Holiday Inn Express Hongdae is well known for its amazing location, right above Hongik University subway exit no 5 & ak plaza (which is worth at least a walk through with many interesting stores like SPAO, CU minimart, several boutiques and also a tax refund kiosk on the ground floor. Because of that, the hotel is extremely popular and busy with tourists both overseas and locals alike. Despite the many front office counters and staff, I find it a bit too busy for my utmost liking. Also bit of wait to go up to the rooms with only 3 elevators to accommodate all guests. However extra points for them to provide complimentary breakfast which is quite comprehensive with Western dishes as well as Korean and Asian like mapo tofu + frice. Cereals, fresh fruit are included also. Room facilities were good, water pressure also great. Appreciate the soft & firm pillow choices but missing bath robes. Also I feel could do better with room noise proofing as could hear voices from adjacent room especially doors slamming late at nights.