Roynet Hotel Seoul Mapo

Newer hotel that is very nice. Lobby and common areas look very nice and modern. Location is very good which is next to Mapo station and lots of bus lines nearby in front of the hotel. Several convenient stores and some quick-eat restaurants around. Also, very close to The Hyundai Seoul mall (5 minute bus ride). Not much in amenities but there is a small fitness gym. There is a rooftop lounge area and restaurant I believe, but it is limited to certain rooms or floors. I tried once to go to the rooftop, but the elevator said my keycard did not allow access to that floor. The rooms and bathrooms are quite good size, very new, and modern. However, the beds are quite hard. They do a great job cleaning the rooms.

Pros: I was upgraded to a deluxe double on the 5th floor and it is very big and spacious. Very big bathroom (seldom seen in Japanese-style hotels) with even a dressing table and separate toilet. Room is clean, there is a pleasantly-scented deodorizing spray for guests to use and there is also an air purifier and humidifier in the room. I really love the room and I’m sure my family would love it too… HOWEVER… Cons: I reached the hotel close to 2pm, just 1hr before check-in time and I was told by a male staff I have to pay 10,000krw if I wish to check in early. (I don’t understand why the room wouldn’t be ready when they harp on the 12noon check-out time constantly.) I returned at 11pm to check in and this time it was a female staff. She checked a few times if I was alone or if my booking was for 2pax (I was alone.) She kept emphasizing 12noon check-out time. My request for a late check-out was turned down. Then I asked if I could leave my luggage at the hotel since my flight will be late at night, and she said only for that day (the day of departure). Having worked in 2 big-name chain hotels before, and being in the hospitality and travel industry for a decade, I am SHOCKED at how unwelcoming this hotel is. It is as though the staff don’t want us to check in and can’t wait for us to be gone. Is it because they know that their product (the rooms) is good so they don’t bother with service??? It is a pity, as on my next trip to Seoul I would like to bring my family with me and stay at this hotel but it looks like I’ll have to search for another.