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quiet and friendly, plastered with photos of happy past guests. Look for an orange-tiled
building. Add
₩
5000 to rates for stays on Friday and Saturday.
GUESTHOUSE KOREA $
Line 3 to Anguk, Exit 4; )
The large communal living room is furnished with comfy
armchairs, free computers, a breakfast area and even a bar. Newcomers to Seoul and solo
travellers can mix in and mingle easily even when there's no party raging. The rooms and
dorms have air-con and modern en suites; private rooms also have a TV and fridge. It can
be messy, but is also a friendly place to park your pack.
BACKPACKERS
Myeong-dong & Jung-gu
BANYAN TREE CLUB & SPA$$$
HOTEL
(
2256 6677;
www.banyantreeclub.net
; 60 Jang Chang Dan-ro; r from ₩550,000; Line 3 to Beotigogae, Exit
1; )
Billing itself a 'sanctuary for the senses', the Banyan Tree occupies a hill-
top tower designed by feted local architect Kim Swoon Guen, and offers just four rooms
per floor. Calmly decorated and coolly sophisticated, each has a giant relaxation pool and
amazing views. Guests have access to the darkly luxurious club with its leisure facilities.
In summer there's big outdoor pool surrounded by private cabanas; in winter it becomes a
skating rink.
THE PLAZA$$$
HOTEL
(
771 2200;
www.hoteltheplaza.com
;
23 Taepyeong-ro 2-ga; r from ₩387,200; Line 1 or 2 to City Hall, Exit
6; )
Opposite the rising glass edifice of the new City Hall, you couldn't get
more central than the Plaza, which was given a striking makeover inside and out in 2010.
Rooms now sport a trendy design with giant anglepoise lamps, circular mirrors and crisp
white linens contrasting against dark carpets. It also has some chic restaurants and a good
fitness club with a 20m pool.
WESTIN CHOSUN$$$
)
Not Seoul's most spectacular hotel, but the relaxing atmosphere and the con-
scientious staff keep it a cut above the rest. Each stylish room decorated in soft caramel
tones comes with a rent-free mobile phone and choice of 10 types of pillows. Note though
HOTEL
