Finding a clean and reasonably priced hotel around Nowon, Dobong, Gangbuk, or Jungnang isn’t as easy as you might expect. That’s why Hotel Bay 204, located just a short walk from Banghak Station (Line 1), stood out as a great option with convenient transportation, practical facilities, and reasonable rates.
Room prices were around KRW 80,000–90,000 on weekdays and about KRW 120,000 on weekends. During my stay, I booked both Suite A and Suite B instead of staying multiple nights in the same room. I also had the chance to look around the Standard Room and take a few photos, so I could compare the different room types.
Here’s my honest experience, along with some practical tips that may help you decide which room suits your trip.
Convenient Location Just Steps from Banghak Station
Hotel Bay 204 is only a 1–2 minute walk from Exit 3 of Banghak Station (Line 1). Although the entrance is tucked slightly around the corner of the building, it’s still easy to find, even on your first visit.
The surrounding area has everything you might need during your stay, whether you’re traveling or visiting Seoul for business.
- A pharmacy open 365 days a year
- Emart24 convenience store with No Brand products
- Olive Young
- A large Daiso about a 5-minute walk away
The Daiso was especially useful. It’s a great place to pick up inexpensive daily essentials, snacks, souvenirs, or bath bombs before heading back to the hotel.
Easy Access to Seoul’s Major Attractions
Although the hotel is located in northern Seoul, getting to the city’s most popular attractions is straightforward thanks to Line 1.
This is one of the routes I frequently use while getting around Seoul:
Banghak Station → Jongno 5-ga (Gwangjang Market) → Jongno 3-ga → Jonggak → City Hall (Transfer to Line 2) → Hongik Univ. Station (Hongdae)
The entire trip takes about 40 minutes. Since the route passes through popular areas like Gwangjang Market, Jongno, and City Hall before reaching Hongdae, it’s an easy way to plan a full day of sightseeing.
If you’re planning to explore Gwangjang Market or the historic Jongno district before heading to Hongdae, this route is simple to follow and requires only one transfer, making it convenient even for first-time visitors to Seoul.
Standard Room – A Practical Choice for Budget Travelers
Although I stayed in the two suite rooms, I also had the opportunity to look inside the Standard Room.
Compared to the suites, it’s more compact and focuses on practicality rather than luxury. It includes all the essentials, such as a comfortable bed, TV, and table, making it a good choice for solo travelers or short business trips.
The bathroom includes a regular-sized bathtub, which is suitable for a relaxing soak after a long day.
The biggest difference is that, unlike the suites, the bathtub is located inside the bathroom rather than in the bedroom area. In particular, Suite A places a large marble bathtub directly in the room, creating a completely different atmosphere.
Standard Room guests also receive the same complimentary benefits, including free breakfast and one welcome drink at the rooftop bar. If you don’t need a large bathtub or a premium room layout, this room offers excellent value for the price.
Suite A – Relax with a Large Marble Bathtub
The first thing that caught my attention when I opened the door was the large marble bathtub placed right in the center of the room.
For me, this bathtub alone makes Suite A worth considering.
A Spacious Bathtub for Two
The bathtub is much larger than what you’ll typically find in a business hotel. Two adults can comfortably use it together, and it would even be spacious enough for children to enjoy a little water play.
Water pressure was strong, although filling the tub takes some time because of its size. I’d recommend starting the water as soon as you check in.
Since the tub is so large, one bath bomb doesn’t make much of an impact. I picked up a few inexpensive bath bombs from the nearby Daiso, and they made the experience much more enjoyable.
Soaking in warm water while watching Netflix was easily one of the highlights of my stay.
Comfortable Room Condition
The bedding felt fresh and comfortable, and the room itself was clean and well maintained.
The TV already had access to popular streaming services such as Netflix, so there was no need to sign in with my own account.
The shower and toilet are separated by glass partitions, while the sink is located beside the bathtub.
Bathrobes, plenty of towels, and an in-room safe were also provided, making the room feel well equipped for a comfortable stay.
A Few Minor Drawbacks
Of course, there were a couple of things worth mentioning.
The window faces a nearby apartment building, so I kept the curtains closed most of the time for privacy.
The TV cannot be adjusted, making it easiest to watch from the bed.
The table and chair also felt a little dated compared to the rest of the room.
Even so, despite having such a large bathtub inside the room, there were no humidity issues or fogged-up windows. The room remained comfortable throughout my stay.
If you’re looking for a room where you can unwind with a long bath and a movie at the end of the day, Suite A is easily the most enjoyable choice.
Suite B – A More Classic Room with Beautiful Mountain Views
I didn’t take as many photos of Suite B because I was exhausted after a long day, but the atmosphere felt quite different from Suite A.
The biggest difference is the layout. While Suite A features a large bathtub placed inside the bedroom area, Suite B follows a more traditional hotel design with the bedroom and bathroom clearly separated.
The bathtub is located inside the bathroom, making it a more familiar layout for travelers who prefer a conventional hotel room.
The Highlight: A View of Dobongsan Mountain
The biggest selling point of Suite B is the view.
Through the large window, you can enjoy Dobongsan Mountain, one of the most famous mountains in northern Seoul.
During the day, the green mountain scenery feels refreshing, while at night the lights from the nearby roads create a peaceful city view.
It’s surprisingly difficult to find a hotel in Seoul where you can relax while looking out at a mountain, and that alone made the room feel more relaxing.
The bathtub is a standard size, similar to the one in the Standard Room, and is comfortable for one adult.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
The bathroom doesn’t have an exterior window, so it feels a little less open than Suite A.
The bathroom floor can also become slightly slippery when wet, so it’s worth being careful after taking a shower or using the bathtub.
I also noticed a few signs of age around the room, including a slightly uneven section of the floor.
Still, the overall layout felt comfortable and well organized. Compared with Suite A, Suite B offered a calmer and more traditional hotel atmosphere.
Complimentary Breakfast (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM)
All guests at Hotel Bay 204 can enjoy a complimentary breakfast served in the restaurant on the basement level.
Breakfast is available from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, so it’s worth getting up a little earlier if you don’t want to miss it.
The menu is simple and includes:
- Jin Ramen (spicy instant noodles)
- Chapagetti (Korean black bean instant noodles)
- Toast
- Strawberry jam
- Coffee
It isn’t a hotel buffet, but it’s more than enough for a quick breakfast before heading out.
One fun feature is the self-service noodle cooking machine, which lets you prepare your ramen just like the popular “Han River ramen.”
I normally skip breakfast, but my friend suggested we give it a try just before service ended. I wasn’t expecting much, but it turned out to be surprisingly satisfying and was a nice way to start the day.
Rooftop 204 – Complimentary Welcome Drink
Another benefit for hotel guests is a free welcome drink at Rooftop 204.
You can choose either a beer or one of the hotel’s signature cocktails.
The indoor area has a slightly classic feel, but the outdoor terrace is much more enjoyable. Looking out over the streets with a cool evening breeze made for a relaxing way to end the day.
I tried the signature omija (Korean magnolia berry) cocktail, which had a refreshing sweet-and-tart flavor that was easy to enjoy.
If the weather is nice, I definitely recommend spending a little time on the rooftop instead of heading straight back to your room.
Which Room Would I Choose?
After seeing all three room types, each one had its own strengths.
The Standard Room is the most practical option for solo travelers or business trips. It still includes a bathtub and all the basic amenities, making it a great value for the price.
Suite A stands out because of its oversized marble bathtub located inside the room. If your idea of relaxing is soaking in a hot bath while watching Netflix, this is easily the best choice.
Suite B, on the other hand, is all about the view. Waking up to Dobongsan Mountain creates a completely different atmosphere, making it a better fit for travelers who enjoy peaceful scenery.
If I visit again, I’d probably choose Suite A for a relaxing stay and Suite B when I want to enjoy the mountain view.
How to Get to Hotel Bay 204
By Subway
Take Seoul Subway Line 1 to Banghak Station and leave through Exit 3. The hotel is only a 1–2 minute walk from the station. Although the entrance is slightly around the corner of the building, it’s easy to find.
From Incheon International Airport
Take the AREX to Seoul Station, then transfer to Subway Line 1 toward Banghak Station. The total journey takes about 1 hour 20–30 minutes, depending on transfer times.
From Gimpo International Airport
Take Subway Line 5 to Jongno 3-ga, transfer to Line 1, and continue to Banghak Station. The trip usually takes around 50–60 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Hotel Bay 204 isn’t a luxury hotel, so it’s best to judge it by its value rather than comparing it with four- or five-star properties.
For around KRW 80,000–90,000 on weekdays and about KRW 120,000 on weekends, you get complimentary breakfast, a welcome drink at the rooftop bar, and a choice between room types that offer very different experiences—from a standard bathtub to an oversized in-room marble tub or a beautiful mountain view.
Its location just a couple of minutes from Banghak Station also makes getting around northern Seoul very convenient, while nearby convenience stores, Olive Young, Daiso, and a pharmacy make the stay even more comfortable.
If you’re looking for an affordable hotel in northern Seoul, Hotel Bay 204 is definitely worth considering.
Bottom Line
Whether you prefer a relaxing in-room spa or a peaceful mountain view, Hotel Bay 204 offers a surprisingly enjoyable stay at a reasonable price in northern Seoul.
Previous Post in Seoul
Zamezip Yukhoe Review | What to Eat at Gwangjang Market
Before this stay, I also visited Zamezip at Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s most popular places for yukhoe (Korean beef tartare).
If you’re wondering what to order, how long the wait is, and whether it’s worth visiting, you can read my full review below.
Previous Post in Seoul
Holiday Inn Hongdae Review | A Convenient Hotel Connected to Hongik University Station
Before staying at Hotel Bay 204, I spent a night at Holiday Inn Hongdae, a comfortable hotel directly connected to Hongik University Station.
If you’re looking for a convenient base for exploring Hongdae and western Seoul, check out my full review below.