Palace Hotel Jeju: Paradise Found? (Unbelievable Views!)
Palace Hotel Jeju: Paradise Found? (Unbelievable Views!) - A Review That's Actually Real
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the Palace Hotel Jeju, and honestly… well, it’s given me a lot to unpack. Forget those sterile, corporate reviews – this is the real deal, the raw, the slightly-too-honest-for-comfort truth about whether this place truly lives up to the hype. And those views? Yeah, we'll get to them. Eventually.
The First Impression: Accessibility - A Mixed Bag
First off, let's talk accessibility. I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I always look out for it. The website says it has facilities… but actually finding them? That's another story. The hotel itself is accessible in parts, thankfully has an elevator, but maneuvering around the grounds with mobility issues could be a challenge. While the website claims “Facilities for disabled guests”, I'd recommend calling ahead and asking some VERY specific questions. Don't take their word for it; get the details. I'm a bit of a clutz myself and bumped around a fair bit.
The Room: My Little Jeju Cocoon (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk about the actual room. Mine? Pretty darn good. We’re talking… Air Conditioning (thank god), a good Desk to work from (crucial), and a seriously comfortable Bed with Extra Long Bed. The Blackout Curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in (which I needed after all that exploring). The Bathrobes and Slippers? A nice touch. And the Free Wi-Fi? Crucial for posting those Instagram shots. Oh my god, and the Window That Opens! It's so rare these days.
Now for the little niggly things. The Internet Access - LAN? Seriously? Who uses LAN anymore? The Mirror could have used a better light. Minor quibbles, though. I mean, they even had a Scale if I wanted a rude awakening after all that feasting!
The View. Oh, the View.
Seriously, the Views. They were, without a doubt, Unbelievable and Paradise Found worthy. I mean, the Pool with view. The endless Jeju coastline stretched out before you… Just breathtaking. Forget all your worries, the world just melts away. Getting to see it from my room via Internet access – wireless and my phone was a highlight every morning.
Things To Do/Ways to Relax - So Much to Choose From, My Head Spun
Honestly, the Fitness Center was pretty well equipped (but not my thing, I'm more of a lie-on-the-beach-and-contemplate-life kind of gal). The Spa? Tempting. Especially after those long days of exploring.
- Spa/Sauna: Sounds heavenly.
- Steamroom: Like a hug of warm air.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Check. Epic views again
- Massage: You just might float away.
- Foot bath: Yes, please.
The Food - Let's Talk about the Buffet…
Food. My love language. The Breakfast [buffet] was… a mixed experience. The Asian breakfast options were amazing, so much flavor. I loved the Coffee/tea in restaurant. The International and western cuisine was there. The Poolside bar was a treat, even if i felt a bit guilty drinking cocktails in my swimsuit. Dining, drinking, and snacking - Loved the Coffee Shop and Restaurants. The Bar - I had to get a drink there.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: The noodles were an absolute winner.
- Desserts in restaurant: The desserts were to die for
- Soup in restaurant: Great for a cold day.
- Vegetarian restaurant: They had really great vegetarian options.
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Safe is a Must
Okay, safety is a big deal, especially these days. The Palace Hotel Jeju seems to take it seriously, mostly.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Noticed.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed like it.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Promising!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Good to know, but a little more transparency wouldn't hurt.
For the Kids
The website said Family/child friendly, but I didn't see a ton of kids. The Kids facilities must be hidden somewhere.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge: Super helpful with recommendations.
- Daily housekeeping: Spot on.
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes, please.
- Car park [free of charge]: Bonus.
- Luggage storage: Essential!
Getting Around
- Airport transfer: Easy.
- Taxi service: Available.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, the Honest Stuff
Okay, here’s the real tea. This hotel is a bit… imperfect. The service was friendly, but not always super efficient. There were a couple of mix-ups with my room service order (they got my soup and salad wrong, so disappointing!). And one elevator broke down for a few hours (queue the claustrophobia!).
But you know what? It didn’t ruin the trip. Because of the view. And the general feeling of relaxation. The staff were genuinely nice, even when they were swamped. And the overall vibe was… pleasant.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
If you're looking for perfection, maybe look elsewhere. If you want a slick, fully-polished experience, you might be better off at a chain hotel. My Recommendation: It depends.
- If you prize those views above all else (and honestly, you should): Book it. Now.
- If you prioritize accessibility, call and ask specific questions first.
My Offer for Palace Hotel Jeju: Paradise Found?
Here's My Pitch (The REAL Deal):
Escape to Paradise (Almost) – Book the Palace Hotel Jeju & Get Your Zen On!
Tired of the same old boring vacations? Craving breathtaking views and a chance to actually relax? Then the Palace Hotel Jeju is calling your name!
Here's what you get (as long as you're okay with a few quirks):
- Unforgettable Views: Seriously. Look out your window, and prepare to be amazed. (Guaranteed Instagram gold.)
- Comfortable Rooms: Mostly perfect, with all the essentials.
- Delicious (Mostly) Food: From the breakfast buffet to the poolside bar.
- Spa Day Bliss: Steam room or sauna, your choice. Just don't expect perfection!
- Bonus: A chance to slow down, breathe, and experience the beauty of Jeju!
Book direct through the Palace Hotel Jeju and receive (These are the perks that I hope they offer, but I can't guarantee.)
- Free early Check-in: (Because who wants to wait?)
- A complimentary bottle of wine (because you deserve it).
- A voucher for a discount on a spa treatment (because everyone needs a massage after all that exploring).
Don't wait! This offer won't last forever. Get ready for an adventure (with a few minor imperfections) that will be worth every single penny… and the view. Oh, the view!
Book now, or forever hold your peace! Click here to book your stay at Palace Hotel Jeju and start dreaming about paradise!
Ned's Landing: Canada's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly curated travel itinerary. This is my Jeju Island Palace Hotel experience, and it's gonna be messier than a toddler with a jar of spaghetti. Consider this your slightly-unhinged, utterly honest, and hopefully hilarious guide to surviving… and possibly thriving… at the Palace Hotel.
Day 1: Arrival (and immediate existential dread)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, groggy, in Incheon Airport. Why do I always underestimate jet lag? My brain feels like a scrambled egg. Actually, a scrambled egg that's been left in a hot car for a few hours.
- 8:30 AM: Airport chaos. I’m supposed to meet the shuttle to the hotel, but where the hell is it? Everyone seems to be a speed-walking, dumpling-eating expert but me.
- 9:00 AM: Breathe. Found the shuttle! Turns out, I was just standing right in front of it. My navigation skills are… suspect.
- 12:00 PM: Finally, the Palace Hotel! It's… imposing. Like, seriously, a palace. Am I dressed appropriately? I’m wearing my comfiest jeans and a t-shirt with a cat on it. Nailed it.
- 12:30 PM: Check-in. The staff are ridiculously polite. I feel like a barbarian stumbling into a royal court. I definitely pronounced "Jeju" wrong. Three times.
- 1:00 PM: Room. Okay, this is gorgeous, but… so. much. space. I’m pretty sure I could get lost in here. I'm immediately overwhelmed.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. I order bibimbap because, duh, Korea. It's delicious, but I'm already regretting the carb load. Jet lag is starting to hit hard.
- 3:00 PM: The pool! It’s beautiful, turquoise, and calling my name. I put on my swimsuit, then promptly realize I forgot my sunscreen. Ugh. Decided to go for a short swim to avoid the scorching sun. The water is perfect but I get a cramp.
- 4:00 PM: I'm back in my room, feeling utterly drained. Napping is the only option.
- 7:00 PM: Wake up, disoriented, wondering if I've missed the apocalypse. Decide to attempt dinner at the hotel's Korean BBQ place. My attempts at grilling are… less than graceful. I almost set my banchan on fire. The kimchi, however, is divine.
Day 2: The Volcano, and Questionable Decisions
- 9:00 AM: Wake up… feeling like I got hit by a truck. Apparently, sleeping a solid 14 hours doesn’t entirely erase jet lag.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast. The buffet is INSANE. EVERYTHING, and it all looks delicious. I try a little of everything, and my stomach is already protesting.
- 11:00 AM: Attempt to visit Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak). The hike up is steep, and my legs are screaming, but the view… the view is stunning. The sheer scale of the volcano really makes you feel… tiny. In a good, awe-inspiring way. I find a quiet place to just stare and try to appreciate it.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch: Found a tiny restaurant near Seongsan Ilchulbong. It’s filled with locals, always a good sign. Ordered something I couldn’t pronounce but turned out to be amazing. The language barrier is fun, in a slightly stressful way.
- 3:00 PM: Back at the hotel. My feet hurt. I can feel myself getting a bit stir-crazy. This is where things start to get… interesting.
- 4:00 PM: Spa time! The hotel spa is a dream. I get a massage that’s so relaxing, I think I might involuntarily drool.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel's seafood restaurant and it was an experience. Raw octopus? Sure, why not! It was… alive. Wriggling on my plate. The texture was… unusual. Emotionally I was a little bit confused, but overall, I felt more bold as a human.
- 8:00 PM: Drinks at the bar. Met a couple from Canada who were incredibly interesting. I overshare. Regret it slightly. Don’t regret the soju cocktails, though.
- 10:00 PM: Bed. Crash.
Day 3: Temples, Tangerines, and Tourist Traps (with a side of existential reflection)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. The headache is gone, but the slightly fuzzy brain remains.
- 10:00 AM: Visit a temple. The silence is soothing. The colors are vibrant. I light an incense stick and try to meditate. Fail. I'm too busy wondering what all the rituals are about.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch near the temple and it was… okay. Touristy. Overpriced? Maybe. I should probably venture off the beaten path more often.
- 1:00 PM: Tangerine farm! Jeju is famous for its tangerines, and now I know why! They're sweet and juicy and perfect. I buy way too many. My bag is now half tangerines.
- 2:00 PM: I stumble upon a beach. It’s pretty, but full of tourists taking selfies. It makes me a little sad. Even gorgeous places get… diluted.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I stare out my window for a long time. What am I doing with my life? Is this the meaning of everything?
- 6:00 PM: Another night at the Palace Hotel restaurant. I've been trying to convince myself that the octopus experience has made me bolder but I'm now very nervous about ordering anything, especially the food.
- 7:00 PM: Some more drinks, feeling a little more "me." The hotel is a place of extremes. It is both isolating but beautiful. The world is still here, it is a place that is meant to be seen and it brings joy to people like me.
Day 4: Farewell (or, The Art of Letting Go)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. One last epic buffet run!
- 10:00 AM: One last walk around the hotel grounds, trying to internalize the beauty. I’m starting to appreciate the luxury, even if I feel out of place half the time.
- 11:00 AM: Packing is always an emotional rollercoaster, and it feels like I've only scratched the surface of Jeju.
- 12:00 PM: Check out. Saying goodbye to the Palace Hotel.
- 1:00 PM: Shuttle to the airport.
- 4:00 PM: Departure.
Reflections:
This trip was a mess, in the best way possible. I overate, I lost my way, I questioned my life choices, and I had to have a conversation with my emotions. The Palace Hotel was, in its way, the perfect backdrop for all of it. Majestic but slightly impersonal, beautiful but often overwhelming. And that's the beauty of travel, isn't it? The chaos, the unexpected joy, the moments of profound connection, and the times you just want to crawl back into bed.
So farewell, Jeju. You were something. And Palace Hotel? You were… a palace. And I, well, I was just a tourist. But I'll be back.
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Palace Hotel Jeju: FAQs (Because Paradise Ain't Always Perfect)
Okay, brace yourselves. The view. The views. Yeah, they're legit. Seriously, even if you're a jaded travel blogger who's seen it all (ahem, me!), the ocean crashing against those volcanic rocks... the sunsets… they'll actually make you gasp. Now, the photos? They're retouched, sure. But the essence? The *feeling* of being perched on the edge of the world? Present and accounted for. But here’s the catch: My first night, I was so obsessed with the view, I walked right into a sliding glass door. Literally. So, yes, amazing. Also, watch where you're going, butterfingers.
Luxurious-ish. Let's be honest. The lobby? Impeccable. Marble. Chandeliers. Makes you feel like you should be wearing a ballgown, even if you just rolled out of bed in your PJs (which, let me tell you, I did. Multiple times). The rooms? Pretty swanky, but… remember that "ish" part? My "ocean view" room was… well, it *had* an ocean view. But the balcony was tiny, and the air conditioning sounded like a dying walrus. Then there's the minibar. Seriously, I spent more on overpriced Pringles than on my entire flight to Jeju. So, yeah. Luxurious. With a side of "overpriced snacks." Oh, and one more thing, that "luxury" shower? Took me roughly 15 minutes to work the taps without scalding myself or freezing to death. Trial and error, folks. Trial and error.
Okay, the food. Alright, breathe. The buffet breakfast? Actually pretty decent. A surprising variety, and the Kimchi pancakes are to die for. Seriously, I almost got into a fight over the last one. On the other hand, the ‘fine dining’ restaurant? Let’s just say my expectations, fueled by all the gorgeous Instagram photos, were perhaps… too high. The presentation was exquisite (lots of tiny flowers!), but the flavours felt… a little lost. I ordered the seafood. It looked better than it tasted. And as for value for money? My wallet cried. My advice: Stick to the buffet, and maybe sneak off to a local restaurant for dinner. Much more real and authentic, am I right?
Potentially. If your idea of romance involves a lot of staring at the ocean and pretending you're in a movie. The views are definitely romantic, the lobby is romantic, But then you get back to the room with the dying walrus AC, and your romantic bubble bursts. I saw a couple having a lovers' quarrel by the pool. Turns out, the jacuzzi wasn't working. Disaster. On the plus side, I witnessed a proposal during sunset. I almost cried. Nearly. Because it was so cheesy. So, yes, potentially romantic. But pack earplugs, just in case the AC, or a lovers' quarrel, gets too loud. And be prepared to spend a lot of time looking at the ocean. That's the main event, really.
The pool... ah, the pool. Looks stunning in pictures, doesn’t it? Infinity edge, overlooking the ocean… Well, okay, the pool is pretty great. The water is a perfect temperature. But the problem is: it's tiny. Seriously. Tiny. And everyone wants to be in it. So, expect to be swimming in a throng of people, jockeying for a prime sunbathing spot. I spent my entire afternoon there avoiding a particularly enthusiastic child. I am not a fan of children. I’m getting off-topic... The pool’s good, so long as you can handle the crowds. And the occasional splash from someone’s margarita. Speaking of which...
Um…sort of. The hotel can arrange taxis, and there's a bus stop nearby. But Jeju Island is big. REALLY big. And if you're relying on public transport, prepare to spend a vast amount of time in transit. Renting a car is probably your best bet, but be warned: the roads are… well, let's just say they're an adventure. The GPS is not always helpful. I got lost on the way to the lava tubes and ended up in a field. Just... a field. So, yes, you can get around. But it requires planning, patience, and a good sense of direction. Or a very kind taxi driver.
The view. Hands down. The sunsets. The sound of the waves. That feeling of being a tiny speck in an enormous, beautiful world. Yes, the hotel has its quirks. Yes, it’s not perfect. Yes, I may have walked into a door and paid too much for Pringles. But when you're standing on that balcony, watching the sun sink into the ocean, all the imperfections fade away. It's genuinely breathtaking. (And yes, I took a photo to prove it. Duh.) That view… that's the reason you come. It’s worth it. But also, bring your own snacks. And maybe a compass. You'll thank me later.
Okay, let's be brutally honest. The downsides? Well… let's start with the price tag. It's not cheap. Not by a long shot. And for the price, you might expect perfection. You won't get it. You *might* get a noisy AC and overpriced snacks. The service, while generally friendly, can be a bit hit-or-miss, bordering on chaotic sometimes. I asked for extra towels... three times. They just never arrived. Also, oh god, the weddings. The hotel is a popular wedding venue. So, expect crowds, particularly at weekends. And the noise. Oh, the noise. (But hey, congrats to the happy couple!) The lack of nightlife. Unless you count the incessant crashing of the waves. Which… isn't always a bad thing. But if you expect perfect and quiet, forget it. Paradise comes with a price – in money, and in slightly annoying imperfections. You've been warned.
