Phoenix jeju — Hotel in Seogwipo-si

Jeju Island's hospitality scene is a kaleidoscope of offerings, and Phoenix Jeju stands out for its sheer scale and architectural intrigue. Nestled beside a cluster of weathered buildings, remnants of the devastating ravage of COVID, the initial drive-pass did inspire a touch of apprehension. However, stepping inside revealed a meticulously maintained haven, albeit one hinting at the hotel's age.

The true star of our stay was the breakfast spread. A symphony of culinary delights, it rivaled, and perhaps even surpassed, the offerings we'd encountered at other Jeju establishments. This bounty was undeniably worthy of a five-star designation.

The vastness of the Phoenix Jeju complex hinted at a glorious past, possibly predating the recent travel slump. While the current atmosphere lacked a certain buzz, one could easily imagine the property teeming with life in its heyday. The surrounding area, too, seemed primed to offer breathtaking views, a fact sadly obscured by the gloomy weather that plagued our visit. A glimpse of sunshine, however, revealed the undeniable potential for scenic splendor.

A single frustration marred our experience: the elusive Mint Restaurant at the Glass House. Nestled beachside and accessible only via buggy or shuttle, this eatery beckoned with the promise of a unique dining experience. Alas, despite the presence of empty tables, our attempts to gain entry were met with a firm "fully booked" response. Reservations, it seemed, were a prerequisite. This, combined with the knowledge of the breathtaking ocean vista the Glass House offered on a sunny winter's day, left us with a pang of disappointment.

Despite this setback, Phoenix Jeju remains an intriguing proposition. Its architectural heritage, coupled with the phenomenal breakfast spread, makes it a contender for those seeking a unique Jeju experience. Just be sure to plan ahead for that coveted spot at the...

The compelling reason to stay at the Phoenix is undoubtedly its simply awesome grounds in Seopjikoji : ocean views from cliff-side walking paths, “seas” of flowers, grounds full of treasures just waiting to be explored ….yet a place to easily find peace & serenity. When I booked for my solo stay, the smallest accommodation that was available was a 2 bedroom/ 2 full bathroom “apartment”, complete with a living room, generous balcony and full eat-in kitchen. One of the bedrooms had a western bed, while the other with a traditional Korean bed (floor mattress). The unit was spacious and clean, but very basic and a bit tired. It did however, have walls of windows allowing for loads of natural light. Central AC kept the unit comfortable during the warm days and the patio doors and windows open made sleeping very comfortable at night My unit was in a building that had a handy convenience store and laundry in it. |While the resort pool had a comfortable temperature, the depth is very shallow. - too shallow for laps. Still, it was nice to just relax in the evening. The lifeguards clear the pool 30 minutes before closing time, so plan accordingly. |One of the hotel restaurants has a buffet dinner (albeit a bit pricey) with many local delicacies, including lots of local seafood. Another, has picnic tables and BBQ grills where guests cook their own food provided by the restaurant. I recommend reserving a table for a sunset dinner there! Parking was included in accommodation costs. |If I come back to Jeju, I would most definitely stay at the...

The compelling reason to stay at the Phoenix is undoubtedly its simply awesome grounds in Seopjikoji : ocean views from cliff-side walking paths, “seas” of flowers, grounds full of treasures just waiting to be explored ….yet a place to easily find peace & serenity. When I booked for my solo stay, the smallest accommodation that was available was a 2 bedroom/ 2 full bathroom “apartment”, complete with a living room, generous balcony and full eat-in kitchen. One of the bedrooms had a western bed, while the other with a traditional Korean bed (floor mattress). The unit was spacious and clean, but very basic and a bit tired. It did however, have walls of windows allowing for loads of natural light. Central AC kept the unit comfortable during the warm days and the patio doors and windows open made sleeping very comfortable at night My unit was in a building that had a handy convenience store and laundry in it. |While the resort pool had a comfortable temperature, the depth is very shallow. - too shallow for laps. Still, it was nice to just relax in the evening. The lifeguards clear the pool 30 minutes before closing time, so plan accordingly. |One of the hotel restaurants has a buffet dinner (albeit a bit pricey) with many local delicacies, including lots of local seafood. Another, has picnic tables and BBQ grills where guests cook their own food provided by the restaurant. I recommend reserving a table for a sunset dinner there! Parking was included in accommodation costs. |If I come back to Jeju, I would most definitely stay at the...