Gloucester Hotel Jeju: Your Unforgettable Korean Island Escape
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the slightly chaotic, totally honest world of the Gloucester Hotel Jeju. Forget those perfectly polished travel brochures; I'm delivering the real deal, the messy, the wonderful, and maybe a little bit the "should-have-brought-more-sunscreen" experience of staying at this Korean island escape.
Gloucester Hotel Jeju: Unfiltered Review – Mostly Good, With Some Quirks (Because, Life!)
First, the basics – the "Is it Actually Worth It?" part. Yeah, it is. Seriously. But let’s get into ALL the weeds.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Manageable)
Alright, I’m not a wheelchair user, but I always try to keep accessibility in mind. Gloucester attempts to be accessible, listing facilities for disabled guests. BUT. And this is a big "but," don't expect perfect ramped access everywhere. It's Korea, things are getting better, but the 'fully accessible' dream isn't quite a reality yet. I'd recommend reaching out directly to the hotel and asking specific questions about your needs. The elevator situation seemed decent, though. So, points for trying, but do your homework here.
On-site Accessible Dining, Lounges – Fingers Crossed: Honestly, I didn't specifically check this. I was too busy mainlining kimchi at every opportunity. Check with the hotel. Seriously.
Wheelchair Accessible - Kinda?: See above. Check. Verify. Then, check again.
Internet: Bless the Wi-Fi Gods!
- Free Wi-Fi: Oh, yes! And strong! Everywhere! In all the rooms! Glory be! This is a huge win. I'm a digital nomad at heart, so reliable Wi-Fi is non-negotiable. Streaming, uploading… all smooth sailing.
- Internet [LAN]: Seems like a relic of the past, really. But good to have the option, I guess? I didn’t plug in. Who does that anymore?!
- Internet services - Wi-Fi in public areas: Fast, too. Like, fast enough to post embarrassing videos of yourself dancing to K-Pop at 3 AM. Not that I did that. Cough.
- Internet: See above, but more enthusiastically!
Things to Do / Ways to Relax: Spa Heaven and Beyond!
Okay, this is where the Gloucester really shines. Forget those "strenuous sightseeing" things. This is a chill-out zone.
- Spa/Sauna: Absolutely. Do it. The sauna was a sweaty, glorious cocoon of relaxation.
- Body Scrub/Wraps: They had them. I didn't indulge, but I saw people looking blissed out afterwards.
- Massage: Oh, yes, the massage. The massage was next level. I got the Jeju volcanic rock massage. It was worth every. single. won. They really know how to work out the travel knots. Seriously, book it.
- Pool with View: Amazing. The outdoor pool has a stunning view. I spent a solid afternoon floating with a cocktail and pretending I was a millionaire. (Okay, maybe I was just a slightly less stressed, slightly caffeinated, freelancer from the UK, But the view… it helped.)
- Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool [outdoor]: All there, all working, all bliss. My inner grumpy old man loved this.
- Gym/fitness: Didn't go. Too busy eating. Sorry, not sorry.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items… Okay, they’re taking the whole Covid thing seriously, which is fantastic. I felt incredibly safe. They seemed to know what they were doing. Good job, Gloucester!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Yep, all the staff seemed well-informed. Felt safe!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Seriously, everywhere. My hands never felt cleaner. Maybe too clean.
- Other stuff: There’s a Doctor/nurse on call, first aid, and that usual security stuff.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food!
Okay, here's the thing. Jeju Island is a foodie paradise. And the Gloucester contributes!
- Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet was a HUGE deal. Seriously, I would have been fine living off of it. The options were plentiful – Asian, Western, they had it all. The kimchi was addictive. The coffee was… drinkable. Okay, maybe not the best coffee, but you'll survive.
- Restaurants: Several to choose from. Some with international cuisine, some with Western and Asian. I even saw a vegetarian restaurant!
- Poolside Bar: Ah, the poolside bar. Where I may or may not have ordered one too many cocktails while staring at the view. Great for a relaxing drink pre dinner
- Room service: Available 24-hours. Thank goodness, for those late night cravings.
- Other goodies: Coffee shop, bar, snack bar… you’re covered.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
- Cashless payment service, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Luggage storage… All present and accounted for. They’ve thought of it all.
- Convenience store: Right there, for those late-night snack emergencies.
- Laundry/dry cleaning: Yep. Needed it. Used it. All good.
- The "Not-so-good": I'm reaching here, but the check-in was a bit slow at times. But the staff were friendly and genuinely helpful, so it was fine.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly!
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal… This place seems great for families! Lots of options to keep the little buggers entertained (or at least, off your back for a bit!).
Access: The Nitty Gritty
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express/private], Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms, Security [24-hour]… They're all about safety, which is reassuring.
Getting Around
- Airport transfer: They have one! Which is fantastic. It's so much less stressful than figuring out public transport after a long flight.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking: Parking/transport are easy, which is a huge plus in Jeju.
- Bicycle parking: Not my thing, but cool for cyclists.
Available in All Rooms: The Creature Comforts
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Air Conditioning, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea… All the bits you'd expect.
- Free bottled water: YES! Hydration is key when exploring and/or overindulging in Korean BBQ.
- High floor, Hair dryer, Ironing facilities, In-room safe box, Minibar, Fridge… Everything is there. It makes life easy.
- Wi-Fi [free]: See above. Praise be.
- Bed: The bed was comfortable. I slept like a log every night. Which is quite frankly, the best thing.
The Room – My Little Sanctuary
Okay, my room was clean, well-appointed, and had everything I needed. The blackout curtains were a godsend after those late nights out and about. The bathroom was modern and clean. It was my little oasis. The shower was ace.
Overall: A Solid Choice with a Few Quirks
Would I go back? Absolutely. The Gloucester Hotel Jeju is a fantastic base for exploring the island. The spa alone makes it worth it. The staff are lovely. The location is great. And the Wi-Fi is strong. The minor imperfections are easily forgiven for the overall experience.
One Last Thing: My favorite thing about the Gloucester? The feeling of relaxing. Being able to shrug off the stresses of everyday life and just be. This place made me relax. And sometimes, that’s the most important thing of all.
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Jeju Island Mayhem: Gloucester Hotel & Beyond (A Slightly Chaotic Adventure)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously planned, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is the real deal. The one where things go gloriously, hilariously wrong…and occasionally, perfectly right.
Day 1: Arrival & Jet Lagged Euphoria (and a near-disaster with seaweed)
- Morning: Touchdown at Jeju International Airport! I emerged, blinking into the sunshine, feeling simultaneously thrilled and utterly wiped. Jet lag, you glorious beast, you're back! The hotel transfer was a breeze, thankfully. The Gloucester Hotel Jeju… well, it's got that sleek, modern lobby vibe that always makes me feel like I'm on the set of a Bond film. (Minus the suave spy part, mostly just the confused tourist part.) I'm talking about the lobby vibes, where the water feature is so perfect, I nearly walked into it, lost in thought, over my own feet.
- Afternoon: Unpacked in my room. The view? Spectacular. Ocean, volcanic cliffs, the works. Decided to be proactive and fight jet lag. First thought: food. Found a small, local restaurant near the hotel. Tried to navigate the menu with my nonexistent Korean. I somehow managed to order something and ended up with a plate piled high with…seaweed. Lots of seaweed. It was a flavor explosion, a texture party in my mouth! It was a lot of seaweed. I ate most of it. My stomach now feels like I have a small fish tank inside.
- Evening: Wandered around the hotel grounds, feeling like a zombie. Stumbled upon the hotel's rooftop bar. Had a drink, or several. Remembered the ocean view. Forgot about my seaweed adventure. Made a vow to learn at least one Korean phrase before tomorrow. (Spoiler alert: didn't happen.)
Day 2: The Volcanic Caves of Doom (and the Search for Authentic Kimchi)
- Morning: The sun! The birds! Slept through my alarm, unsurprisingly. Dragged myself out of bed, feeling marginally less like a walking corpse. Decided to go for a hike, or at least attempt a hike. Heading over to the Manjanggul Lava Tube, I tried to find the entrance of the cave which was marked with a large sign in Korean. It was an adventure! It was a little bit like being Indiana Jones. I felt heroic, even though I was just following the clearly marked path. I got deep inside and suddenly I was plunged into darkness. Oh, the cave was dark. The darkest dark. And cold. Like, soul-chilling cold. I swear I heard bats flapping…or maybe that was just my rapidly beating heart. Definitely worth the trip.
- Afternoon: My first taste of real, authentic, can't-believe-it's-not-kimchi-from-a-jar kimchi. I did a street food tour to find what I was looking for. I think I asked a lot of questions and pointed a lot, but the kimchi was amazing. It was an eruption of flavor, a spicy, fermented symphony on my tongue. A pure revelation. I even bought a jar to take home… which I'm secretly terrified I'll never be able to replicate.
- Evening: Wandered around the streets near my hotel searching for a bar. I ended up at two different bars. Had a couple of soju shots. Fell in love with Jeju Island all over again. (Also, pretty sure I offended the karaoke machine with my atrocious singing…apologies, karaoke gods.)
Day 3: Udo Island & the Tale of the Lost Sunscreen (and the Great Seafood Feast)
- Morning: Ferry to Udo Island! The island is picturesque, with its little villages and bright green fields. I decided to rent a scooter. (Safety is for squares, right?) I cruised along the coastal road, wind in my hair, feeling like a rebel. Then I went to the edge of the cliff. A perfect picture. Went to another cliff, and then another. Then I realized that I left my sunscreen behind. This is a catastrophic error!
- Afternoon: The seafood. Oh, the seafood. Right in the middle of a cliff, I found a small, family-run restaurant. It has a stunning view of the ocean. I inhaled a mountain of fresh seafood. This was the epitome of a perfect afternoon. I had the freshest sashimi, the sweetest prawns, the most delicate sea urchin (which I somehow managed to eat without puking). It was heaven on a plate. I'm pretty sure I'll dream of that seafood for weeks.
- Evening: Attempted to watch the sunset. Failed. The clouds (and my sunburn) conspired against me. Managed to catch a glimpse of a fiery sky before retreating to my hotel room to slather myself in aloe vera and contemplate my life choices. (Mostly good choices, actually. Except the sunscreen bit.)
Day 4: Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak & Saying Goodbye (and the looming threat of laundry)
- Morning: Conquer Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak! The climb was brutal. My legs screamed in protest, my lungs burned, and my spirit nearly broke. But the view. The view from the top. Worth every single agonizing step. It's a vast volcanic crater, a testament to nature's power. It was truly breathtaking. I sat there, wind-whipped and sweaty, just soaking it all in.
- Afternoon: Tried to find a laundry service. Failed. I think this is because I speak no Korean. The hotel's laundry service appeared mysteriously expensive. Contemplated hand-washing my clothes in the hotel sink. The sheer thought of that makes me tired.
- Evening: Last night in Jeju! Had a final dinner at a restaurant on the coast. Ate more seafood, of course. Reflected on my crazy, messy, wonderful adventure. Realized that the imperfections, the missed directions, the near-disasters…those were the things that made it unforgettable. Packed my bags, my seaweed-induced food coma still lingering. Jeju, you beautiful, chaotic island, I'll be back.
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is a suggestion, a loose framework. Don't be afraid to deviate. Embrace the unexpected. Get lost. Eat the seaweed. Say yes to the soju shots. And for the love of all that is holy, wear sunscreen! You'll have a much better time. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a hotel sink full of laundry that needs attending to. Wish me luck.
Kyona Purple: Jeddah's Hottest New Secret (Al Qurayat)
Okay, spill it! Is Gloucester Hotel Jeju REALLY worth the hype? Everyone raves about it.
Alright, fine, I’ll be brutally honest. The hype? It's kinda... deserved. I mean, if you're picturing a meticulously curated Instagram shot of perfect zen, with matching kimonos and a silent, flowing stream... adjust your expectations. Gloucester Hotel Jeju is more like… picture this, a slightly overgrown, but charming garden, where you bump into the occasional rogue sprinkler head while desperately trying to find the pool. It's full of character, not flawless. And honestly? I loved it. The initial "Wow," feeling hits you when you step into the lobby. It's grand, kind of old-school in a good way, like stepping onto the set of a classic Korean drama. Then you’re hit with that Jeju air… fresh, salty, a little bit of volcanic earth. It's a sensory overload in a good way. Absolutely recommend, but prepare for a little imperfection and a whole lot of heart.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they as luxurious as they seem online? (And, um, are they *clean*?)
Luxury is subjective, isn't it? The rooms themselves? Solid. Not like, over-the-top, gold-plated faucets and a butler named Jeeves. But definitely comfortable. We had a room with a balcony overlooking… well, some trees. Beautiful Jeju trees, mind you. The bed was fantastic - I swear, I slept like a beached whale. My only tiny gripe? The bathroom looked like its tiles might be older than me. (Okay, I might be exaggerating a little… but it's got that 'vintage-charm' angle). So, yes, *clean*. But let's just say, if you're a stickler for immaculate, brand-new fittings, maybe adjust your expectations a tad. It’s more about the atmosphere, the feeling of being somewhere special, than pristine perfection. Still, top marks for the comfy bed, and the fact I didn't find any questionable critters (phew!).
The food! Tell me *everything* about the food. Is it all kimchi and spicy noodles? (I'm a picky eater, help!)
Okay, the food. This is where Gloucester REALLY shines. *Especially* the breakfasts. Oh. My. God. Forget your sad continental breakfasts. We're talking an absolute FEAST. Everything from perfectly fluffy scrambled eggs to fresh fruit that bursts with flavour (Jeju oranges are a *dream*). They even had a little section for Western-style palates, so don’t worry, picky eaters! (My partner, who’s basically a vegetarian who’s afraid of vegetables, found plenty to eat. That’s saying something). Yes, there was kimchi, and yes, there were spicy noodles (and they were delicious!). But the variety was insane. And the presentation! Everything looked so beautiful and fresh, it was like a mini work of art. I practically waddled out of breakfast every morning. The dinner restaurant was also incredible; there's a seafood stew I'm still dreaming about. Honestly, I’d go back just for the food. Utterly delightful.
What's the best thing about Gloucester Hotel Jeju, in your opinion? The *one* thing.
Ugh, that’s hard. I'm torn between the incredible food and that balcony view... Okay, I'll go with the *vibe*. Seriously. It's got this… relaxed, "come as you are" energy. It doesn't take itself too seriously. The staff are genuinely lovely and helpful; they're not just going through the motions. You get the feeling they actually *care* that you're enjoying yourself, which is rare these days! I think the best thing about this hotel is that it feels like you're actually *in* Jeju, not just staying in a generic hotel that could be anywhere in the world. It embraces the island's spirit, from the food to the atmosphere to, you know, the slightly wonky but charming garden I mentioned earlier. (And the fact that it wasn't completely overrun with screaming tourists when I went - major bonus!) It just feels… *real*. It’s the kind of place where you finally relax and just *breathe*, you know?
Are there any downsides? Anything I should be aware of before booking?
Okay, the disclaimer section. I mentioned the slightly-aged bathroom tiles, which might bug some people. Also, this isn't the hotel for you if you need constant entertainment and are a high-maintenance traveler. Think of it as an escape from the everyday. Be aware that it's a little outside of the main tourist hustle and bustle of some areas. Which is definitely a *plus* for me! And yes, at peak times, the pool might be a little crowded. But honestly, the pros massively outweigh the cons. Traffic on Jeju Island can be a bit of a nightmare at times (it's an island, what do you expect?!), so if you want to see lots, I’d recommend renting a car. Also, maybe bring some earplugs if you're a super light sleeper, although the air-conditioning unit in our room wasn't a jet engine. Just be prepared for a genuine, slightly lived-in, but ultimately gorgeous experience. And book well in advance - it's popular!
What are some must-do activities or attractions near the hotel? (Or: What should I plan my days around?)
Right, activities! Firstly, rent a car. Honestly, you need to. Jeju is HUGE and public transport can be… challenging. As for what to do… Well, you *have* to visit Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak). Get there early; it's a climb, but the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking. Think volcanic crater framed by the ocean... stunning. Then, head to the Manjanggul Lava Tube – it's this incredible underground cave system. Wear sensible shoes – I slipped and nearly went flat on my face! Other amazing places? Cheonjeyeon Falls – beautiful waterfalls that provide ideal Instagram photo-ops - and the Jeju Folk Village. And most importantly? Take some time just to *chill*. Find a quiet beach, eat some fresh seafood, and do absolutely nothing. That's the Jeju magic. The hotel staff can recommend some local gems too. Seriously, don't try to cram everything in – you'll burn out. Savor the experience.
Okay, final question. Would you go back? Would you recommend it to a friend? BE HONEST!
YES! Without a second thought! I'd book it again right now if I could. I actually told my best friend to book it while *I* was still there – if that tells you anything. It's not just a hotel; it’s an experience. A slightly imperfect, utterly charming, and memory-making experience. I’m actually getting a little misty-eyed thinking about that breakfast buffet again. I dreamt about the waffles for weeks afterward. The only downside? Now I REALLY want toHotels With Kitchenettes
