Holiday Inn Gwangju IHG Hotel Review – My Honest Stay Experience

During my recent 2-day trip to Gwangju, I stayed at the Holiday Inn Gwangju IHG Hotel. After comparing several options, I found that booking through Naver provided a more affordable price, and it even included a coffee voucher, making it a great deal.

Many travelers tend to book directly through the hotel’s official website, but sometimes platforms like Naver offer better deals. If you don’t need IHG membership perks, checking third-party reservations is a good idea.

Location

🏨 Room & Facilities

The Holiday Inn Gwangju offers spacious rooms, though the hotel itself has a slightly aged feel. However, it is well-maintained and clean. The hotel’s exterior design is unique, making it easy to recognize. Located near the Kim Dae-Jung Convention Center and Gwangju Songjeong Station, the hotel is very convenient for travelers. Additionally, free parking is available, making it a good choice for those driving in.

🚗 Note: The parking lot can be crowded on weekend mornings due to wedding events, but it clears up in the afternoon.

🏡 Inside the Room

• View: With few tall buildings around, the view felt open and spacious.
• Bathroom: No bathtub, but Dove-branded toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion) are provided.
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Not provided due to Korean law, which exempts hotels with more than 50 rooms from providing these amenities. Guests must bring their own.
• Bedding: Soft and firm pillows are available, allowing guests to choose according to their preference.
• TV: The television is small and does not support Netflix or other OTT streaming services.
• Desk & Outlets: A moderately sized desk makes it suitable for working, and there are plenty of power outlets for charging devices.
• Mini Fridge & Minibar: A small refrigerator is provided, but there is no minibar.

🏊 Additional Facilities

• Swimming Pool: The pool is not divided into separate sections, but natural sunlight makes it feel bright and pleasant.
• Fitness Center: Well-equipped with various exercise machines and open 24 hours, making it convenient for all guests.
• Spa & Sauna: Available for an additional fee, with a spacious sauna area that maintains a comfortable temperature.

☕ Lobby & Service

The lobby is spacious and well-lit, creating a welcoming atmosphere. One unique feature is the large, stylish clock behind the check-in counter, which adds a distinctive touch. Both check-in and check-out were handled quickly, and the staff was polite and helpful throughout my stay. The waiting area also has plenty of seating, making it comfortable for guests arriving early or checking out late.

🍽️ Dining Options

The hotel operates a restaurant offering a breakfast buffet with a mix of Korean and Western options. Guests can enjoy made-to-order omelets, freshly baked pastries, and traditional Korean dishes. Additionally, room service is available, allowing guests to dine comfortably in their rooms.

✨ Final Thoughts

✔ Spacious and well-maintained rooms ✔ Convenient location near Kim Dae-Jung Convention Center and Gwangju Songjeong Station ✔ Bright and comfortable swimming pool with natural sunlight ✔ Distinctive exterior design makes the hotel easy to find ✔ Unique lobby clock adds character to the space ✔ 24-hour fitness center for flexible workout schedules ✔ Breakfast buffet with diverse menu options

❌ Toothbrush & toothpaste are not provided (due to Korean regulations, guests must bring their own) ❌ Parking can be crowded on weekend mornings ❌ Small TV with no Netflix or streaming service support ❌ No minibar, so guests need to buy snacks and drinks separately

For those looking for a clean and reasonably priced hotel in Gwangju, the Holiday Inn Gwangju IHG is a solid option. 😊