Ibis Budget Ambassador offers 80,000 won per night rooms in Seoul

Ibis Budget Ambassador’s colorful lobby creates welcomeing atmosphere. / Courtesy of Ibis Budget Ambassador

By Kim Se-jeong

The Ibis Budget Ambassador is offering rooms for 80,000 won a night at its hotel in Dongdaemun, Seoul, which opened on Oct. 30.

The French hotel chain is targeting budget travelers ― both international and national.

I know a motel room in Seoul can cost as much as 80,000,” said Patrick Basset, chief operating officer of Accor Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines. Accor owns the Ibis Budget Ambassador.

The Seoul hotel offers compact rooms, with small hangers, a TV, and a tiny bathroom with a shower. Beds are high, with space beneath for suitcases. Each bed has a 12-centimeter latex mattress. Hotel staff who stayed the night gave high marks for their sleeping experience.

The hotel has dormitory rooms also ― one queen-sized bed and a single overhead bed ― designed for a family or group.

The hotel has coin laundry machines. While waiting for clothes to dry, guests can use the gym or sauna. The sauna is probably the most unusual feature, as it represents Korean culture.

Colors and interior designs inside are also captivating.

Budget hotels are a growing trend, not only with international hotel chains, but local chains like Hotel Shilla.

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