I had read other reviews about Capital Hotel but decided to stay there anyway due to location (near but not in the Itaewon area, near the US Army Base at Yongsan). I got a rate of US$140 per night, including all taxes and service charges. On that basis, I think the Capital Hotel was a very good deal for this location.

As noted, the furniture in the hotel rooms is a weird pseudo French provincial design which I believe most will find downright ugly. The mattress on the bed was very hard and the furniture, carpets and wall paper were all worn and need replacement. On the positive side, the room was clean and well heated (window did open and used to modify room temperature). The shower had the best water pressure I have ever had in any hotel (on the 16th floor!) and no problem with hot water. The room had a mini-refrigerator, lots of extra blankets and pillows, a hair dryer, and cable TV with two English channels (CNN and the US Armed Forces network that runs TV and sports programming from the US). I never had a problem with noise, so, overall, I found the room to be satisfactory.

Breakfast in hotel is expensive and not very good. Recommend eat on the Army Base if have access or in Itaewon or elsewhere. Two convenience stores right outside Capital have snacks and similar and are open 24 hours a day. Pastries at hotel look very nice but I did not try.

Buy telephone cards from one of convenience stores. Get local phone card for local calls (can use on pay phones only) and international card for calls out of Korea. Rates very cost effective - pennies per minute.

I found staff at the Capital Hotel to be friendly and helpful. Do NOT exchange money at hotel - rates are terrible. Do in Itaewon or on the Army Base.

Very nice, large, and impressive lobby but too bad no place to sit, except a couple of couches jus across from the check in counter.

Lot of weddings and tour groups from China and Japan. Be aware that with only two elevators, they elevators can be a long, crowded wait during their check ins.

Hotel has a reasonably well equipped business center with two computers and printers. Charge is about $5 for 30 minutes but most time, did not charge me. Bellman has keys for access.

Two subway stops about 1/4 mile distant from hotel, one at top of hill - main road from hotel, and other in Itaewon outside the Hamilton Hotel . Subway will take you about anywhere you want to go and is definitely the way to get around Seoul and out to nearby cities. All stations numbered and routes easy to follow; all signs in English and Korean. There is a tourist office in the subway station at the Itaewon stop - lot of info

Get a T-money card to ease use and save money. Can buy at 7-11. Exit hotel, turn right, and from main road go up side street to right (at v). 7-11 behind Crown Hotel on side street. Subway is 800 won per trip with T-money; 900 won otherwise.

Overall, for $140 per night, if looking for location near Itaewon and Army Base but a bit quieter, I think Capital Hotel is a very good choice. Yes, weird furniture in room, but rest not bad.