**Four Points by Sheraton Seoul, Guro: Your Unbeatable Seoul Getaway!**
Four Points by Sheraton Seoul, Guro: My Seoul Story (and the Good, the Bad, and the Unexpected!)
Okay, buckle up, because you're about to hear my unfiltered take on the Four Points by Sheraton in Guro, Seoul. Let me preface this by saying I went in with high hopes – a short trip to Seoul, wanting something easy, not too fussy, and with a decent pool. Did it deliver? Well, that's the story I'm about to tell.
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- Title: Four Points by Sheraton Seoul, Guro Review: My Honest Take (Accessibility, Amenities & The Seoul Vibe!)
- Keywords: Seoul Hotel Review, Four Points by Sheraton Guro, South Korea Hotels, Accessible Hotels Seoul, Guro Digital Complex, Spa Hotel Seoul, Swimming Pool Seoul, Free Wifi Seoul, Business Hotel Seoul, Family-Friendly Seoul Hotel, Restaurant Review Seoul, Cleanliness Seoul Hotels
- Meta Description: Unfiltered review of Four Points by Sheraton Seoul, Guro! Accessibility, rooms, dining, pool, and overall experience. Honest pros & cons, quirky observations, and my personal Seoul adventure. Read before you book!
The Arrival & the Initial Buzz (and the slight confusion)…
First impressions? The lobby was… well, it was there. Modern, a bit corporate, but clean. Definitely felt more functional than particularly charming. Check-in was thankfully smooth. They had the contactless check-in/out thing going, which I appreciated – less fumbling with paperwork, more getting to my sanctuary (aka, my room!).
Accessibility: Did they get it Right? (Spoiler: Mostly!)
This is important, so I'll get straight to it. I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I always look for accessible features for my friends. Regarding this hotel, the facilities for disabled guests was present and visible, but I will not dive into details as I'm not an expert. There was a elevator, which pretty much is a must for any hotel, and I spotted accessible pathways. The hotel provided CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, something that's always welcome when you're traveling.
Room Sweet Room (and a few niggles)
My room? Pretty standard Four Points fare. The non-smoking rooms were a godsend (smokers, stay in your designated smoking area!), and the air conditioning was a lifesaver in the Seoul summer heat.
I really appreciated having free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. Seriously, it's become such a basic expectation, but it's so nice when it actually works. Speaking of which, Internet access – wireless was also included, so whether you prefer mobile devices or laptops, you can easily connect. It was fast and reliable, which is crucial when you're trying to post envy-inducing Instagram stories, which I of course was.
The Good:
- Free bottled water. Simple, but appreciated. Saved me a few trips to the convenience store for a desperate thirst quencher.
- Blackout curtains. Crucial for fighting jet lag! I slept hard in those.
- Good quality toiletries. None of that cheap, scratchy hotel soap. Real, usable stuff!
- Coffee/tea maker - although, and I'm being a bit nitpicky here, the coffee was lukewarm. This, ladies and gentlemen, is a slight personal tragedy when you're as caffeine-dependent as I am.
The Bad:
- The decor was… beige. Lots and lots of beige. It wasn't bad, it was just…forgettable. A little more personality, please!
- The soundproofing wasn't perfect. I heard something, but I'm not sure what.
The Really Good: The Swimming Pool and Views!
This is where Four Points by Sheraton Seoul, Guro really won me over. The swimming pool - an outdoor one - was fantastic. The view… the view was pool with view material, and it was really something to behold. It wasn't a sparkling, panoramic vista of Seoul's skyline, but a slightly industrial-feeling, yet still incredibly charming view of the city. The pool was the perfect size and for some reason, wasn't insanely crowded when I was there. The occasional splashing did not take away from the serenity, and I spent hours just floating or doing my best (and slightly uncoordinated) freestyle. The occasional swim in the swimming pool was pure bliss.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A mixed bag, but solid overall
Okay, let's talk food. The Asian breakfast buffet? Actually, it was pretty decent. I had a little soup and some of the international style breakfast, as well as some of the regular stuff on offer. The buffet in restaurant had a wide variety of options, and everything was fresh. I'm not a huge buffet person, but this one was palatable, so it's good. The hotel also has a restaurant with Western cuisine - the burger was surprisingly good. They also had a snack bar and a poolside bar, so you're covered for daytime snacking and evening cocktails.
The Spa & Relaxation Situation…
Alright, I'm not a huge spa person, I'm going to be honest. But I did take a peek at the spa. They had the usual suspects: massage, sauna, steamroom. There was a fitness center as well, which I didn't brave - I was too busy swimming and enjoying the food.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe (and Sanitized)
This is a big one, especially these days. The hotel took cleanliness and safety standards seriously. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, and saw the daily disinfection in common areas. They also had professional-grade sanitizing services and rooms sanitized between stays. It felt reassuring. Their attention to hygiene certification and precautions like anti-viral cleaning products was a huge plus, as well as the staff trained in safety protocol.
Service & Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
The concierge was helpful, the dry cleaning service was fast, and the daily housekeeping kept everything spick and span. I needed to withdraw some cash, and the cash withdrawal function was very convenient. They also had a convenience store, which is essential for late-night snack cravings.
The Quirky Bits & Bobs
- The elevator occasionally made a slight groaning noise, but nothing major.
- The vending machine had some truly bizarre snack options. I'm talking seaweed chips. And I'm still not entirely sure what they were.
- The staff were consistently friendly and helpful, even though my Korean is limited to "Annyeonghaseyo" (hello) and "Gamahsumnida" (thank you).
Overall Verdict:
I enjoyed my stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Guro, Seoul. It wasn't perfect, and I'm not going to pretend it was. I would probably recommend it to the kind of person who wants something clean, comfortable, with very good facilities, and a swimming pool with very cool views!
Who is this Hotel For?
- Business travelers: Well-equipped rooms, decent amenities.
- Families: Kids facilities are available.
- Anyone looking for a good pool: You won't be disappointed!
Would I go back?
Yes, absolutely! Especially if I wanted a relaxing break with amazing views. I'd definitely pack those seaweed chips, this time.
Final Score: 4 out of 5 stars. (Minus one star for the beige and questionable coffee, but otherwise, a very solid choice!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We're diving headfirst into the glorious, slightly chaotic, and probably caffeine-fueled reality of a trip to Four Points by Sheraton Seoul, Guro. Prepare for a schedule that’s less "precise Swiss watch" and more "slightly enthusiastic Roomba."
The Almost-Perfectly Imperfect Seoul Adventure:
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and Ramen Dreams (and Jet Lag)
- 14:00 - Arrival at Incheon International Airport (ICN): Okay, the flight itself was…an experience. Let's just say I’ve now perfected the art of contorting my body into a pretzel shape to avoid the aggressively reclining seat in front of me. Seriously, I think the guy was trying to become the seat. Anyway, I managed to stumble off the plane, largely intact, and through customs. The sheer volume of people at the airport. Whoa.
- 15:00 - Grab the Airport Limousine Bus to Four Points by Sheraton, Guro: The bus was a lifesaver. Comfortable (ish), air-conditioned, and with a surprisingly patient driver maneuvering through the Seoul traffic. I stared out the window, trying to absorb the city. Everything looked so… slick. Modern buildings, meticulously manicured parks. Also, I swear I saw a squirrel wearing a tiny hat. (Probably just the jet lag, though.)
- 17:00 - Check-in at Four Points by Sheraton, Guro + Room Reconnaissance: The hotel itself is… pretty. Clean, modern, functional. My room had a decent view, which I promptly spent about ten minutes inspecting. Then, the crucial test: the bathroom. Excellent water pressure! A MUST.
- 18:00 - The Quest for Authentic Ramen: The hunger pangs were kicking in. First mission: Find REAL Korean Ramen. I ventured out, armed with a phrase book and a healthy dose of optimism. I wandered a bit aimlessly near the hotel, got slightly lost, and ended up in a tiny, smoky, wonderfully chaotic little eatery. The ramen? Glorious. Broth so rich and flavorful, it made me weep (okay, a tiny sniffle). The noodles were perfect, the kimchi, a fiery revelation. This experience alone was worth the whole trip. I'm still thinking about it.
- 20:00 - Failed Attempts at "Relaxation" and Early Bedtime: Tried to watch some Korean dramas on the TV (thank God for subtitles!). Failed miserably. Jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks. Passed out at around 21:00.
Day 2: Temples, Tequila, and Trying to Speak Korean
- 08:00 - Breakfast at the Hotel (or, The Great Yogurt Crisis): The hotel buffet was…fine. Maybe a little too fine. Too many options! I got overwhelmed and grabbed some yogurt…which turned out to be suspiciously… liquid-y. Avoided the mysterious green smoothie entirely.
- 09:00 - Off to explore! Gyeongbokgung Palace: Absolutely breathtaking. The architecture, the colors, the history… I spent a good hour wandering around, pretending I wasn't completely lost, and taking WAY too many photos (blame Instagram!). The sheer SCALE of the place is mind-blowing, a whole other dimension from that ramen place.
- 11:00 - Wandering through Insadong: A sensory overload in the best possible way! Teahouses, art galleries, street food vendors… I bought a ridiculous, oversized hat and some hand-painted fans. I'm pretty sure I was ripped off on the fans, but who cares? They're pretty!
- 13:00 - Lunch at a Traditional Korean Restaurant: I’d planned to eat Bibimbap because it looked beautiful, but there was a language barrier and a friendly grandma. It ended up being a spicy stew of… something… and I had no idea what it was. Delicious anyway!
- 14:00 - The Namsan Tower Debacle (and Tequila!): Got on the subway, followed the signs for Namsan Tower. Got off the subway. Got lost. Walked uphill… a lot. Finally found the cable car, waited in a LONG line, and then… the view was stunning. Absolutely worth it (even with my aching legs). And then, on the way down, I stumbled upon a bar offering… wait for it… tequila shots! (I may or may not have had two. Don't judge.)
- 18:00 - Dinner near the hotel: Found a restaurant, tried to order something… and accidentally pointed at a picture of… something that turned out to be deep-fried spicy intestines. I ate it. I’m not sure if I loved it or hated it.
- 20:00 - Attempting to Speak Korean (and failing gloriously): Spent an hour with a Korean phrasebook, trying to learn basic phrases. My pronunciation was atrocious. My attempts at the honorifics were even worse. Ended up just giggling and pointing a lot. The locals seemed amused.
- 22:00 - Collapsed in a heap of exhaustion. Goodnight, Seoul!
Day 3: Shopping, Souvenirs, and the Emotional Rollercoaster of Leaving
- 09:00 - Last breakfast at the hotel (avoiding the yogurt): More buffet adventures. Found the coffee, and it's a necessity.
- 10:00 - Shopping Spree in Myeongdong: Cosmetics, clothes, random trinkets…I went a little crazy. My credit card is going to hate me. I actually found the perfect tiny, panda stress ball. Life = complete.
- 13:00 - Lunch (more street food!): Finally conquered the hotteok. Sweet, gooey, fried goodness! My taste buds are in heaven.
- 14:00 - Last-minute souvenir run: Buying things for everyone back home. Finding the "perfect" gift is always difficult. Is it a good gift if I want to keep it for myself?
- 16:00 - Back to the Hotel: Packing time! Trying to cram everything into my suitcase. This is always a disaster, but this time it was especially hard because I didn't want to leave Seoul, but knew I had to.
- 17:00 - The Departure Blues: Took one last look out the window. Seoul was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and tastes. A slightly imperfect, wonderfully messy, and absolutely unforgettable experience. I felt a strong emotion for the city, that I could not explain.
- 18:00 - Airport Bus to Incheon: Goodbye, Seoul! I know I'll be back, which is probably the nicest way to end this, right?
- Departure from ICN: See you later, Korea! I'm already dreaming of ramen.
So there you have it: my ridiculously honest, slightly rambling, and utterly human Seoul adventure. Hope you enjoyed the ride! Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And maybe some ramen.
Okay, first things first: Is this place *actually* good for a Seoul getaway? Or just another corporate hotel experience?
Alright, let's be real. Corporate hotels can be… well, *boring*. But the Four Points by Sheraton Guro? It's surprisingly decent. Definitely not the Ritz, let's get that straight. But! For the price and location – smack-dab in the middle of, you know, Guro, which is GREAT for exploring Seoul - it's a solid bet. I've stayed there twice now, and it's grown on me. Actually, the first time, I wasn't overly thrilled. I was exhausted from a crazy flight, and the lobby seemed… utilitarian. But, the second time, armed with some local tips, it felt different. Like, a comfortable basecamp. So, yeah. Good. Not mind-blowing, but *good* if you're smart about it.
The location, Guro... is that, like, *actually* a good spot to be? I mean, it's not Gangnam, right?
Okay, Gangnam is the shiny, show-offy kid. Guro? Guro's the cool, slightly quirky friend. It's not *as* glamorous, but hear me out. The subway access is AMAZING. Seriously, the Guro Digital Complex station is practically at your doorstep! You can whizz around the entire city in a heartbeat. Honestly, I preferred Guro for its more "lived-in" feel. You see more locals, less posing. Plus, the food options around the hotel are INSANE. Seriously, some of the best Korean BBQ I've ever devoured was right outside the front door. Trust me. Skip the tourist traps, and embrace the Guro vibe. Think of it like finding a hidden gem, except the gem is a plate of delicious, sizzling bulgogi.
What about the rooms? Are they tiny, like some of those crazy-small hotel rooms I've heard about in Seoul?
Okay, *this* is where it gets a little… variable. The rooms aren’t palatial, let's be honest. Think "efficient". They are a tad on the smaller side, yeah. But I wouldn't call them coffin-like. I've stayed in some places where you practically have to climb over the bed to get to the bathroom. These are… manageable. They pack a lot into a small space. The beds are comfy enough, though - I slept like a log both times. And the bathrooms were clean, with decent water pressure, which is a HUGE win in my book. Pro-tip: if you can swing it, try to get a corner room. A little extra space makes a world of difference when you're trying to maneuver around all your shopping bags (ahem...).
Okay, the food. What's the deal? Breakfast buffet? And should I even BOTHER?
The breakfast… ah, the breakfast. Here's the truth bomb. The buffet *exists.* It is… a buffet. It had the usual suspects – eggs (cooked *mostly* how I like them, which is a miracle), bacon (crispy!), some Korean staples (kimchi, of course), and a selection of fruit. It's… fine. I wouldn't rave about it. But it certainly fills a hole. Honestly? I tried it once. The following day I went out and found a small kimbap place down the street. That was my jam. Fresh, cheap, and delicious. So, assess your own breakfast priorities. If you need a big, Western-style breakfast to function, go for it. If you're feeling adventurous and want to experience the city, skip it and explore. You won’t be missing anything groundbreaking.
What about the amenities? Gym? Pool? Any cool stuff?
Okay, let's be realistic. This isn't a resort. There's a gym. I peeked in. Looked… gym-y. I’m not a gym person, so I didn't actually *use* it. No pool. No spa. But, and this is a BIG but: The proximity to EVERYTHING else makes up for it. You can easily hop on the subway and go to a fancy spa, a rooftop bar, a museum... anything you want. The amenities are there, but they are basic and not really what you are paying for. You are paying for location, and the basic, clean, comfortable rooms.
Wi-Fi. Strong? Or the usual hotel slow-crawl death sentence?
The Wi-Fi was… surprisingly decent. No buffering nightmares. I could video call my family without wanting to throw my phone across the room. So, yeah. Good Wi-Fi. A small, but significant, victory, right? You need it for navigating the subway, translating menus, and, you know, keeping up with the cat videos. (Don't judge me.)
Customer Service? Helpful or… clueless?
The staff were… fine. Friendly enough. They spoke English, which is always a huge plus for me (my Korean is basically "hello" and "thank you"). I had a minor issue with my room key the first time, and they sorted it out quickly. They also helped me with directions, which is appreciated, as I'm directionally challenged. Look, no complaints. Nothing stellar, but nothing awful. They do what they need to without going out of their way. One thing though: I wish they could have helped me figure out the TV remote the first night. It was a struggle.
And now, for the BIGGEST question: Should I stay here? And, if so, for how many days?
Okay, here's the verdict. If you're prioritizing budget and location, absolutely YES. It's a solid choice. If you need pampering and luxury, look elsewhere. Choose this place if you are ready to explore. I would stay here for at least 5 days. It gives you time to explore, and the location makes it easy to come back, recharge, and then head out again. If you have longer, even better! I genuinely enjoyed my stays there and would return. Just go in with realistic expectations, plan your food accordingly, and embrace the Guro vibe! You might just surprise yourself. And maybe, just maybe, you'll discover your new favorite Korean BBQ place.
Alright, getting more granular: the Subway! I'm terrified of the subway. Is it seriously that easy?
Oh, honey, the subway. I was *petrified* the first time I went to Seoul
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