Bonum 1957 Hanok and Boutique

Bonum 1957 Hanok and Boutique, a Michelin Key Selected property in Seoul, Korea, offers a distinctive stay that merges traditional Korean hanok charm with modern boutique hotel comforts. This intimate property, featuring only nine rooms, is generally well-regarded for its unique ambiance and exceptional location in the historic Bukchon Hanok Village.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Bonum 1957 Hanok and Boutique is largely positive, with guests appreciating its unique cultural experience and prime location. Many describe it as atmospheric and a quiet haven. However, some recurring issues regarding cleanliness, maintenance, and service consistency temper the overall enthusiasm.

2. Key Highlights

Guests frequently praise the hotel's fabulous location at the entrance to Bukchon Hanok Village, offering easy access to major attractions, shopping, and dining. The unique experience of staying in a traditional hanok, seamlessly blended with modern elements, is a significant draw. Reviewers also highlight the beautiful outdoor areas, including a spacious garden and a terrace with views. The intimate and exclusive atmosphere, due to its small number of rooms, contributes to a sense of tranquility and privacy.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Bonum 1957 Hanok and Boutique are designed with a blend of traditional hanok elements and modern comforts. Guests can choose between traditional Korean-style floor bedding or Western-style beds. Rooms are often described as spacious, with wooden floors, paper windows, and heated floors. Some rooms feature a patio or balcony, offering pleasant garden views. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, kettle, bidet, free toiletries, wardrobe, private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi.

However, there are notable complaints regarding room quality. Some guests reported cleanliness issues, including mold in bathrooms and dusty rooms. Maintenance concerns have been raised, such as outdated facilities, broken chairs, and erratic hot water in showers. The plumbing system, common in older Korean buildings, may also require guests to dispose of toilet paper separately. Some rooms, particularly smaller ones, may have limited closet space. Guests staying in hanok rooms have also mentioned issues with the inability to lock their doors and gaps to the outside which can lead to mosquitoes or cold in winter.

4. Dining Experience

Bonum 1957 Hanok and Boutique has an on-site coffee house/cafe, "Uva Tea & Wine," which also functions as a bar, offering coffee, tea, whiskey, wine, and light snacks. While some sources mention room service for breakfast and dinner, other guest reviews indicate that breakfast may not always be available or included, with some specifically stating "no breakfast or room service" or that breakfast service was suspended due to COVID-19. Therefore, guests should verify current dining options when booking. Nearby dining options, such as Hwangsaengga Kalguksu, are within walking distance.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is generally positive, with many guests commending the team for being friendly, helpful, and attentive, going "above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay." Staff often speak fluent English, aiding international travelers. However, some reviews also mention instances of unhelpful staff and a perceived lack of personal touches, suggesting the service can sometimes feel impersonal despite the hotel's small size.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location in the Jongno-Gu district, specifically at the entrance to Bukchon Hanok Village, is consistently highlighted as superb. It offers excellent accessibility to numerous attractions, including Gyeongbokgung Palace (8 minutes on foot), Changdeokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, and Insadong, all within walking distance. Anguk underground station is approximately a 10-minute walk away, providing convenient access to public transportation. The area is surrounded by cafes, shops, and restaurants, though dining options within Bukchon Hanok Village itself may be limited later in the evening.

However, a significant accessibility point to note is the lack of an elevator, which can pose a challenge for guests with heavy luggage. On-site parking is not available due to the area being designated a Hanok Conservation Area, requiring guests to use nearby public parking lots.

7. Value & Pricing

Value for money receives mixed reviews. While some guests found it "well worth the price" for the unique experience and location, others felt it was "a bit expensive for what you get" or "not worth the price" given some of the maintenance and amenity issues. Average room prices are around $211, though rates can vary significantly, with some ranging from $80 to over $290.

8. Common Complaints

Recurring criticisms include:

• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Reports of dusty rooms, mold in bathrooms, outdated facilities, and erratic hot water.
• Plumbing Issues: The traditional plumbing system may require guests to dispose of used toilet paper in a bin rather than flushing it, which some found inconvenient.
• Lack of Elevator: This is a frequent point of frustration for guests with heavy luggage.
• Dining Inconsistencies: The lack of a consistently available or included breakfast, despite mentions of room service, has been noted.
• Room Specifics: Some rooms can be small with limited storage, and noise at night has been reported. Issues with hanok rooms not being lockable and having gaps to the outside (leading to mosquitoes or cold) have also been mentioned.
• Service Inconsistencies: While often praised, some guests experienced unhelpful staff or a lack of personalized service.

Sources

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