Seoul, South Korea is one of the world's most expensive cities. It's also the destination for hundreds of thousands of budget travelers every year, who come for the city's music scene, shopping, cultural activities, Korean cuisine and a lot more besides. Of course, they don't want to spend a lot of money.
Luckily, along with all this, Seoul is also home to some superb budget hotels where budget travelers can find comfortable, clean accommodation at a relatively cheap price. These three Seoul budget hotels are some of the best the city offers.
Hotel Elle Inn - This comfortable, clean and conveniently-located budget hotel is in a perfect spot for both business travelers and tourists, as it's close to Seoul's central business district and to many top tourist attractions.
At the Hotel Elle Inn, budget travelers will find comfortable guest rooms equipped with en suite bath, television with cable, in-room personal computer and Wi-Fi internet and an iron and ironing board.
The hotel itself has a small restaurant serving both Korean and International dishes, a small business center, and a friendly staff. Room rates begin at $98 a night which, believe it or not, is budget price in Seoul.
Ulji-Ro Co-Op Residence - Another of Seoul's best budget hotels is the Ulji-Ro Co-Op Residence. Close to subway and trains stations, the Ulji-Ro Co-Op Residence is also only a five minute walk to several of Seoul's top shopping areas.
The hotel has 250 guest rooms in three room styles. Each guest room is small and minimalistic in design but each offers excellent amenities including a flat screen TV with cable, refrigerator, Wi-Fi internet, dining table and a small kitchenette if you like to cook in your room. If you'd prefer to eat out, the hotel has an excellent restaurant, a small fitness center, a business center and a laundry room.
Room rates at Ulji-Ro Co-Op Residence are slightly more budget than the Hotel Elle Inn, with beginning rates at $73 a night including breakfast.
Alpha Guest House - In a great location in the Shinchon area of Seoul and next to a local Buddhist temple, the Alpha Guest House offers budget accommodation with basic amenities and friendly staff.
At Alpha Guest House, rooms are simple but clean and well-taken care of. Each room has an en suite bath, air conditioning, internet and flat screen TV. There are also dorm rooms available where, of course, you'll share a room and a bathroom, but these too are spotlessly clean and have lockable lockers and bunk beds.
Breakfast is included in the room rate and it's good, or you can cook your own as well as your own lunch and dinner in the available kitchen. The guest house also has a small lounge and free washing machines, handy if you've been traveling for a while.
The Alpha Guest House doesn't offer world-class accommodation, but what it does offer is a clean and safe place to stay with friendly, helpful staff and comfortable beds. For only $48 a night for a double room or $39 a night for a single, prices are cheap for Seoul, and of course if you need even cheaper dorm rooms are around $22 a night.
