L7 Hongdae Review – Full Guide to Rooms, Breakfast & Price

Hey, everyone! Sophie Kim here, editor of KoreaWise.net. If you want an honest L7 Hongdae review, you’ve come to the right place.

Night entrance sign of L7 Hongdae Review hotel

I recently checked into L7 Hongdae Hotel, a hotel that truly captures Seoul’s youthful, artistic soul. Its tagline, a “cultural hub for the hip traveler,” fits perfectly. I’ve broken down everything I saw, felt, and experienced. Read on to see if this hotel is right for your next trip to Seoul.

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Location, Location, Location: My Honest L7 Hongdae Review

Let’s first talk about the location. L7 Hongdae is at 141 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu. It sits right in front of Exit 1 of Hongik University Station. The moment I stepped out, the vibrant energy of Hongdae enveloped me. Shopping, dining, live music, and street art were all a step away.

This location is a dream for a traveler who loves to walk. Hongik University Station is a major transit hub. It connects the Airport Railroad (AREX), Line 2, and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line. This makes getting to any part of Seoul incredibly easy. Whether I headed to Gangnam for shopping or Itaewon for a night out, the train was just a minute away.

Getting to the hotel from Incheon International Airport was also a breeze. I traveled light, so I took the Airport Railroad (AREX). It was a straight shot. I arrived at Hongdae in about 53 minutes on the express train or 59 minutes on the all-stop train. The fare was affordable, too, at ₩4,000 to ₩5,500. If you have more luggage, or prefer a more comfortable ride, a limousine bus is a great alternative. It takes about 37 minutes and costs between ₩16,000 and ₩18,000. It’s a nice option, but the AREX was perfect for me.

An Artistic Journey to the Top

Sign for 21st floor front desk at L7 Hongdae Review

L7 Hongdae surprised me immediately. Most hotels have a ground floor front desk. Here, you enter a minimalist lobby and take an elevator to the 21st floor.

Check-in counter at L7 Hongdae Review with city view

I felt like I was entering a hidden world above the city’s chaos. The only drawback? A long wait for the elevator during peak check-in time. It felt like a small price for the “big reveal” at the top.

A Gallery in the Sky: A Full L7 Hongdae Review of the Lobby

I stepped out of the elevator onto the 21st floor. The scene looked like an art gallery. The lobby and lounge display captivating works by local Hongdae artists like Novo and Gwangho Lee. This strongly highlights the hotel’s artistic identity. The panoramic city view from the lounge was breathtaking. They also offer a pool table, chess, a record player, and a curated selection of books. This makes waiting for check-in feel more like an adventure. It’s a space you want to hang out in.

Artistic lounge space at L7 Hongdae Review with cozy seating

Check-in was a breeze. I had pre-booked my stay and finished the process quickly with no long lines. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. I really appreciated the “express check-out” system. I just dropped my card key into a designated box on the first floor. It was simple, fast, and exactly what I needed when I was ready to go. This part of my L7 Hongdae review was a definite positive.

My Hongdae Oasis: Inside My Room for this L7 Hongdae Review

Modern Standard Double Room interior at L7 Hongdae Review

I stayed in a non-smoking Standard Double Room. It was about 24.8㎡ (approximately 267 sq ft) with one double bed. The room felt much more spacious than I expected. They use the space very efficiently. The modern, sleek interior gave the room a clean, cozy, and sophisticated vibe. This is a key part of any L7 Hongdae review.

Night view of Standard Double Room at L7 Hongdae Review

The bedding was incredibly comfortable. I had no trouble falling asleep. However, some friends say the pillows in some rooms can feel too soft and thin. This might be uncomfortable for those who need more neck support. If you’re sensitive, check the pillows as soon as you get in. Ask for a different type if you need to.

Soft pillows provided in the Standard Room at L7 Hongdae

Amenities & Bathroom

The room had all the essentials: Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a mini-fridge, a flat-screen TV, a closet, and an electric kettle. The bathroom had a shower booth. No curtain or door meant water splashed onto the floor easily—a minor but annoying inconvenience.

Hallway view of Standard Room at L7 Hongdae Review

The amenities were a highlight. They provided hand wash, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash from my favorite brand, Malin+Goetz. The scent was wonderful. Here’s a crucial tip: they don’t provide toothbrushes or toothpaste.

I was caught off guard and bought some from the Maxi Bar on the 21st floor. Make sure to pack your own! The room also came with a uniquely designed hooded robe and slippers. These were a nice, comfortable touch. My only other complaint was a faint, musty smell on the towels. It was noticeable enough to mention.

The Heart of the Hotel: A Deeper L7 Hongdae Review

The Blue Roof Lounge on the 21st floor is truly the heart of the hotel. It’s inspired by the old “Cheonggiwa Gas Station,” a former Hongdae landmark. You can feel that artistic vibe in every corner. Its collection of books and vinyl records, along with pool and billiards tables, makes it a fantastic place to unwind or socialize. It feels less like a hotel lounge and more like a chic neighborhood hangout.

Urban Relaxation: A Special L7 Hongdae Review of the Pool

Daytime rooftop pool at L7 Hongdae Review

The hotel also offers a well-equipped gym on the 5th floor. I used it and found it very clean. It was great to exercise with a city view.

Outdoor lounge chairs at L7 Hongdae rooftop

The rooftop pool on the 22nd floor is the real showstopper. My package didn’t include pool access, so I paid a separate fee. It was worth it. Not many people were there, so I had the whole place to myself. I took my time, snapped amazing photos, and just relaxed. At night, Hongdae’s neon lights were stunning. I felt like I was in a different city. It was a unique experience.

Rooftop pool view at L7 Hongdae Review during night

The Breakfast Breakdown

Entrance to The Place restaurant at L7 Hongdae Review

Breakfast at L7 Hongdae is a full buffet, served at “The Place” restaurant on the 21st floor. Breakfast hours are 7 AM to 10 AM, and the fee is ₩25,000 per adult.

Dining space at The Place restaurant in L7 Hongdae Review

The selection isn’t as extensive as a luxury hotel, but it was perfectly sufficient. The food was clean, the flavors were fresh, and it was a great way to start the day.

Breakfast buffet selection at L7 Hongdae

Final Thoughts: Is the L7 Hongdae Hotel Right For You?

The average price for a Standard Double Room at L7 Hongdae ranges from ₩226,065 to ₩290,050 per night. This is a bit high compared to other Seoul hotels. Prices fluctuate a lot depending on the day and season. The cheapest rates are usually on weekdays, with prices dropping to around ₩208,056. February is the most budget-friendly month, with the average one-night stay going for as low as ₩133,708. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can find a good deal.

L7 Hongdae was so much more than a place to sleep. It was a truly “hip” and immersive experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Hongdae’s vibrant culture, appreciates art and design, and values a convenient location. I hope this L7 Hongdae review was helpful.

However, keep a few things in mind before you book:

Are you sensitive to noise? Ask for a room on a higher floor or one that faces away from the main road.
Pool access costs extra. Be prepared to pay for it separately unless your package includes it.
Don’t expect a full buffet breakfast. If you’re a foodie, exploring Hongdae’s countless restaurants might be a better option than the hotel breakfast.

With these things in mind, the L7 Hongdae Hotel will give you an unforgettable, special memory of your trip to Seoul.