The amenities offered at a South Korea love hotel are far from the standard offerings you’d find at a typical Holiday Inn. Picture flashing colored lights illuminating the bed, an abundance of mirrors, and even a “personal massager” for sale in the minibar. While this may seem unconventional to some, there are several compelling reasons why love hotels have become popular in South Korea. So, if you’re curious about what the love hotel experience entails, here’s everything you need to know.
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Why Love Hotels Exist
Unlike in many Western countries, it is not uncommon for multiple generations of a family to live together in South Korea. While this can foster closeness within the family, it can also detract from a couple’s privacy. Hence, when couples desire some intimate time together, they often opt to leave their families behind and check into a love hotel for a night or even just a few hours.
How Love Hotels Differ
First and foremost, love hotels in South Korea offer an affordable alternative to traditional hotels, often costing half as much. Additionally, they provide a level of comfort and luxury that surpasses that of hostels or guesthouses. Expect to find spacious rooms equipped with a generously sized TV, an Internet-connected computer, and maybe even a state-of-the-art Japanese toilet that can shoot water a staggering 12 feet. In short, love hotels provide travelers with everything they need and more.
To ensure the privacy of their guests, love hotels have discreet entrances, designed to conceal identities. Payment is made in cash through a bank teller-like window, eliminating the need for direct contact with the staff. As for in-room amenities, the hotel staff provides a small care package containing powdered coffee, tea bags, razors, hair ties, bubble bath gel, and yes, even condoms.
Considerations Worth Pondering
It’s worth noting that most love hotels allow smoking in their rooms, which can be bothersome to nonsmokers due to the lingering odor. However, with a little persuading, it’s possible to ensure that the room is adequately deodorized.
Finding a Love Hotel
Despite love hotels not heavily advertising themselves on the internet, they are not difficult to spot. Look out for garishly designed buildings with names like “Queen,” “Castle,” or something similarly extravagant. One notable example is the Wow Motel. Observe the behavior of people in the area, as anyone acting secretive or furtive could be a clear indicator of a love hotel’s presence. It’s interesting to note that South Korea exhibits an unusual dichotomy in its attitude towards sexuality, with a mix of in-your-face sexual banter at places like Jeju Loveland and extreme restraint elsewhere.
A final tip: if you stumble upon a building adorned with neon lights, vibrant colors, and a fringe theme, congratulations – you’ve found yourself a love hotel!
Final Thoughts on Love Hotels
Booking a night at a love hotel can actually save you money, as these accommodations are often priced lower than other options. What’s more, the rooms in love hotels are generally more spacious and luxurious compared to regular hotels. It’s an experience you won’t find elsewhere, especially not in the U.S. If love hotels have indeed improved their efforts to address the issue of smoking, that’s yet another reason to consider giving them a try.
While love hotels are popular in South Korea, it’s interesting to note that they can also be found in Japan. Although we didn’t have the chance to experience them during our short stay in Tokyo and Hakone, we’d love to hear about your stay at a Japanese love hotel. Feel free to reach out to us with your guest post – we’d be delighted to publish it!
To learn more about the world of love hotels and find the perfect destination for your next adventure, visit Ambassadeur Hotel.
