Floral Hotel Shin Shin Seoul Myeongdong

ShinShin Hotel sits in a small alley in the bustling, skyscraper-laden center of the city. The building it occupies was completely redesigned and refurbished in 2013, and given a modern look. The vibe here is of a no-frills business hotel, appealing to both business and leisure travelers looking for simple, affordable accommodation in a central location. In keeping with its minimalist concept, the reception area is compact and done up in austere tones of gray and beige, with an orange illuminated panel on the reception counter providing a bright pop of color. A few simple chairs and low tables provide an informal seating area for guests. The other common space, the hotel's breakfast room, is more stylish with exposed ductwork, bentwood chairs, and weathered tables providing a touch of cafe culture to the property. 

ShinShin Hotel is located in central Seoul, close to the city hall. It's just a five-minute walk to the City Hall subway station (serving Line Two), seven minutes on foot to Hoehyeon subway station (serving Line Four), and a 15-minute walk to Seoul train station. Nearby attractions include Namdaemun market, Seoul Tower, Deoksugung palace, the Bank of Korea Money Museum, and the Myeongdong shopping district, all of which can be reached on foot, plus there are many shops, restaurants, and convenience stores located close by. Other top attractions, like the Gyeongbokgung Palace, War Memorial of Korea, and the Changdeokgung Palace, can be easily reached by public transportation. Incheon International Airport is about an hour-and-a-half by public transportation.

The guest rooms at ShinShin Hotel can be a bit cramped, but they are tastefully done up in a simple modern style. The color palette is made up of somber whites and grays juxtaposed with warm tones of wooden floors and wood-grain furniture. Inviting Rooms are furnished in a Korean style, featuring a small sitting area where guests can relax on cushions on the floors. 

All guest rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, docking stations, mini-fridges, safes, and free drinking water. Each room also features an electric kettle, but oddly no coffee or tea, while bathroom amenities include bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, and free toiletries. The electrical sockets are wired for European and North American plugs -- a helpful detail.

Bathrooms are fitted with either shower/tub combos or shower stalls, and many guest rooms have only a glass panel separating the sleeping quarters from the bathroom. Travelers who are not comfortable with this layout should request one of the Heavenly or Inviting Rooms.

This simple, streamlined hotel offers few features, though a buffet breakfast is available for an extra fee and is served in the dining room, which has a bistro look. Drinks and cocktails are available from a self-service bar in the dining room. Guests can make use of the 24-hour business center with two computers and a printer, and help themselves to free tea, coffee, and homemade cookies on offer in the lobby. Other services available include luggage storage, laundry, dry-cleaning, and concierge services. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.