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[Yanolja Research Brief] Vol.4 Comparative Analysis of Seoul and Tokyo Accommodation Experiences Based on Chinese Tourist Reviews

Key Insights on Seoul vs. Tokyo Accommodation Experiences

Discover highlights on how Seoul’s accommodations compare with Tokyo’s, based on real feedback from Chinese travelers. Here are the essential findings that shed light on what guests value most-and where improvements can make a big difference.


Overall Guest Satisfaction: Seoul Trails Behind Tokyo

  • Chinese travelers consistently rated accommodations in Seoul lower than those in Tokyo, across all property levels.
  • On a 5-point scale, Seoul’s average rating was 4.31, while Tokyo scored 4.48-a significant gap.
  • Seoul’s properties were often perceived as one level lower in quality compared to their Tokyo counterparts.


What Matters Most to Guests

Guest feedback focused on five main areas:

  • Hygiene: Cleanliness and sanitation standards
  • Price: Perceived value for money
  • Location: Proximity to attractions and transportation
  • Service: Staff friendliness and communication
  • Facilities: Room amenities and convenience



Sentiment Analysis: More Positives Needed for Seoul

  • Seoul’s reviews had a lower ratio of positive to negative comments compared to Tokyo.
  • The biggest gaps appeared in:
    • Facilities: Most urgent area for improvement, with more negative than positive feedback.
    • Service: Notable gap in satisfaction, especially around staff availability and communication.
    • Hygiene: Cleanliness issues were frequently mentioned, but also seen as a relatively easy fix.



Top Areas for Improvement

Facilities

  • Guests highlighted issues like small room sizes, inconvenient outlet locations, and maintenance problems (e.g., broken hairdryers, shared bathrooms).
  • Simple fixes-such as regular maintenance checks and better room design-can greatly enhance comfort.


Service

  • Communication barriers and lack of luggage storage were common complaints.
  • Providing clear instructions, multilingual support, and thoughtful services (like luggage storage) can boost satisfaction.


Hygiene

  • Cleanliness concerns included hair, stains, and odors.
  • Regular cleaning and attention to detail are essential, regardless of a property’s age.


Actionable Takeaways

  • Modernize and maintain facilities with the guest in mind.
  • Enhance staff training and provide multilingual support.
  • Commit to rigorous cleanliness standards.


For more detailed insights and practical recommendations, visit our official website. Discover how guest-centered improvements can elevate Seoul’s accommodation experience and drive long-term tourism growth!

Yanolja Research Brief Vol.4



We Want to Hear from You!

Have you stayed at a hotel or guesthouse in Seoul?

Share your own accommodation experiences in the comments below. Your stories can help fellow travelers and inspire positive changes!

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Location: Seoul, South Korea

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