13 Best Hotels in Jeju-do, South Korea

Stylish, contemporary, and fully loaded with all the usual amenities, this remote getaway is a popular family destination and just minutes from the beach. Stay in one of the large rooms on the hotel side, with plush linens, free Wi-Fi, and balconies with great views, or on the resort side in a more modest (but still spacious) condominium. The light-filled, marble-floored lobby is always bustling with excited children headed to the kids' game room and adults gathering to listen to live music ensembles. This is a great option for families looking for a lively but luxurious vacation.

This massive, twin-tower landmark rising 38 stories above downtown Jeju City is home to 1,600 rooms and suites, 14 restaurants and bars, two spas, and plenty of other amenities, making the complex a self-contained holiday in and of itself. The views of the sea and Hallasan Mountain are spectacular, especially from the Lounge 38 bar, Pocha Korean-style pub or Steak House on the top floor of Tower 2. Rooms favor a contemporary design accented with modern Korean art.

Located on a hillside in the center of Jungmun, this luxurious retreat has a longstanding reputation for being one of the island's best hotels. Known for its rich, European-style décor, Shilla is a favorite among honeymooners and couples looking to indulge at a glamorous beach getaway. The rooms are simple yet tastefully decorated in rattan furnishings and each bathroom is equipped with a small TV. There's also an on-site shopping arcade, a Jeju crafts shop, and a travel agency.

Situated along Sanjicheon Stream in the heart of Jeju City, this cool guesthouse can't be beaten when it comes to location. The rooms feature views of the neighborhood and beyond, and both Jungang Market and Top-dong are just a stone's throw away. It also has shared dormitory rooms for those on a budget. The first floor features a great burger joint with cold beer on tap.

Two old Jeju-style stone homes directly abutting in the quiet port town of Jocheon have been masterfully renovated as a rental house, and the results are spectacular: The old stone walls and other parts of the homes have been preserved, while the old wood doors and other materials have been recycled as furniture. There's a fully equipped kitchen, of course, as well as outdoor barbecue grill. There's even an outdoor bathtub shielded by a stone wall. If you're looking to combine comfort with a healthy touch of local culture, Blind Whale is the place to be. The home can handle groups of up to four, but no children are allowed.

Located in the quaint neighborhood of Nae-do just 10 minutes from Sin-Jeju, this small yet stylish inn is nestled amongst farm lands and traditional Jeju homes. Rooms have amazing views and there's a nearby, one-mile olle (walking trail) that leads to Iho beach. Every room is simply styled á la European guesthouses and equipped with a small kitchen with all the essentials. Breakfast usually consists of a piping hot bowl of abalone soup—a Jeju delicacy.

Situated on a gorgeous stretch of cliffside greenery overlooking the waves in the shadow of Sunrise Peak, Haeilri's stellar location almost upstages the rooms themselves. All rooms have a whole wall of windows (with curtains for privacy at night), but you may want to opt for the ground-level Pool Villa rooms, which come with their own private verandas featuring shallow pools and deep, hot tub-like baths. The on-site cafe features its own swimming pool along with a spacious outdoor seating area, where guests can sip caffeinated drinks while gazing out over the sparkling waters below. The hotel occupies some of Jeju's most prime real estate, and is worth a visit for that alone.

Located at the foot of Hallasan mountain, this picturesque resort is the ultimate mountain retreat in the winter and tropical adventure lodge in the summer. Stay entertained with a myriad of activities, including a public golf course; European-style spa; 200-seat, big-screen theater; billiards hall; and a video-screen shooting range. There are also several mountain biking and hiking trails just beyond the resort's property. The hotel also plays host to a number of live concerts. Rooms are comfortable, Korean-style units complete with small kitchens. The furnishings are simple and nothing to brag about, but the hospitality more than compensates: an on-site flower and fruit basket delivery service is a nice touch.

These two charming renovated farmhouses on Udo Island have a lovely garden surrounded by traditional stone walls. Both wings have room enough for four. The decor is appropriately rustic, with the old roof rafters left as is. The homes have TVs, air-conditioning, kitchens, microwaves, and coffeepots. There's an outdoor barbecue for meals and parties, too.

This luxurious piece of paradise is right on the beach and in the heart of Jungmun, a trendy town packed with new restaurants and attractions. Rooms are spacious and the beds have excellent mattresses and goose-down comforters. Opulent amenities include a private Louis Vuitton outlet, a fully loaded gym, and one of the best health spas on the island. Children are thrilled by the lava-spewing nightly volcano show, the beautiful pond (which becomes an outdoor skating rink in the winter), and Kids World, an activity center that will keep the little ones busy all day.

This sprawling resort owns most of the scenic cape Seopjikoji, and in addition to the stunning natural backdrop, it boasts architecture by renowned masters Tadao Ando and Mario Botta and even its own art nouveau museum. The Bella Terrace "condo" has well-appointed rooms and suites with views of the sea. There are some good, architecturally inspired dining options as well.

One of the most interesting and original hotels on Jeju, Podo was designed with the concept of traditional cottages and the nearby mountains in mind. Noted for its innovative architecture and use of natural light, the undulating titanium roof is inspired by Jeju's oreum (parasitic volcanoes) and units are interconnected so that the hotel resembles a cluster of grapes when seen from above. Each room is decorated in a mix of traditional Jeju and modern Japanese décor. The chic Tahitian-style rooms each have a private Jacuzzi with therapeutic hot springs piped in straight from the source. It's located in countryside on the exclusive PRIX golf course.

Catering to business travelers and those seeking comfort and hotel amenities without breaking the bank, Shilla Stay has clean and modern rooms with comfortable beds that come with goose-down blankets and eiderdown pillows. The property's rooftop lounge looks out over the city and ocean beyond. The hotel is located in Yeon-dong, a hopping neighborhood close to the airport that's full of restaurants and shops. If you're looking for value along with brand-name quality, this hotel should be at the top of your list.