I have read about the setup of Airbnb where accommodations are being listed on this by home or property owners to rent their apartments out for short stays. This is getting increasingly popular.
During our planning for our 2014 Korea trip, we considered the option of such apartments. As hotels in Seoul are not only expensive, it is extremely tiny. We stayed in a hotel in Seoul in 2013 for 3 adults and 1 child. The beds were so tiny and there was hardly any space for us to put our luggages.
Since it is expensive and tiny, why not try rent an apartment that is reasonably priced, we thought. If its tiny, at least it isn't expensive. Anyway, most of the time we are out. Importantly, the location must be accessible, clean, safe and can provide us with night rest. We visited airbnb's site and did a search. Saw some really nice apartments based on the listings. Some looked pretty huge but unfortunately couldn't accommodate us during our visit there as they were booked.
We found one in the end that was decent and best it was located just above a subway and the airport bus stop was just right infront of the apartment building! And its located near to the palaces and Insadong!
Guess how much it cost?
We paid about S$800 for 9 days 8 nights inclusive of admin charge. That was a steal! If we had booked a hotel for the same number of nights in myeongdong, that could easily set us back by $2000! That is a savings of $1200... that means I can buy more stuff. Haha!!
Prior to arrival, the apartment owner kept us updated on our booking with reminders and details on how to get to the apartment. He even emailed us the passcode to get into the unit. Every new guests will receive a new set of passcode. Upon arrival, it was really true to what was described on the listing. The airport bus arrived right infront of the building. The building is quiet but safe and clean. There is a security guard at the ground floor so its really safe and the police station is just down the street!
The one room apartment is clean. Although small, it is definitely much bigger than a hotel room in Seoul. The apartment owner left all the instructions needed to operate the heater / aircon / machine in English in the room. Towels, shampoo and shower gels are provided. Even washing powder are provided so that we can wash our clothes and it comes with drying function. That was great... that means we can bring lesser clothes during travel but yet have fresh clothes to wear.
We were also left with a contact who can communicate in English via Whatsapp should we need help or more toiletries. I had trouble understanding how to get to Nami Island so I whatsapped the assistant and got a prompt reply. He wasn't sure so he went online to check it for me. Free WiFi was also available in the apartment.
The only negative thing I had was the shower system. Sometimes it was super hot and sometimes super cold so it really took us all longer to shower due to that. Other than that, it was all good!
The entire experience was fuss free and pleasant. Thank god our 1st experience renting such an apartment via Airbnb was good. We will definitely try it again!
Website: https://www.airbnb.com.sg
Will I Try It Again: Yes
Got Service: 9/10
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