Kaya Hotel

Quirky Staff, Cheap Room, Quiet and Cozy

I stayed at Hotel Kaya for nearly a month, November, 2005. Its location is its biggest plus- next to the USO (CHEAP EATS!), across from Yongsan army base (if you can get on), and is one stop away from both Yongsan Station and Seoul Station (Namyeong station is behind the Kaya, just go out, take a right, take a left, and it is right there). There are restaurants pretty much all around the Kaya, PC Bang are present, Dunkin Donuts is a two minute walk from the Kaya, as is Outback Steakhouse, for those looking for Western style. The OK Mart is next to Dunkin Donuts, which allows one the ability to purchase spicy ramyun noodles and a few bottles of Soju at 4am. Itaewon is about 4 minutes away in a Taxi. The Korea War Museum is about a 15 minute walk (go out the front, go right, go left on the first major road- this is where the Korea War Museum is, and is next to Gate 5 of Yongsan, and if you keep walking, you'll hit Itaewon).

The hotel is small, but suitable. The rooms are quaint. Pluses- a supplied blow dryer, brush and combs, hair gel, astringent, and body cream, and heated floors. They have an air conditioner that plays a happy little tune, an air purifier, and an emergency flashlight. They have cable TV. The maids are insanely efficient. They have a cigarette machine, and also sell basic supplies in vending machines on each floor.

The manager speaks good English. There is also an older gentleman who works the desk late at night, who spends his time in the "Business Center" (which is composed of two computers next to a cold window, with barely enough room for two occupants), playing online games. He constantly says, "AWWWW ***!" It was quite amusing when guests attempted to get his attention, and he would ignore them until the last second.

Compared to modern hotels, the Kaya is diminutive; however, for a budget hotel with a fantastic location, I highly recommend it. it is a good center point for visiting Seoul, to the point where you can do a lot on foot, and the subway station is less than 5 minutes away.

Unique Quality: There are no "outstanding" characteristics, aside from the pluses mentioned above. The staff are very polite and helpful, as long as you aren't rude to them.

• Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
• Related to: Historical Travel, Hiking and Walking, Museum Visits

Kaya Hotel Photo: Electric palm tree... heh- budget hotel, anyone?

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