The Pyongyang Hotel (평양호텔), despite its name that gives off the impression it may be Pyongyang’s most exclusive and luxurious hotel, is a much more modest affair.
Often mistaken for the Ryugyong Hotel due to its name as the “Pyongyang Hotel”. This hotel was opened in 1961 and mostly accommodates long-term residents in the city, domestic North Korean travellers and occasionally delegations from the Chongryon Association.
Pyongyang Hotel Location
The Pyongyang Hotel sits on a prime real estate location in the city, standing opposite the Pyongyang Grand Theatre along the Taedong River where Sungri street and Yonggwang street intersect.
Its location in the centre of the city makes it a great choice for travellers who would like to be close to the cities most famous landmarks. Being located next to the Pyongyang Grand Theatre, it is also a great place to see North Korea’s morning motivational cheer squad as they encourage morning workers on their way to work.
Pyongyang Hotel Rooms
The Pyongyang Hotel, a second-class hotel in North Korea, features clean but basic rooms with amenities and international TV channels. Hot water is not available 24/7 but is available for a few select hours in the morning and evenings in the rooms. In total, the Pyongyang Hotel has 198 rooms with 5 suites, 53 deluxe rooms, 113 standard rooms and 27 budget rooms.
Pyongyang Hotel Facilities
Pyongyang Hotel Café – Potentially what the Pyongyang Hotel is most famous for is the Pyongyang Hotel Café located on the 6th floor. The Pyongyang Hotel Café is one of the best coffee shops in the city, serving up a full menu of familiar favourites whilst offering great views of the river.
Arirang restaurant – Located next to the Pyongyang Hotel is the Arirang Restaurant. This restaurant serves a mixture of western and Korean dishes specifically specializing in the Korean traditional dish of Bibimbap.
Open-air restaurant – For those looking for an outdoor dining experience the Pyongyang Hotel features an outdoor seating area that can be arranged in advance. This is also another place where you can try North Korea’s petrol clam BBQ.
Souvenir shop and bookshop – Located on the second floor of the café is the souvenir and bookshop.
Tailor shop– There is a tailor on the third floor of the hotel. The tailor isn’t always there, so if you would like to have your very own custom DPRK suit made, please ask your guides to schedule an appointment.
Billiards hall – Located on the fourth floor is the billiards hall with multiple tables.
Table tennis – Also located on the fourth floor with staff members who are always up for a challenge.
Karaoke room – Located on the second floor of the hotel with songs in Korean, Chinese, English and Japanese.
Massage room – There is a massage parlour located on the second floor of the hotel and is approximately 20 euros or 150RMB for an hour. Like the tailor, it is best to book this in advance as the masseuse is not always available.
Barber shop and beauty salon – located on the first floor of the hotel. Get yourself a DPRK style haircut and blend in with the locals.
Bars – Each floor has a bar, but our personal favourite is the one located on the 6th floor that serves up Taedonggang Beer.
Staying at the Pyongyang Hotel
While we don’t stay here on any of our group tours to North Korea it is certainly possible to arrange to stay here on an independent tour. The Pyongyang Hotel restaurant is also where we hold our annual New Year’s Eve banquet on our New Year’s Party Tour.
If you want to stay in the heart of the city and away from big tour groups the Pyongyang Hotel is a great choice.
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