Hotel berhampiran Pantai Haeundae, Busan

We arrived at the hotel around 8 am and couldn't check in yet, but a staff member named Jimmy was incredibly helpful and accommodating. We opted to use the spa for a shower and onsen bath, costing 10,000 won per person. After that, we were able to check in before noon, which was earlier than scheduled. Overall, the check-in process was excellent. On the first night, we left the room around noon and asked housekeeping to clean it as usual. When we returned late at night, the bathroom was tidy, but the bed hadn't been made – we don't know why. On the second night,we returned at23.00 there was only one towel in the bathroom. On the third night, we requested four bottles of water, leaving a note on the table before leaving, but only received two. The fourth and fifth nights were normal. We spoke with reception, and they said the housekeeping staff were overloaded and losing focus, and it wasn't just our room; several rooms were experiencing the same issue. We told them that a hotel of this caliber shouldn't be like this, but we didn't receive any compensation from the hotel. Overall, the hotel is clean, new, convenient, close to the subway, and has a CU supermarket and a delicious bakery downstairs. The only thing we'd like to see improved is the service. We stayed for five nights in total.

Just a minute from the subway and convenient to go to any attractions in Haeundae. However, it takes plenty of time to get a lift up or down as too many hotel guests share in the same building. As such, it is not easy to get in the lift particularly during the peak hours. The hotel room size is average but the blanket is a bit hot to cover. We were staying 2 nights there, the 1st night is so far so good. However the 2nd night is a nightmare and we could not slept for the entire night. As the stove ventilation pipe has ”tart tart” sound continously since 23:05 till more than an hour. We have not used it before but the sound came out suddenly. However, the receptionist desk closed since 23:00 so we have no way to voice out our condition. Honestly, we will not put it in our list in the future.

Overall is good. Have to acknowledge this hotel giving their best as they could. Morning breakfast is included and service staff is so busy handling so many people (I suppose hotel almost full) but orderly. Food refilling fast once empty and up to standard. Variety good and spread acceptable though without much choices as place constraints. Hotel pricing under USD90 is good bargain for me with it location and surrounding access. Good for first timer coming to Busan to experience. Ktx station and subway station under 5 mins walk.

View - If you are keen in wharf / harbor view, this hotel (see images) is along the harbour next to wharf, Songdo, so there is no beach on the wharf. At 4am you can hear commotion at the wharf, interesting for a different view from city or sea view. Nearest Songdo beach is still at distance, it is not at door step. Booked a large room for family of 4, comes with 1 Queen bed, 1 single, the last pax ended on the floor with Futons. (Although I indicated i had 4 pax, housekeeper does not seem to be aware, replenishes only for 3 pax?). Small hand towels are issued as bath towel, just be aware. Quite common for smaller hotel accommodation here (inn, AirBnB). Floor heater, water heater works, daily housekeeping. Has bath tub not used at all for winter. Good balcony for sitting in the cold to watch the wharf bustle. Pax using futon had a few bites by bugs, not sure if flew in from outside the room, else the room is clean. Nice open terrace at roof top with telescope to look into Lotte mall at distance, and the open sea after the bridge on the right. Complimentary breakfast offering at basement kitchen is available until 9AM (not 9.30am) - kitchen staff will remind you to finish up at close to 9am, and please clear your dishes at collection area, discard leftovers, return cultery, utensils. Breakfast spread : Cereal with milk (only on weekend), ONE slice of toast with jam, egg/s, one fruit or yoghurt, one coffee/tea, ONE juice, one instant noodles (if you want). Only tried for first morning, other mornings has similar menu on the wall. Staff - looks like husband wife team. Friendly to greet at reception at upper level. Safety wise - As accommodation is located at harbour with large prime movers and containers movements, it is better to travel in groups to look out for each other. I note the drivers are generally careful to look out for pedestrians on the harbour, wharf. Can be a bit dark at night in the surrounding area of the accommodation. Plus point - Double entrance door which allow you to lock inner door in case main door is being accessed externally. Location - About 20mins or so by bus to Busan shopping area where the crowd is. Not too far, The more popular tourist spots, beach sites is further up northeast at Haeundae beach, which is about 1 hour bus ride away. Pricing -, for the pricing, there are better known hotel chains going at more economic rates. So need to do proper research before booking. Else pleasant stay, simple, large room, no fanfare.

THE GOOD It's important to understand that this is an affordable hostel with a view but is not as fancy as it may seem in the photos. You're not going to get a luxury, super-comfortable stay with a bay view at this low of price. Speaking of the view, it's very nice during the day and at night from the top floor breakfast room and the bay view rooms on the levels right below it. Speaking of breakfast, you do have to cook the eggs yourself, but there are three burners and some other good food options, too. We also had a great experience with the staff at the reception desk, who were friendly, helpful, and apologetic about any issues. The WiFi was good, with a modem and router in each room. The location is great, too, if you love shopping streets, street food, fish markets, wharfs, and a more locals side of Busan. Access to the subway and buses is incredible, so you can get over to Haeudae Beach, Gwangali Beach, Dadaepo Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Station (for trains to Seoul and Gyeongju), and more, but if you want to frequent Haeudae, it's kind of a long haul from here. THE NOT-SO-GOOD Our bay view room was a bit gimmicky, because while the view was nice, the room is quite small, has flimsy furniture, and lacks hooks (except the one in the window where the sun will fade your clothes). The wall of windows is cool to look through, but in May, we had the curtains closed 99% of the time because the south-facing room gets blasted by the sun and the AC isn't powerful enough to counteract it. The room was in need of maintenance, too, with ruined flooring due to a poor bathroom door design and things starting to fall apart in the bathroom. Speaking of the bathroom, if you need 100% total privacy, it may not work for you. The shade over the very large window is barely sufficient in its thickness, and it has a two-inch gap on either side where you can see down to the street 9 stories below (see photo). You have to stand in a specific spot in the bathroom while showering with the handheld showerhead in order to feel entirely private, and you have to be very careful to not spray the leaky door. We also discovered that things that aren't used regularly can be dusty, and we found dust bunnies in the hallways. The bed also had a firm, squeaky spring mattress that didn't encourage the greatest sleep. If you're a backpacker or budget traveler like us, you'll find this place passable (especially for the price, location, and breakfast), but if you have normal hotel standards, this hostel may not meet them.

The hotel was location is an excellent location. Very convenient and nearby to shops and the haeundae beach with mrt less than 7 mins walk which makes it very convenient. I booked a twin room - double and single bed. Room is new, clean and a good size for city. This room does not provide unobstructed Seaview. Whats disappointing: 1. We needed to change cash for laundry which was part of the hotel. The reception say no change. 2. We initially reserve 2 night then extend a further 2 night's. We requested for cleaning on 3rd day. Whilst they replace the towels, wash the cups and provided free bottles of water, - bed not made, - floor not vacumn( hairs visible) and - toilet not cleaned ( hair in the shower cubicle)

I recently had the opportunity to stay at Hotel Elephant in Busan, and overall, it was a memorable experience. Located conveniently within the city, the hotel serves as a great base for travelers looking to explore Busan’s vibrant neighborhoods, beaches, and culinary spots. From check-in to check-out, my stay was smooth, and I found the hotel to be a solid mix of comfort, cleanliness, and character. Check-in & First Impressions: Upon arrival, I was greeted by courteous front desk staff who spoke basic English and were very accommodating. The check-in process was fast and efficient, with minimal hassle. The lobby itself was tastefully decorated—nothing extravagant, but definitely welcoming. It had a quirky charm that felt a bit more boutique than your average budget hotel. Room: I stayed in a standard double room, which was surprisingly spacious. The decor was modern and minimalist, with a few unique touches that gave it personality. The bed was large and comfortable, with clean, crisp linens. I appreciated the small details like a well-lit vanity area, USB charging ports, and a mini-fridge. The room also had good soundproofing, which meant I could rest peacefully even though the hotel is near a busy area. The bathroom was spotless, equipped with a full set of toiletries, and had a surprisingly luxurious rainfall shower. Water pressure was excellent, and hot water was consistent throughout my stay. Some rooms also offer jacuzzis or bathtubs, depending on the tier you book, which I thought was a great value. Amenities & Services: While Hotel Elephant isn’t a full-service luxury property, it offers everything you’d need for a comfortable stay. There’s a vending machine area, complimentary bottled water, and in-room amenities like a kettle, coffee, and tea. Wi-Fi was fast and reliable, even during peak hours. The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant or gym, but there are plenty of cafes and convenience stores nearby to make up for it. Housekeeping was thorough and respectful. My room was cleaned daily, and towels and toiletries were replenished without needing to request anything. Location: This is arguably one of the hotel’s strongest points. It’s just a short walk from a nearby subway station, which made commuting to places like Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Market, and Gwangalli very easy. There are also tons of restaurants, bars, and local shops within walking distance. Whether you’re into street food or want to try Busan’s famous seafood, you’ll find great options nearby. If you’re into nightlife, there’s also plenty happening in the area, but thankfully, the hotel itself remains peaceful at night. Staff & Hospitality: Every staff member I interacted with was polite and eager to help. While not everyone was fluent in English, they made an effort to assist with directions, transportation tips, and even helping me book a cab using local apps. Their hospitality made the stay feel much warmer and more personal than I expected. Overall Impression: Hotel Elephant may not be a five-star hotel, but it delivers more than what you’d expect from its price point. It’s clean, cozy, and well-located—perfect for solo travelers, couples, or even friends on a budget-friendly getaway. If you’re visiting Busan and want a reliable place to stay that offers good value without compromising on comfort, this hotel is a solid pick. I would definitely consider staying here again on my next visit to Busan.

If you are looking for a stay with a view in Busan, Hotel Adela offers some fantastic visual perks, though it comes with a few logistical ”hurdles”—quite literally, if you end up taking the stairs! Here is a detailed breakdown of what to expect. The Room & Amenities The first thing you’ll notice is the generous room size. Unlike many cramped city hotels, there is plenty of space to move around. The View: The highlight of the stay is undoubtedly the stunning harbor view. Watching the bridge light up at night is a great way to wind down. Comfort: The beds are comfortable and provide a good night’s rest. Condition: While the room is clean, some of the furniture is starting to show its age and feels a bit dated. Facilities: Basic toiletries, drinking water, tea, and coffee are all provided. Note that the toilet and bathtub are in the same space (not separated). Climate Control: Be aware that during winter and early spring, the air conditioning is disabled. If the room gets too warm, you’ll need to crack the window to let the crisp Busan air in. The Elevator Challenge (The Biggest Downside) The most significant drawback is the elevator situation. The hotel only has three elevators, which is insufficient for a building of this size—especially since it is a popular choice for large tour groups from Taiwan, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Peak Hours: Between 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, the elevators are perpetually packed. The Struggle: It can be so challenging to catch a lift that I actually had to walk down the stairs from the 15th floor to the lobby. If you have mobility issues or heavy luggage, this is a major factor to consider. Dining & Convenience On-site Eats: There is a Korean Fried Chicken restaurant on the 2nd floor that is definitely worth a try—the taste is quite good! Convenience: A CU convenience store is located right in the lobby, which is incredibly handy for late-night snacks or essentials. Breakfast Tip: I recommend skipping the hotel breakfast package. The restaurant is on the 24th floor, meaning you have to wait for the elevator to go up, and then wait again to get back down to the lobby to start your day. You’ll save money and time by eating at one of the many local spots nearby. Location & Accessibility The location is a strong point for shoppers and explorers: Metro: About a 7–8 minute walk to Nampo Station. Shopping: Very close to Lotte Shopping Mall and the famous Gwangbok-ro Shopping Street. Note: The building is shared with another hotel (North Harbor Hotel), which contributes to the high foot traffic in the lobby and elevators. Hotel Adela is a solid choice if you value a spacious room with a beautiful view and want to stay near the Nampo-dong action. However, the elevator delays are a serious test of patience. If you choose to stay here, try to avoid traveling in and out of the hotel during peak tour group hours! Pack your patience for the lobby wait, and definitely grab some fried chicken on the second floor!

The staff is very nice, helpful and friendly. The room was clean, air conditioner was working fine, bed was comfy. Totally recommend. Will come back! P.s. they collect souvenirs from around the world so don’t hesitate to bring a magnet or your country’s currency 😇

The bathroom is huge, and the bed is comfortable. They allow luggage storage before check in and after check out.