Last year, my daughter and I stayed at Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae. It was great, we both loved it. This time, we were traveling with super seniors (83 and 78 years old) so I booked Ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong. First of all, the Myeongdong area is more compressed — they won’t have a hard time walking to eat and shop. Establishments in Hongdae are farther apart and require more walking so it was out of the question. There’s also the issue of convenience. The Aiport Limousine Bus drops you off and picks you up in front of Ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong en route to Incheon Airport.
Since Ibis is Accor’s budget hotel brand, I was expecting a cramped room. Surprisingly, it was not at all cramped. On the contrary, space is utilized very efficiently so it’s quite spacious despite being only 19sqm in size. We got a Standard Double Room for a little under ₱8,000 a night. Considering it was actually the Holy Week, it was very reasonable.
There’s a study table with an electric kettle, cups, and teaspoons as well as complimentary coffee and tea. The modem is also in the room so internet is always stable and lightning fast.
There’s a closet with hangers, an extra pillow, a safe, and a mini refrigerator with bottled water. Each person gets one 500ml bottle of drinking water everyday.
The hotel also provides slippers.
There are no USB outlets but they do provide adaptors.
The bathroom is small but clean and complete.
Shampoo w/ conditioner, body wash, and hand wash are provided. There’s a hair dryer too.
There is a 24/7 coin-operated laundromat on the 10th floor. It costs 1,000 won to wash and 1,000 won to dry. There is a vending machine for laundry detergent which costs 500 won. Microwave ovens can also be found here.
There’s an iron and ironing board as well.
Ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong is a decent hotel, though like Mercure, breakfast offerings are meh and generally not worth paying for. There are better and cheaper breakfast options outside. The location is a winner as it’s near the bus station, train station, and Myeongdong Shopping Street. There are a lot of restaurants and shops that are just a stone’s throw away.
What I did not like was the darkness of the rooms (even when windows are opened it doesn’t get bright enough for me) and the fact that the aircon temperature can’t be controlled. There’s a thermostat but even if I set it at 20C (the lowest available setting), the temperature is perpetually stuck at 22-23C. The pillows and mattress are also noticeably inferior to Mercure’s. I was also not very happy with my laundromat experience here.
Ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong is a serviceable and convenient hotel but I would consider other options if ever I stay in Myeongdong again next time.
Ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong
78, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, 04534 Seoul, South Korea
+82 2-6361-8888
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