Jeju Shinhwa World Marriott Resort — Hotel in Seogwipo-si

I really wanted to like this hotel, and my expectations weren't that high either.

The lobby and reception was pleasant, but that was the only highlight of my stay. Despite having stayed in the best room, there were no instructions on reaching the front desk. The hospitality information number on the phone screen took me to the hotel reservations call center, and I had to ask for a toilet paper refil and other standard items even after the cleaning staff went through it.

The hotel had close to no amenity. All the restaurants and shops within the hotel are giant conglomerate chains which I can easily find in Seoul. The hotel didn't even have a proper bar nor a minibar, so I had to go to the Marriott Casino's bar (which didn't have much of a selection, nor comfortable seats) next door to get a drink.

The outdoor swimming pool was closed and dusty as much as my room's balcony, which was a real shame considering the fact that the weather was absolutely stunning while I stayed here.

I don't want to blame the staff, they're probably understaffed and are doing the best they can. But the management should seriously reconsider on lowering the price point of this hotel, considering the fact that the hotel nothing more than an empty shell, and is basically equivalent to a three star hotel. As a matter of fact, my room temperature controls system was broken to the point that the AC wouldn't turn on unless I blasted the temperature down to 18° celcius. During the entirety of my stay, I've had acquaintances tell me that the management has no other plans to cater to anyone else than wealthy chinese businessmen who are here to play golf and gamble their fortunes away at the casino.

Honestly, I had more fun visiting a friend who was staying at the Shilla hotel, which was a 30 minutes cab ride away.

Go to Shilla, go to the Kensington, anywhere but here, for the same price. It's not about the people, the entire...

My husband and I just visited this property over the weekend, and we are Lifetime Platinum/Titanium members- which lets you know how much we’ve travelled and stayed at Marriott hotels. This hotel is conveniently located and very clean. The staff was kind to upgrade us to a suite, which was spacious and modern. However, we will NOT be returning and wouldn’t recommend this hotel to our friends (especially child-free couples) for the following reasons:

There is no designated area for adults that is free from the screaming and playing of small children. There is a section of the pool that is clearly marked “Adults Only”, but it is full of families with children and the policy is not enforced. If you are wanting to lay out in the sun or go for dip where it is quiet and relaxing, you won’t find such a place at this resort. There is ONE restaurant that serves breakfast and unless you want to eat a buffet between 6:30-7:00am, be prepared to stand in a 45-min line that wraps around the corner and extends down the hallway. It’s absolutely ridiculous and poor planning on the hotel’s part. This was our main complaint. The casino’s restrooms wreak of cigarette smoke and smell, yet nothing seems to be done to correct the situation. The hotel will not allow you to borrow their pool towels for the beach. Like other island resorts, they should implement a sign-out system where we sign out towels using our name and room#, and in the event the towels aren’t returned, the guest is simply charged for them. This ensures that the guest will have a towel for the beach AND the hotel will have their towels returned to them.

There are many beautiful boutique hotels nowadays in Jeju that are more affordable than these big-name resorts, while offering competitive amenities. We will be opting to go that route on our next trip...

Jeju Shinhwa World Marriott Resort led by Mr. Gino Lee

Category 5 Valet Parking: available at 15000 KRW. Free self-parking. Facilities (free access) Fitness: 09:00 - 21:00 Indoor Pool: 09:00 - 21:00 Outdoor Pool: 10:00 - 20:00 Dining (Sky on Five or Landing or Shinwha) Breakfast Buffet: 06:30 - 10:30 Lunch Buffet: 12:00 - 14:30 Dinner Buffet: 18:00 - 21:30 In room dining: 06:30 - 24:00 There are many other restaurants in this property and separate reviews on dining will follow.

Guest Rooms: Deluxe: 38 sqm Premier: 38 sqm Deluxe Suite: 76 sqm ​ Platinum elite or higher: Free Breakfast Buffet (+1 guest) or Welcome gift of 1000 point per stay or amenity Free Breakfast Buffet for children under age 12 Free ice cream at Cove (14:00 - 16:00) Late check-out until 16:00 Complimentary minibar Suite upgrade subject to availability

Hardware: It is a large scale property in Shinhwa resort, very clean and with all necessary facilities. Everything is in good order. The only inconvenience I feel is that the elevator from the room goes down to Lobby floor only (and should switch to the other one if need to go B1). But it does not matter much because the view through escalator from lobby floor down to B1 is another attraction.

Software: I love JW style but the quality standard of this property is in deed beyond expectation. I thank to Front Office Manager Ian Kim, Kaitlyn and Hannah from Front desk. The property takes good care of the room guests and I could feel very comfortable and safe. Especially thanks to Jenna for her top notch, attentive services which starts even before check-in process.

As a result, I feel this property is one of the best Marriott I have ever visited and it, eventually this fine resort, can be recommendable for all families, couples and friends who need sanctuary...