Name: Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae by IHG
Address: 188, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Hongdae, Seoul, South Korea, Seoul, KR
Price range: US$124–US$362 per night
Rating: 8.83

What guests think

At Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae by IHG, travellers consistently praise the ultra-convenient location directly above Hongik University Station and attached to AK Plaza, making airport transfers, subway connections, shopping, and dining exceptionally easy in the heart of lively Hongdae.

Rooms are compact with comfortable beds, but soundproofing varies and several guests reported temperature control issues (warm rooms or weak A/C), limited storage or outlets, and bathrooms that feel tight or have privacy-awkward layouts. Staff are widely described as friendly, efficient, and helpful, though a few travelers noted check-in or policy frustrations and occasional lapses such as missed housekeeping or an unannounced maintenance visit. Breakfast is generally tasty with Western and Asian choices, but it can be crowded at peak times and ends early; facilities are basic, with a small gym, limited self-laundry, and sometimes slow, busy elevators. Best for travelers who prioritize speedy transport links and a practical base over roominess or full-service features.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are basic, with a small gym, limited self-service laundry hours/machines, and elevators that can be slow or crowded. Signage and the upstairs lobby can confuse first-time arrivals, and there is no free parking or on-site bar.

Related guest reviews

8

KA LEE

8 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

整間酒店只有兩部洗衣機和兩部乾衣機供應給所有住客，難以理解，洗衣服務從上午6點至晚上10點，導致很多住客需要排隊進行洗衣及乾衣，非常不便，尤其炎熱的夏天！房間冷氣完全不足，原先職員安排冷風機，但還是很熱（設置18度，室內溫度維持25度不變），他們說因為冷氣系統升級和最近天氣炎熱所導致，幸好最後可以更換房間。

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8

TAKESHI

27 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

壁が薄いのか隣の部屋で用を足す音が聞こえるのはマイナスポイント。部屋の清掃は素晴らしい。サービスは及第点かな。立地はよい。ランドリーは台数が少なく、深夜は閉鎖されていて使えないのは残念だった。

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10

John and Marinda

19 Feb 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great place, but no free parking.

8

Jane Helen

18 May 2023

·

Stayed 14 nights

Hotel was very clean and the staff very friendly and efficient. However, there was no bar or beverage facilities in the evening, probably as Hongdae is full of bars but older people did not want to go out. Also the outside garden was not opened to sit in during the day or evening. I was under the impression it there was a bar and outside seating.

10

Samantha

31 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location and breakfast menu changes slightly everyday. Only small issue is that the lobby location not on the ground floor and the lift can be pretty slow and packed. Room is of decent size and clean.

10

Benjamin

16 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 19,368 nights

A very trendy and convenient location with everything you need at your doorstep. Gym facilities could be improved and perhaps a breakfast with schedules, for preventing too many people at a time.

4

alex

22 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The lift lobby system is horrible, need to stagger checkout timing instead of everyone at same time.. only 3 lifts going up and down, with lobby in middle of the building.. smart people can imagine it will lead to overcrowded.

10

Sarah

23 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Gym is small but good enough for basic exercise.

10

Aislinn

20 Feb 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location. Very clean and comfortable hotel. Breakfast options were good. The gym is a little small, however there was rarely anyone in it when I was, so I was always able to use the equipment.

8

Hoi Wah Janice

7 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

The staff are nice, room is clean and tidy. Only the waiting time of the elevator is a bit too long.

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Cleanliness

Rooms are generally clean, but several reviews report lapses such as hair or dust in bathrooms/carpets, occasional odors, and missed replenishment or cleaning.

Related guest reviews

6

Yuk Kam

3 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

淋浴間去水位置上的頭髮3天也沒有清理，房內的茶包或者物品也不是每天也有補充

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8

Lisuel

15 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 9 nights

The staff member upon check in said Expedia rewards are not applicable and separate to the hotel rewards program, so my VIP gold membership rewards could not be used. I had to sign up to the IHG membership in order to get my late check out perk. I spoke to Shad from Expedia customer support and he confirmed that this hotel is indeed a VIP access hotel, so I should have been given the late check out and free upgrade (which I understand is subject to availability). Not sure why the hotel is saying that Expedia rewards can’t be used? Maybe it’s a communication problem between the hotel and Expedia. Not very satisfied with the hotel check in. On top of the unpleasant check in situation, I found hair in the shower and bathroom floor. I honestly couldn’t be bothered calling up the front desk to sort it out after what happened prior. I stayed at this hotel back in April and had a great experience back then with service and cleanliness, which is why I booked again. Don’t know if I’m willing to come back here in all honesty. Have posted this same review on google. Despite everything the inclusive breakfast is great and the location

10

Hoi Kiu Haydn

6 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 3 nights

Clean room, staff was able to store packages, breakfast was convenient.

8

Ariane

28 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I didn't know there was a hotel on top of AK Plaza! Location is great. Room is quiet, and everything was great. I noticed a few hairs in the bathroom that weren't mine, including in one of the towels. Everything was clean, but it made me feel the staff isn't very detailed about cleaning.

10

Savanny

30 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Great breakfast buffet, clean room, comfortable beds and amazing friendly staff all around!

10

Tun CHENG

12 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 19,369 nights

Helpful staff. Though it wasn't as clean as I had expected it to be - hairs still left on the floor after daily room service.

6

YUEN YAN

17 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

淋浴間有頭髮，洗手盆有黴漬。衛生情況有待改善。

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6

Kim

9 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

This was a fine hotel for walkability to transport. It was clean and staff were friendly . HOWEVER room 1618 has the worst sewage smell you can imagine. We called them 3 times and each time it was attended to promptly but the smell would come back through in the middle of the night and fill the whole room. Very unacceptable. It was nauseating and unpleasant for our 4 night stay at $AUD 1068.00

6

Kennis

25 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The carpets are very very dusty and you can easily see the moles in the shower.

10

Xiaofei

10 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very clean room, the staff is friendly! The buffet is awesome.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are small with limited storage/outlets, and some bathrooms feel cramped or have privacy-awkward layouts. Soundproofing is inconsistent and temperature-control complaints (warm rooms or weak A/C) appear across multiple stays, though beds are comfortable.

Related guest reviews

6

On Ki

24 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

入住第2晚開始冷氣便壞了職員給了流動式冷氣機（吹風機）功效不大而且聲音很大需要開窗才有涼風體驗欠佳

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8

Humaira Zakir

6 Mar 2023

·

Stayed 10 nights

Beautiful hotel with excellent staff. The location is the best in Seoul on top of Hongik uni subway and in the heart of Hongdae. Breakfast is good however vegetarian options need to be labelled to remove any confusions. We went in winters and the thermostat in the room was disabled. The room became too hot and we had to ask for a cooling fan and had to keep the window open. The staff are excellent, the place is absolutely spotless and housekeeping very efficient. They keep topping up toiletries. Water and tea coffee! Over all an amazing experience.

4

Cassandra

4 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This hotel was super noisy. Of all the hotels we stayed at in South Korea, this was my least favorite. I could hear everything happening outside and inside the hotel. Room was small and the bathroom was cramped (plus door had large gaps to the toilet so it lacked privacy). Would not recommend

8

NAOMI

17 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

部屋が狭い。狭すぎる。以外は良きです。お風呂もいけてない！のでチムチルバンに行ってました。でもそれも良き。

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8

Jewel Joohee

30 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 6 nights

Location is really ideal as right next to the subway exit and connected to a mall complex. The main street in Hongdae is the back of the building so it's very conveniently located. During the first night, we heard some parties outside, but the rest of the week was pretty quiet.

6

pui yan

19 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

交通方便酒店旁便是酒店但是酒店水壓很差..風筒亦不夠風力

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8

Wai Ngor

3 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very convenietly locatd. The room is small and not quite sound proof. Can be quite nosiy if you are unlucky to have noisy neighbours.

8

Edgard

15 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very nice staff at the reception, restaurant and cleaning service. Clean room with everything you need for your stay. Excellent location for walking, restaurants and shopping. Just be aware that the standard rooms with lowest price do not have window with view.

8

Mira

24 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

No closets

8

Wei chun

2 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

這次入住的房間因為在邊間，所以比較小，廁所沒有一個插座比較可惜，無法使用造型夾

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Service

Staff are widely praised as friendly, efficient, and helpful, with smooth check-in and luggage assistance. A few guests reported check-in/reward misunderstandings, strict or inconsistent policies, missed housekeeping, or an unannounced maintenance visit.

Related guest reviews

6

Man Kei Maggie

19 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Hotel refused to make restaurant bookings which is frustrating.

8

Thitiya

10 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Make up room has been missed during stay. Expect room cleaning every days. The rest is fine. Thanks

10

Heather

10 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff are really kind and helpful, thank you for organising our check in so quickly

8

Lili

7 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

My family stayed in Holiday Inn Express In Hongdae Area, Korea on Jan 2—Jan 3, 2025. When trying to check in our flight of Asiana from Seoul to San Franscisco, we encountered some problems, so we asked the front desk staff to help us make the phone call to the airline company. It was 5:30pm and the phone line was busy for an hour, but the staff patiently used his own cell phone to call and was on hold for one hour without complaining. The airline operator finally picked up the phone and answered questions in Korean language which the hotel staff communicated without any issues. We were greatly appreciative of his kindness and patience as we traveled in this busy time of the year. We will definitely come back to stay when we visit Korea again.

8

Lisuel

15 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 9 nights

The staff member upon check in said Expedia rewards are not applicable and separate to the hotel rewards program, so my VIP gold membership rewards could not be used. I had to sign up to the IHG membership in order to get my late check out perk. I spoke to Shad from Expedia customer support and he confirmed that this hotel is indeed a VIP access hotel, so I should have been given the late check out and free upgrade (which I understand is subject to availability). Not sure why the hotel is saying that Expedia rewards can’t be used? Maybe it’s a communication problem between the hotel and Expedia. Not very satisfied with the hotel check in. On top of the unpleasant check in situation, I found hair in the shower and bathroom floor. I honestly couldn’t be bothered calling up the front desk to sort it out after what happened prior. I stayed at this hotel back in April and had a great experience back then with service and cleanliness, which is why I booked again. Don’t know if I’m willing to come back here in all honesty. Have posted this same review on google. Despite everything the inclusive breakfast is great and the location

10

Hoi Kiu Haydn

6 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 3 nights

Clean room, staff was able to store packages, breakfast was convenient.

10

Max-Eddie

11 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 10 nights

The staff at this hotel were extremely friendly and accommodating. When we had an issue with the A/C in our room, the employee we spoke to showed genuine concern and sent a technician to our room within minutes. Although the room lacked a closet, it was just what we needed since we spent most of our time exploring Seoul. Complimentary breakfast and coin laundry were definitely huge perks. The location of hotel was perfect especially since it’s above Hongdae Station and within a 5 minute walk of the main shopping street. I’d definitely stay here again.

6

Veronica s

9 Mar 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

The hotel rules very strict, we can not sit on the sofa when we want to have discussion with my customer. The staff do not allow us to wear hotel sandals to the breakfast room,but this rule was not consistent, i can see some other people can wear the sandals. Quite annoying. Anothet negative is that, the rooms are not cleaned properly, i can see that the strings and hairs on the carpet was there for a few days in my room, which shows that the carpet was not cleaned at all. But the positive point is the hotel location is spot on, very close to the train station and there is convenient stores down stairs.

10

Geraldine A

12 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 8 nights

Staff was able to accommodate my early check in. Clean room and convenient location. It was quiet where I was.

8

rodman

5 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 5 nights

住酒店第二日，食完早餐後回房，突然見到一位男職員在無事先通知下入房內維修電話

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Outstanding location atop Hongik University Station and connected to AK Plaza, with easy access to AREX for both airports, Line 2, and Hongdae's shopping and dining. Some outside noise or crowds can occur due to the lively area.

Related guest reviews

10

Lisuel

11 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location. Very close to main district of hongdae. Was convenient to get to hotel from the airport via AREX railway. Would stay here again

10

Kai Yi

10 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The hotel is not a luxury hotel, but it provides everything a traveler needs. The location is great, as the hotel is situated just above the airport railway. It takes only 5 minutes to get from the hotel entrance to the railway platform. While there is no express train to the airport from Hongdae, the travel time on an all-stop train from Hongdae to Incheon Airport is just 10 minutes longer than taking an express train from Seoul Station, and the trains are much more frequent. The rooms are clean, and the staff, especially the cleaning lady, are nice and will try their best to address our needs.

10

YEN LIN

22 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 5 nights

地點超好，弘大5號出口不到1分鐘就到

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10

Darlene

4 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very conveniently located just outside of the subway and inside of the shopping mall.

10

Jorge E

24 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 8 nights

The property is within walking distance of many places of interest and right next to the subway station. Very convenient.

10

ALEX

12 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great location on the 2 line and airport express, right outside the station exit. Lots of shopping and restaurants nearby.

10

Kenjiro

20 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Quite convenient location

10

audie

1 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

I had such a lovely stay! The hotel is conveniently located right by the MTR exit with a lift, which makes it super easy to manage your luggage. Plus, it's just a hop away from the airport railway, so you won't have to trek through the subway for too long. And if you love shopping, you're in luck—it's really close to the vibrant Hongdae area, filled with plenty of delicious food options!

10

TERUKO

13 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

何より駅に近く、空港線もすぐに乗れるので、便利でした。１階の同じ建物内にコンビニやwowpassの機器があったのも便利でした。お部屋も浴室も清潔で、広い浴槽ではゆっくり浸かれました。朝食も美味しかったです。

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8

John

11 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Hotel right next to subway and more importantly the Airport Express train. One note on the subway, the hotel is just a few steps, literally, from the subway station, however if you want to #2 Green line you'll end up walking several hundred meters to the subway platform. But the below ground of Seoul is really cool with shopping and clean restrooms.

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Dining

Breakfast is generally tasty with Western and Asian options. Expect peak-time queues and early closing (6:30-9:30), and a few guests found variety average or wanted clearer vegetarian labeling.

Related guest reviews

10

Alex

12 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

地點一流，早餐有點失望，職員態度一流

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8

Humaira Zakir

6 Mar 2023

·

Stayed 10 nights

Beautiful hotel with excellent staff. The location is the best in Seoul on top of Hongik uni subway and in the heart of Hongdae. Breakfast is good however vegetarian options need to be labelled to remove any confusions. We went in winters and the thermostat in the room was disabled. The room became too hot and we had to ask for a cooling fan and had to keep the window open. The staff are excellent, the place is absolutely spotless and housekeeping very efficient. They keep topping up toiletries. Water and tea coffee! Over all an amazing experience.

10

Savanny

30 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Great breakfast buffet, clean room, comfortable beds and amazing friendly staff all around!

6

Vincent

11 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 8 nights

Fantastisk beliggenhed tæt på en gade med masser af liv både om eftermiddagen og om aftenen. Minusser ved stedet er bl.a. rengøringen som ikke skiftede lagnerne hver anden dag som lovet, på trods af skiltet for at skifte æagn var lagt på sengen. Væggene er ultra tynde så kunne høre naboens hårtørre og snakke midt om natten (omkring kl 2). Morgenmads buffet lukker kl 9.30, hvilket godt kunne have strukket sig lidt længere. Varianten var heller ikke noget at råbe højt hurra for. Personalet er flinke og lokationen er god ift lufthavnen, offentlig transport og mad udefra, hvilket gør der er en sandsynlighed for jeg vil vælge hotellet igen trods tynde vægge og ret så god morgenmad.

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10

Barbara

16 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

The best breakfast ever! Convenient location to shopping streets and transport. Kind staff.

8

Edward

6 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The breakfast not good. Disappointed.

10

William

21 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

The complimentary breakfast was very delicious. There were many, many choices of food, both traditional western breakfasts (eggs, bacon, cereal, toast) and Asian (fresh, hot noodles, kimchi, sesame balls). There was fruit, juices, and coffee. The rooms were small but great for us. The Hongdae area had lots of things to see.

10

Ka Chun Ivan

24 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very convenient location, staff are nice. It would be nicer if there is more variety choice of breakfast.

10

harold

8 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Breakfast excellent, clean and professional people,bed and pillows are confortable.

10

MEI WAH

28 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Fantastic location for those chilly winter days; you really won't want to venture outside much in this weather. The breakfast options are standard. Be prepared for crowds during peak hours (8:30-9:30 AM), as finding an empty table can be a challenge. Additionally, breakfast hours are a bit earlier than usual compared to other places (6:30-9:30 AM).

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$140
February	US$150
March	US$182
April	US$221
May	US$215
June	US$193
July	US$199
August	US$180
September	US$187
October	US$214
November	US$206
December	US$192

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12 $350
13 $197	14 $219	15 $223	16 $186	17 $158	18 $217	19 $269
20 $192	21 $175	22 $139	23 $124	24 $179	25 $245	26 $271
27 $141	28 $153	29 $155	30 $163

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $221	2 $307	3 $345
4 $224	5 $233	6 $186	7 $196	8 $201	9 $269	10 $296
11 $214	12 $206	13 $201	14 $212	15 $218	16 $257	17 $263
18 $248	19 $226	20 $248	21 $242	22 $243	23 $269	24 $302
25 $223	26 $215	27 $210	28 $210	29 $212	30 $286	31 $362

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Guest reviews

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What guests think

Property policies

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FAQs about Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae by IHG

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