I stayed there in 2007 too, on the same trip that Bottman was there (Hey Bottman!). AndyH74's description is pretty accurate, though I never managed to get any hot water. My problem was the outlets--in theory they're built to accommodate international plugs, but in practice, not so much. I think I broke like three in my room, trying to jam... More

If you're one of those rare visitors to the DPRK (aka North Korea), you're probably not looking for luxury lodging, nor do you have many options. I hear the Yanggakdo Hotel is the really high-class choice, but I didn't want to waste money on a room so I picked Sosan. It's not centrally located (it's off at the end of... More

The Sosan Hotel is, to be honest, not a great hotel. Built in the 1980s for the World Student Games (which was the DPRK's answer to the 1988 Seoul Olympics) it sits in isolated, brooding splendour - what's the opposite of splendour? - in the middle of a large and empty sports complex on the western side of Pyongyang. Going... More

The hall of the Hotel Sosan in Pyongyang was very large and cold in April, the month I was there. First they gave me a room on 19th floor, which I found unpleasant because it was too cold. I exchanged it with one on the 20th floor, where all the rooms had the heated floors, 26°C, delicious! The Hotel Sosan... More

The hotel itself was rather old, but recently renovated, resembled a Sheraton or Hyatt. It has great facilities, a pool, bars, internet access (remarkably), and even cable! Although it was inhabitable, it was inhospitable, as very few knew english, and those who did - was fairly incoherrent. Guards are stationed around the hotel, and they're generally alright if you do... More