour]
- Service animals are welcome
- Smoke alarms
Internet access
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
- Internet
- Internet services
- Wi-Fi in public areas
Things to do, ways to relax
- Fitness center
Services and conveniences
- Air conditioning in public area
- Convenience store
- Currency exchange
- Daily housekeeping
- Elevator
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Food delivery
- Heating in public area
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Safety deposit boxes
- Smoke-free property
- Smoking area
Getting around
- Car park [charges apply]
- Car park [nearby]
Available in all rooms
- Air conditioning
- Coffee/tea maker
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- Mini bar
- Non-smoking
- Satellite/cable channels
- Towels
- Wi-Fi [free]
Cleanliness and safety
- Anti-viral cleaning products
- Body thermometer
- Breakfast takeaway service
- Cashless payment service
- Daily disinfection in all rooms
- Daily disinfection in common areas
- Doctor/nurse on call
- Face coverings on staff
- First aid kit
- Guest rooms seal after sanitization
- Hand sanitizer
- Hot water linen and laundry washing
- Individually-wrapped food options
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
- Professional-grade sanitizing services
- Protective screens in common areas
- Room sanitization opt-out available
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Safe dining setup
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
- Shared stationery removed
- Staff trained in safety protocol
- Temperature check for guests and staff
4.2. Location
Adress : 71, Sambong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Gwanghwamun, Seoul, South Korea, 110-140
Airports
- Gimpo Airport (GMP) 15.9 km
- Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) 48.7 km
Public transportation
- Jonggak Subway Station330 m
- Gwanghwamun Subway Station (Sejong Center for the Performing Arts) 430 m
Hospital or clinic
- Sarangdameun Internal Medicine Clinic 460 m
Shopping
- Myeong-Dong Walking Street 1.0 km
Convenience store
- On-site
Cash withdrawal
- ATM 250 m
4.3. Nearby Attractions
Popular landmarks
- Insadong 370 m
- Bukchon Hanok Village 830 m
- Gyeongbokgung Palace 850 m
- Myeong-Dong Walking Street 1.0 km
- Changdeokgung Palace Complex 1.2 km
- Namdaemun Market 1.5 km
- N Seoul Tower 2.5 km
- The War Memorial of Korea 4.2 km
- National Museum of Korea 5.4 km
- Lotte World 12.4 km
Nearby landmarks
- Embassy of Papua New Guinea 140 m
- Jogyesa Temple 160 m
- Chungang Atlas 180 m
- Sorihana 210 m
- Embassy of Venezuela 220 m
- Embassy of Ecuador 220 m
- Central Buddhist Museum 220 m
- Seoul Art Center Gongpyeong Gallery 230 m
- Embassy of Ireland 230 m
- Jang Ji Bang 250 m
5. Lowest Price Analysis
I will finally analyze the most important category in hotel reviews, which is the price.
I will compare the lowest price results provided by the most famous hotel price comparison websites, “HotelsCombined,” “Sky Scanner,” and “Trivago,” in order to identify the place that offers the best price.
Lowest price search criteria: 1-night stay from Wednesday to Thursday, 1 room (for 2 guests), excluding breakfast (if breakfast is included in the accommodation conditions, the price significantly increases).
5.1. “HotelsCombined” Price Comparison
The lowest price search result on HotelsCombined is $78 for a 1-night stay. This price is based on booking through “Agoda”.
5.2. “Sky Scanner” Price Comparison
The lowest price on Sky Scanner is $95 for a 1-night stay when booked through “Trip.com”.
5.3. “Trivago” Price Comparison
The lowest price on Trivago is $96 when booked through “Trip.com”.
Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that HotelsCombined provided the lowest price among the three price comparison websites. And booking through “Agoda” for a weekday 1-night stay yielded the most affordable result. It is recommended to consider this information when making a reservation.
It was interesting to see that “Agoda” offered a significantly different price compared to other competitors in this search. It also made me curious about the secret behind being able to make such a difference. Seeing this, it is definitely necessary to make an effort to search many places when choosing accommodations!
Please keep in mind that the lowest prices can vary depending on the dates of stay and the timing of the search.
It is important to note that the current lowest price does not guarantee the lowest price in the future.
“The Lowest Price Analysis” I shared should be used for reference purposes only.
When considering a hotel reservation, I recommend re-searching through price comparison websites at the time of your accommodation planning to utilize the lowest price available at that specific moment.
And with that, we wrap up our review of the ‘Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun‘, seen through a distinctly Korean lens.
Yours truly, HB(Hotel Boy) – your trusted guide to best hotels in Korea. Stay tuned for more insightful reviews on Korea’s hospitality gems!