Stay – Pheuron Tay: Singapore Lifestyle & Travel Blog since 2013

A Beautiful Guesthouse to Visit in South Korea

Pheuron Tay — Sat, 26 Oct 2019 09:08:59 +0000

As I write about Gangwon-do, the emerald green hills and the deep blue sea were already miles apart. This province is a little foreign to many first-timer to South Korea. Still, it has been a fairly popular destination to K-drama followers, all thanks to the famous Korean drama Goblin which would make its Season 2 comeback on Netflix soon. Many of the iconic drama scenes were taken at Gangwon-do, which I have already covered here.

Important Notice: Please note that I have stopped updating all South Korea-related content published before 2020 on this blog. You may find all updated South Korea travel content at my dedicated, new travel site here: www.thecalmchronicle.com

For those who enjoy the beautiful scenery of South Korea, and would love a free & easy trip to their coastal provinces, I highly recommend the Gangwon province. It has gorgeous sheep farms, endless mountains and breathtaking ocean view, suitable for nature lovers, couples and family with kids.

I embarked on a quest for a place to stay in Daegwallyeong after deciding to bring dad and mom for our first family trip in Gangwon-do. After some search on Naver, I found Queen’s Garden, a beautiful guesthouse located in Hoenggye (횡계), a town in Pyeong Chang that is a 19 minutes drive away to Daegwallyeong Yangtte Sheep Farm. It is a family-run guesthouse famed for its beautifully decorated garden.

Queens Garden | Photo courtesy of Queens Garden.

Patio for BBQ during summer. | Photo Courtesy of Queens Garden.

As our family trip took place a few weeks before the arrival of autumn, the changing of the season brought a sudden thunderstorm. We were all drenched by the time we reached the guesthouse. The owner set up a cosy fireplace at the lobby cafe and served towels and herbal tea as a welcome drink. Though with limited English capacity, we were delighted by the friendly, thoughtful and authentic service.

We booked a “Pension” room, which is a type of lodging widely found in quiet towns or countryside in South Korea. A pension usually comes with family-friendly facilities, such as separating bedroom, bathrooms, kitchen and ondol-style flooring, which is a excellent amenities for old-folks. Each pension comes in different configuration, and our room has a mezzanine level which has 3 beds and a sofa that can easily be converted into a single bed – great for a 4 pax family!

One double bed and a single bed at the mezzanine level of the Pension.

The room has a veranda that has direct access to the garden, a perfect place for a BBQ party, especially from spring to summer. We did opted-in for their in-house BBQ dinner package which was supposed to take place at the veranda. However, due to the bad weather, we had to move the dinner venue to the lobby cafe.

We had Hanwoo beef and BBQ pork prepared by the owner of Queen’s Garden. The meat was fatty, tender and juicy. We also loved the side-dishes made by the owner’s wife. Though we did not get to experience in-room dining, the atmosphere at the cafe was warm and invigorating, as if we were dining at a friend’s place.

The view right outside our balcony.

We woke up in the morning feeling refreshed at our pension. The sky has cleared up, and the crisp autumn morning air makes us feel vibrant and excited. We went out at the veranda and inhaled the natural forest fresh air — a much-needed forest bathing indeed.

The complimentary breakfast was a simple and hearty spread consists of salad, juices, soup, bagels with butter and assorted homemade jam. We finished up our breakfast and decided to take a tour at Queen’s Garden’s famed garden. Unfortunately, the damaging storm left the plants flattened – my photos certainly do not do them justice as it was taken right after the storm. I believe the garden will look stunning after tidying up, especially when the weather is good!

The lettuce we had at the BBQ dinner the night before was from the garden.

Immerse in the early autumn view at Queen’s Garden in the end August.

Writer’s Note:

Queen’s Garden is a lovely guesthouse at Hoenggye, perfect for those who are visiting Gangwon-do (or Gangwon Province), especially the Daegwallyeong area. Traditionally known as the best winter destination, this province is exceptionally beautiful in winter. However, I would also recommend you to visit this place even in the summer because it is reportedly 6 degrees cooler than Seoul. This would also mean that the winter in Gangwon-do will get even colder in winter, so do dress appropriately. During the warmer season, you may have a picnic or a swim by the valley which is a stone’s throw away or have an ATV ride session against the scenic wind generator area.

I love how near Queen’s Garden is from Hoenggye Bus Terminal, and you can easily hail a cab to the guesthouse. As for touring around the area, I figured it is best to hire a taxi driver that drives you around the whole day. However, making a reservation wasn’t exactly a breeze. You’ll need a Korean bank account for a deposit, which I find most overseas tourist would find this a hassle. However, if you’d like an experience similar to local Korean, you may still write in to enquire. The owner might be able to help with your booking without a deposit but please do your part by not backing out!

Contact Details:

Queens Garden
Tel.: +82 10-9012-2583
Email: queens700@naver.com
https://queensgarden.co.kr/ (Korean)

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강원도 평창군 대관령면 경강로 5425-21

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Jeju Island: Little White Bungalow by The Sea

Pheuron Tay — Sat, 27 May 2017 07:05:56 +0000

Even though most of the major attractions of Jeju Island are pretty much located in the southern part of the island, I actually preferred staying in the northern part where the beautiful Seaside Road (해안도로), the changing colours of the Aewol Sea and the local hideouts are located. Thankfully, I found this beautiful little white house by the sea and now, I can’t think of any other place to recommend if you’re looking for an accommodation in Jeju Island.

I was totally charmed by the beauty of Chunsang eui Noeul 천상의 노을 when we got dropped off at the frontyard of the bungalow. The rustic facade of the house, the pebbles stones, the red roofs… the moment you see it from the outside, you know it is something special.

For more than a decade, the Kim family receives guests from all around the world at their double-storey bungalow by the sea. It is one of the 3 accommodations that is awarded service excellence by the Jeju Government on the whole island. Sunny and cozy, with some French influences interior here and there, this place is a top favourite among local.

Our lovely studio suite at the 2nd floor has a breathtaking view of the sea, which makes the trip so remarkably wonderful. We arrived in the late afternoon and decided to stay indoor to appreciate the beauty of Jeju before scouting around the vicinity on our 1st day there. Of course, we didn’t miss the surreal moment watching the sun dipped below the water’s edge right from our room.

Dinner was the barbecue Jeju black pork from a restaurant some 5 minutes walk from the bungalow, though it pales in comparison to the bbq black pork at a restaurant call Chil-don-ga 칠돈가 near Cheonjeyeon Waterfall. It was that kind of taste that lingers in your memory. Too bad we didn’t have time to revisit Chil-don-ga this time as our itinerary were to check out places at the northern part of the island. Driving to the restaurant from the bungalow would take up 40 mins. to an hour!

Simple breakfast is served daily at the cafe at the ground floor. You can help yourself with some toast, eggs & beans, cereal, fruits and salad, coffee or tea before heading out.

Shinum Lighthouse located right in front of the bungalow.

Writer’s note: Waking up to the sea view each morning was the best thing during my 3-day-stay here. The vivid and cheerful sunlight, the changing colours of the sea and the movements of the light in the room, all add up to a relaxing and carefree atmosphere throughout our stay. We engaged a private guide to drive us around during our stay. The tour starts at 9am and ends around 6pm every day. After a long and tiring day, the minute we dropped off at the place, I would see the golden sunset lit up the stone wall, the greeneries surrounding the white bungalow, the quiet trail descending down towards the sea, and when I hear the echoes of the ocean waves, I knew I was home.

The room was kept tidy every day and each room has its speedy private wifi and mini kitchen. Mrs Kim, although not exactly well verse in English, was very kind and helpful and attended to all our queries regarding food/travel recommendation. Their daughter who’s currently in the US is contactable via their Airbnb account. You may contact her if you need more information.

Contact Details:

천상의노을 Chunsang eui Noeul
2839-1 Sineom-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju-do, South Korea.
제주도 제주시 애월해안로 424번지/ 제주특별자치도 제주시 애월읍 신엄리 2839-1
Tel. 064-799-6116

Location:

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Space Sieon, The Orchard: Remote Cafe in Jeonju

Pheuron Tay — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 12:26:44 +0000

I can’t wait for the arrival of springtime. For the spring breeze to gently blow and the flowers to bloom. One of the best places to enjoy spring in Korea is Jeonju. I have elaborated the topic quite a bit here. I was collecting information about this beautiful hanok (traditional housing) guesthouse that I stayed earlier, but much to my disappointment, this lovely guesthouse is no longer exist.

Sieondang 시은당 [pronounce as see-eun-dang] was definitely one of the best hanok guesthouses in Jeonju. It is a traditional hanok with an exquisite modern twist. The wood paper door, the spoon door lock, fine embroidery on the thick Korean bedding, the sights of warm sunlight falls onto the aged wooden floor, all scream tradition.

I really love the rustic yet minimalist approach to the interior. It was a pity that the guesthouse is no longer available The owner now starts a cafe at a remote area near the orchard in Jeonju. If you’re at Jeonju and didn’t want to join the crazy crowd, you may check out this huge cafe call The Orchard. The two chow chows might be at the cafe greeting you!

A photo posted by 가현 [kakao. @프롬유/@바이워너비] (@by_fromu) on Sep 1, 2016 at 2:12am PDT

A photo posted by @uptoe on Jan 25, 2017 at 2:13am PST

A photo posted by Sora Veronica Park (@dinosora90723) on Nov 23, 2016 at 10:46pm PST

A photo posted by Sora (@orchard_sieon) on Dec 23, 2016 at 8:49pm PST

A photo posted by Sora (@orchard_sieon) on Sep 21, 2016 at 6:12pm PDT

A photo posted by ᴍʏ ᴅᴀɪʟʏ_ (@_carpediemmm) on Dec 31, 2016 at 5:53pm PST

A photo posted by New Season (@sijun_r) on Jan 1, 2017 at 9:27pm PST

Address:

32-30 Hanjeol-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
전북 전주시 완산구 한절길 32-30 (도로명주소로 검색하셔야 오차드까지 안내가 됩니다.)
Tel: 063 – 282 – 1153

Directions:

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Cafe Ando: Hidden Cafe (& Guesthouse) You Want To Keep A Secret

Pheuron Tay — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 03:24:46 +0000

Shhh… today I am sharing you a secret hideout tucked in the back alleyway of Itaewon, Seoul. It is a hidden cafe I pondered over for a long time whether to share it here just because I want to keep this place my secret >.< Hah! I am not a fan of Itaewon when I first moved to Seoul. For your information, Itaewon is considered an “international district” of Seoul, with a mixture of upscale bars and rowdy nightclubs. I am not a club person at all. So during my first few years in Korea, I didn’t bother to explore this area until I was introduced to Cafe Ando.

It is now my best go-to cafe whenever I need quality time with my friends, and an excellent hideout for some alone time. It is strangely a space befitting almost all kinds of dates – with a bigger group of friends, with that special someone, over afternoon tea or evening cocktail, to wine and dessert after dinner or even for proper meal.

Tucked away in the hidden gol-mok (alleyway) of Itaewon, the cafe requires its visitors a little patience to locate. It is hidden humbly at the end of a steep staircase off the main road – the kind of location you won’t even noticed unless given a tip-off. Behind the black metal door was a huge private garden with open terrace. I love having brunch at their outdoor terrace when the weather is fine.

The interior was a brilliant combination of industrial and traditional design. I love the wooden flooring, the rustic colonial settings and how the metal furniture, decorations and exposed bricks adding a nice industrial touch to the interior.

Oh Hello!! Here’s a picture of me on my brunch date with a girlfriend.

The cafe offers a wide variety of drinks, ranging from alcoholic drinks like beer, cocktails and wine to alcohol-free beverages like mocktail, juices and coffee. Having tried their red and white wine, gin & tonic and coffee, I would say their drinks are pretty decent, generally a 6-7/10 and above if you want a rating. After all, it is the variety that makes every trip down to Ando so enjoyable.

Iced Latte

My brunch companion got herself an Iced Latte, and I took a sip of it. Personally I think it was a little too milky for my liking. I understand milk is what makes up a latte but it tasted mostly like milk with weak espresso lingering in the background. I once ordered their Americano, and it turned out great. It was smooth, velvety, full bodied but balanced, exactly how I like my coffee to be.

Gin & Tonic with Lemon

House Pour White Wine

I have only dined in once at Ando. However, the pizza we ordered during the brunch date was only mediocre. It has a wonderful thin crust, slightly smokey and crisp as you can see from the pictures, but the toppings were a little weird. I did not truly enjoy the pizza, but I love the atmosphere and the relaxing jazz music in the background. It is a pity I only dined there once, and the rest of my visits were either in the afternoon or after dinner at elsewhere. I hope I can try out other dishes there soon. The salad and pasta from other tables looked great.

Ando Chocolate Brownie.

Ando Chocolate Brownie is my favourite dessert at the cafe. I love the combination of yogurt whipped cream with the sinful cake – the yogurt makes the cake tastes so much fluffier. Sprinkled with nuts, cranberries and drizzled with chocolate sauce, the soft and squidgy cake is a good dessert to share. I like to pair the brownie with some red wine.

Tiramisu

Ando Tiramisu. The generous sprinkling of cocoa powder made it a visually seductive tiramisu. However, the chef seemed to overlook the amount of brandy in the crust. There’s no single trace of alcohol in it, which is quite a disappointment. Perhaps it was the lacking of alcohol makes the dish plain and uninteresting. It is such a waste since the mascarpone cheese topping was nicely textured. I still prefer the Tiramisu at Tutto Bene.

The atmosphere of the cafe turns helplessly romantic at night. I love having wine here with my friends and loved ones after dinner.

Much to my surprise, Ando also operates as a guesthouse. Their newly renovated and tastefully styled rooms, pantry and even the shower room is so Instagram-worthy it is an awesome space every hipster traveller would dream of. I look forward someday I will be able to spend a night or two there, and tell you my experience with Ando Stay 101. It seems positive judging from the pictures on Airbnb.

ANDO STAY 101 ITAEWON – Houses for Rent

House in 서울특별시, South Korea. It is an ANDO STAY 101 ITAEWON linked with CAFÉ ANDO. Clean environment and sensory interior can be found from recent remodeling. Very close to CAFÉ ANDO that any necessities can be fulfilled easily. ANDO STAY 101 ITAEWON is located in the center… View all listings in 서울특별시

Writer’s Note: Truly a hidden urban oasis in Seoul. It is a good brunch spot in downtown Seoul with a nice blend of home tranquility and city cosmopolitan. I would recommend the place for a group gathering, date night or even a post-dinner-chill-out session. For those who are interested in staying in the guesthouse, I would say it is not heavy-luggage friendly. This could be a nice find if you’re going to stay in Seoul just for a couple of days without heavy baggage.

Contact Details:

카페 안도 Cafe Ando
서울특별시 용산구 한남동 736-8
736-8 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel. 02-749-0619

Directions:

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3 Luxurious Hanok Stays in Seoul

Pheuron Tay — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 07:55:35 +0000

Just before the school starts, a friend of mine asked for a hanok stay recommendation in Seoul. Well, to be frank, I never stayed in a hanok in Seoul before. However, as I mentioned in my previous postings, I am a fan of anything vintage with a modern twist, my interest in hanok renovation, hanok architecture and hanok interior design was established long ago. I have been collecting information every now and then. That being said, I am pretty confident in recommending a couple of beautiful hanok stays in Seoul.

A hanok (한옥) is a traditional Korean housing. Many of these traditional houses are former homes of powerful aristocrats, noblemen, and high-ranking government officials. These hanok houses, which are usually found surrounding the palace are now preserved and transformed into guesthouses, restaurant, gallery or cafe.

I reckon hanok with an elegant mix of tradition and modern would be nice for anyone looking for a place to be pampered. Hence here are the top three recommended luxurious hanok stays in Seoul. Price per night might not come cheap. However, judging from the pictures and the positive reviews from their guests, I would say the experience is one-of-a-kind. I have yet to try them out personally, but these are definitely on my list if I were to book a room for myself.

Chiwoonjung 취운정

A jewel of contemporary and traditional hanok architecture, Chiwoonjung is top of my list so far. Marketed as a boutique hotel, Chiwoonjung offers its visitors a glimpse of past without compromising the convenience of modern living. The lavishly renovated bathroom with a wooden tub is perfect for a relaxing soak. It is located up on a hill, providing its guest an exclusive and spectacular view of the beautiful rooftops of Bukchon Hanok Village! For some of you who do not know yet, this place was previously the home of the former South Korean president Lee Myung Bak!
KRW 327,000-1,100,000 per suite per night. For bookings and information, check here.

Picture courtesy of Chiwoonjung.

Rakkojae 락고재

An old Korean traditional house with a rich history of 130 years, Rakkojae is a perfect example of a harmonious mixture of Korean architecture and nature. Renovated by South Korean’s Human National Treasure — Master carpenter Young Jin Chung, the hanok itself is a remarkable piece of art. The private garden with pine trees and bamboo, together with the 130-year-old hanok facade in the background created an unpretentious, tranquil atmosphere. Rooms are equipped with jade stone ondol floor, even yellow mud sauna facility is available. Guests will be able to enjoy various cultural immersion programs including traditional tea ceremony, trying on royal costumes or joining a Kimchi making class.
KRW 250,000-450.000 per room per night. For more information about Rakkojae, check here.

Picture courtesy of Secret-Retreats.com

Picture courtesy of Rakkojae.

Cheongsongjae 청송재 . 능소헌

A reborn of modern adaptations to old architecture, Cheongsongjae is the place one should check out if you are interested in modern hanok interior design. It remains as a private residence of the renowned architect for various generations. Cheongsongjae is a model of two hanoks combined into one. Visitors will be living in one of the hanok while the owner and his family staying the other. The living room, kitchen, and other common areas are shared — I would say it is a unique experience since it is a rare opportunity for a foreigner to stay under one roof with a Korean family!
KRW 495,000 per night. For booking information, check here.

Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.com

Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.com.

So far, I only came across these three hanok stays in Seoul with a luxurious touch. I will continue to work on the list if I discover more. If you have any place to recommend, please let me know ; D

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Jeonju Guesthouse Review: Becky Art Space

Pheuron Tay — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 13:34:13 +0000

Jeonju is a homeland for many talented artists. Known as the city of romance, culture and tradition, it is rich in history and definitely worth exploring– especially their unique Hanok Village. Talking about Jeonju Hanok Village (전주한옥마을), many would actually suggest you to stay at a Hanok for that traditional touch on your Jeonju trip. However, such fancy little traditional experience does not come cheap. Many of the good Hanok Stay cost close to a 4 or 5 star hotel, but the service and comfort they provide simply could not justify that price.

If you want a room that is quirky, designer-inspired, yet not burning a hole in your wallet, Becky Art Space (백희) located right at the Jeonju Hanok Village (very good location) could be what you are looking for. Now that I am writing about the trip, I find that allowing myself to immerse in a space of arts and to be able to enjoy the perks of starting my day in the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee throughout my stay, was a brilliant decision.

I reached Jeonju Station quite early that morning. Not a fan of carrying my heavy backpack as I roam around the city, I decided to try my luck and hail the cab straight to the guesthouse. Though their house rules were to only accept check-in at 3pm, I was lucky enough to be granted an early check in.

As the name suggests, Becky Art Space is a guesthouse for travellers, a gallery and a cafe. The guesthouse has 9 tastefully decorated rooms. Rooms come in different sizes. Bigger rooms could fit up to 5 people, which is very accommodating for group visitors, or even family outings. Room rates vary from KRW 60,000 per night to KRW 140,000 per night, depending on the size of the room and the amount of guests per room. **price listed here varies depending on peak and low season.**

The lobby of the guesthouse serves as a cafe-cum-art gallery, where the space is dedicated for talented artists to showcase their masterpiece and to reach out to the public. Interesting exhibits and exquisitely selected furnitures formed a harmonious ensemble.

Picture courtesy of Becky Guesthouse.

The Room:

Becky has 9 guest rooms. Each and every room is a living example of a perfect mix of Korean traditional and contemporary interior design. I especially adore Room 1, 2, 4 and 7, which has bigger windows that allow ample sunlight in the daytime. Another thing I like about Becky’s is that each room has a beautiful bathroom attached.

Room 1. Photo courtesy of Becky Guesthouse.

Room 2. Photo courtesy of Becky Guesthouse.

Room 7. Photo courtesy of Becky Guesthouse.

Room 4’s washroom on the left. Room 1’s basin on the right. Photo courtesy of Becky Guesthouse.

Since the trip was decided in a rush, and it happened to be the year-end festive season, I was not able to secure myself with any of the rooms above that I prefer. However, I was still very keen on spending my nights at Becky so I settled with Room 6, the only small room available then. It costed me KRW 280,000 (peak season pricing) for two nights.

Interior of Room 6. Photo courtesy of Becky Guesthouse.

Room 6 turned out to be clean and cosy. It comes with a comfortable double bed, thick comforter, a TV, and a corner for tea. Basic amenities such as hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and toothpaste are provided. As I prefer natural sunlight, Room 6 was a tad too dark in the day time. However, the design of the room, the atmosphere and the cleanliness are above expectations.

The Cafe: Chosun Fantasy

The cafe at their lobby, the Chosun Fantasy serves unexpectedly good coffee. Coffee, herb teas, smoothies, burgers and shaved ice can be found on their menu. It is the only place in the building with WiFi access. Spending a relaxing morning, sipping a cup of goodness while surfing the Internet was the first thing I did every day during my stay.

The coffee Mocha and Americano me and my mom ordered. Seriously I did not expect quality coffee at a guesthouse cafe in the first place. The first sip of the Americano was a mind-blower. It wins any international franchise hands down. Though I think their Mocha is too sweet for my liking, I really like their black coffee (great choice of beans!). If you are craving for an excellent brew, and if you trust my taste buds for coffee, here is where you should visit. The cafe has a great sense of selecting their music as well. It is certainly a space with character and a great atmosphere.

My Verdict: My 3D2N stay at Becky Art Space (Becky Gallery Guesthouse) was a pleasant surprise. Although living with the art exhibits for about half a week did not change my charisma or anything LOL, it feels great waking up in an art space. More importantly, the room was cosy and clean. Hot shower supply and the heater were left on 7/24 (you know this is crucial in winter). Service was friendly, and the owner is very knowledgeable in terms of good restaurants around Jeonju. Everything was great, the only drawback was that the guesthouse does not provide drinking water. Guests will have to purchase bottled water from the nearby convenience store.

Contact Details:

Becky Art Space. Gallery. Guesthouse 백희(click me!)
Jeonju-si, Wansan-gu, Gyeongwon-Dong 2 Ga, 40-35
전주시 완산구 경원동 2가 40-35번지(어진길94-6)
Tel. 063-232-6748
HP. +8210-9595-6748

If you read and understand Korean and resides in South Korea, you may make your reservation through their official website, which enables you to secure the room instantly after transferring the rental through a Korean bank account. If not, you may want to contact Becky Kim at bkartspace@naver.com or call for a reservation.

Directions:

nest hotel: A Chic Stay at Incheon

Pheuron Tay — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 04:57:43 +0000

I love exploring new hotels and venues. And so by chance, the KTO decided to have us stay at this stylish hotel in Incheon. I was so excited when this was announced and immediately did some research about the place and oh BOY, I find myself falling in love with the hotel immediately. Although I am back in Seoul, I can’t stop thinking about this hotel and I feel it is calling for my next visit soon!

nest hotel is the first Design Hotels property in South Korea. It is located in Yeongjongdo island of Incheon, a neighbouring city near Seoul with a bunch of new development, ranging from luxury resorts, cultural centres, golf courses, casinos, adventure parks and malls — the future Northeast Asia’s cultural hub.

The architecture of the building was inspired by the hotel’s main focus of becoming a hideout for their guests. The designers first drew up plans for each room individually, blending the views of pine trees, reed fields and the calming Yellow Sea into the interior. These 370 rooms were then constructed through the “piling up” design, forming a unique nest-like facade.

It is a perfect blend of post-modernity with simplicity. I love the combination of a huge amount of white, natural light and earth tone colours, all tastefully selected for their interior colour palette. The hotel is fairly new. In fact the hotel is in a soft launch mode since 12th this month. I absolutely love the feather-like chandeliers hanging gracefully in the lobby.

Taking the island airport hotel to the next level, nest hotel, set in Incheon near Seoul, is the perfect getaway for today’s jet-set crowd.

The Room

I didn’t manage to get satisfying pictures of the hotel room since we only checked in at 11pm, but the standard twin room was pretty comfortable. The quilts and pillows are in soft, good sinking-in material to ensure a restful slumber. Standard rules for most S.Korean Hotels also applied here: Free soap and shower utensils, but extra charges apply if you use the brand new toothbrush provided.

Picture Courtesy of nest hotel.

The Lobby

If there is a word to describe the hotel, that would be “Industrial Elegance”. I love the neat colour arrangement and I appreciate the designer’s attention paid to the tiniest detail of the bricks, the carpet and the pillars. Personally I love natural sunlight, and I must say here at the hotel you really feel the connectedness between the building at the warm daylight. Staffs are friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere throughout my stay. Casual chats with their staffs offered me with the information that the hotel is also providing some unexpected services such as Glamping (glamorous camping) facilities, biking courses through the reed fields and adventurous watersports!

Picture Courtesy of nest hotel.

My denim overalls and me, soaking up in the glorious morning sunshine at the lobby.

Picture Courtesy of nest hotel

The Surroundings

I was so blown away by the spectacular view of the hotel surroundings, especially the reed fields nearby, and the reservoir (or was it a lake?) right outside their restaurant. Since there is basically nothing nearby the hotel and the nearest convenient store is like 5-10 minutes drive away, this place is certainly a recluse paradise.

Picture Courtesy of nest hotel.

The PLATZ

One highlight of the stay would be their beautiful restaurant. Tiered seating were designed to ensure a romantic theatrical dining experience — enjoying the food while overseeing the sea. The whole white and ivory colour settings give off a minimalist, contemporary simplicity atmosphere. The restaurant is surrounded by tall glass windows, make it a gem day and night. Natural sunlight shining through the glass window, lighting up your palate, making the food even more appetising.

The Platz goes quite international on their breakfast menu. Fine western cuisine was served, from fresh garden salad to a good selection of antipasti (not extravagantly wide in selection but good at what they got). Cheesy potato gnocchi and even Chicken Tandoori, the dining experience at their restaurant were a pleasant surprise. Korean style dishes like pa-jeon and haemul-jeon (green onion and seafood pancake), the holy-jeonbukjuk (abalone porridge) and even Chinese dimsum were on the breakfast buffet table as well. Not to mention the artisan croissant, hearty full-grain muffin and the beautifully baked tarts. Certainly (and perhaps, literally) a feast for the eyes and stomach!

Picture Courtesy of nest hotel

Night dining at Platz. Picture Courtesy of nest hotel.

The KUNST Lounge/ Library Café

Fancy a drink over some interesting, good read? Head to their library café at the other end of the lobby. They have a rather impressive library of books, with a few major families of genres ranging from unique culture from all over the world, design, architecture, interior and even humanities. The cosy library actually offers a collection of 1000 books for any reading enthusiast!

I would definitely love to and get cosy up with a glass of martini and getting my hands on The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman at the KUNST. But it was a pity that we were having a super tight schedule during our stay : ( To my surprise, their lounge closes as early as 11pm so if you want to get your drinks at night, you’d better be early to avoid any disappointment.

Picture Courtesy of nest hotel.

Night at the Lounge.

Writer’s Note: The 2d1n stay during my visit to Incheon at nest hotel was perfect — though there is certainly space for improvement. We actually checked into a room with an empty fridge and empty snack bar lol. The spa (jacuzzi pool) in the hotel was closed due to maintenance as well. (We were certainly out of luck!) Though some of the facilities (the garden, the jogging course etc.) are not exactly ready, I feel that everything had lived up to my expectations since the hotel is on soft launch. I heard from the staff that they will be all ready by mid-October 2014! So do check it out if you’re interested! I do hope I can enjoy their hospitality once again when they are all ready! ; )

Contact Details

nest hotel
19-5, Yeongjonghaeannam-ro,Jung-gu,Incheon,Korea
Incheon 400-340, South Korea
Tel. +82 32 743 9000

Our stay costed KRW 250,000-360,000 (USD 239-344) per night. Buffet Breakfast cost KRW 22,000 (USD 21+-) for adults and KRW 11,000 (USD ) for kids if you booked your meals together online.

If you decided to walk in for your breakfast, it’ll cost KRW 27,500 (USD 26) and KRW 13,750 (USD13) for adults and kids respectively.

Promotion during the Asian Game period: Show your ticket for the games and be eligible to enjoy your breakfast at the PLATZ for free.

Disclaimer: This trip is sponsored by Korea Tourism Organization (KTO). However opinions are my own.

Summer Healing Retreat: Ananti Penthouse

Pheuron Tay — Sat, 31 May 2014 06:32:47 +0000

It is the last day of May, and we embraced the early arrival of summer with the temperature soaring to the peak of the year yesterday. As the Kimchi land is expecting a tougher and hotter summer this year, an escapade to somewhere surrounded by lush greeneries at the same time guarantee plenty of personal time is essential! I was researching for a hideout this summer (DUH! I can imagine my needy state for a healing session after those papers!) and came across this gorgeous penthouse that I thought of sharing here on the blog with you.