Escape to Paradise: Phoenix Resort's Pyeongchang Magic!
Escape to Paradise: Phoenix Resort's Pyeongchang Magic! - A Review That Isn't Afraid to Get Real (And Maybe a Little Messy)
Okay, so, Escape to Paradise: Phoenix Resort's Pyeongchang Magic! – sounds dreamy, right? Well, let's be honest, the reality is always a little, well, realer than the brochure. I just got back from a trip, and, man, I’ve got thoughts. Lots of thoughts. Prepare yourself, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. This is me, after some seriously good (and some…not so good) times in Pyeongchang. Let’s dive in!
First Impressions & Getting There (Accessibility - Kinda Sorta)
Right off the bat, the drive to Phoenix Resort is, well, it’s there. It's in Pyeongchang, which is gorgeous mountain country, but if you're thinking of rolling up in a tank, accessibility is probably a factor. I mean, the resort boasts "Facilities for disabled guests" – which is a good start. The information isn't super super detailed. There are elevators, which is always a plus, and the staff seemed genuinely willing to help, but I didn't personally see how well equipped the whole place is for folks with mobility concerns. More research needed here, friends.
The Room: My Little Snow Globe (With a Few Glitches)
My room? Oh, my room! I had the "Additional toilet" and "Separate shower/bathtub" situation going on which is a win… or at least, it should be a win. The "Air conditioning" worked most of the time (important for a sweaty gal like myself), and the view from the "Window that opens" was seriously stunning. Think snow-capped mountains, crisp air, and the promise of a perfect Instagram photo.
BUT… and there's always a "but," isn't there? The "Internet access – wireless" was spotty. Like, "I need to upload this picture of the view now" frustrating. And, bless their hearts, the "Complimentary tea" was… well, it was there. Let's just say I packed my own. Also, I could swear I heard a faint thump-thump-thump from the "Interconnecting room(s) available" all night. Maybe just me. You know, the things that make you feel like you're actually living somewhere and not just a perfectly sanitized hotel?
Cleanliness & Safety: Covid-Era Shield of Trust
Look, in these times, cleanliness is KING. And Phoenix Resort seems to have taken it seriously. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Staff trained in safety protocol," and "Rooms sanitized between stays" – all great buzzwords that translate to, “I don’t have to be terrified of touching the elevator buttons!” They had "Hand sanitizer" stations everywhere, and the staff all wore masks. It looked like they took the "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter" seriously (most of the time). Props.
As for general safety, they have "CCTV in common areas," and "Security [24-hour]" which, is always reassuring. Also, "Fire extinguisher," "Smoke alarms," and "Exterior corridor", I wouldn't say I know if it's helpful, but it's there.
Food Glorious Food (Or, The Dining Diaries)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The "Asian cuisine in restaurant" was, surprisingly, pretty amazing. I had some fantastic Bibimbap. They also offered "Western cuisine in restaurant," which was adequate, if a bit forgettable. The "Breakfast [buffet]"… well, it's a buffet. Sometimes, it's a glorious spread of "Asian breakfast" treats, other times it's a bit of a beige nightmare. (Pro-tip: Go early. The good stuff disappears fast.)
They had a "Snack bar" for those quick bites, a "Coffee shop" with decent coffee (thank god), and a "Poolside bar". (I might've spent a little too much time there. Don’t judge.) The "A la carte in restaurant" option let you enjoy a more relaxed meal, which was nice, for a change. And, honestly, the occasional "Bottle of water" was a total lifesaver.
But here’s the anecdote: I went for the “Happy hour”. It was actually pretty decent. They had this crazy special on soju and some tiny little snacks that tasted like heaven but only cost 1000 won (80 cent US dollars). I swear, I got tipsy and felt like a local for like, half-an-hour. I had a "happy hour" story to tell and it was a good one. The Verdict: I don’t know if they have "Vegetarian restaurant" options, but the "Alternative meal arrangement" option was good. And on a good day, the "Desserts in restaurant" will make your heart sing.
Things to Do – The Spa, the Pool, and the Mountain (Oh My!)
Alright, let's talk about the "Ways to Relax". Phoenix Resort knows how to do it. First up: The Spa/Sauna. I am obsessed with saunas. And this one… this one was LEGIT. The "Sauna" was hot and steamy, the "Steamroom" was wonderfully purifying. I spent a solid hour in there, letting my worries melt away. It was a truly decadent, amazing experience; the best one I’ve had in a long time. Forget the "Body scrub", the "Body wrap", all that jazz. The spa, the sauna, the steam room: that's what you're there for, trust me. And then, the "Pool with view"? Oh, yes. They have a beautiful "Swimming pool [outdoor]". I'm not gonna lie, I spent a lot of my time there. You can also have a "Foot bath," which is a nice touch after a long day, in case you have the energy. They also had a "Gym/fitness" center, but let’s be honest, the only fitness I was doing was walking to the buffet.
They also boast a "Swimming pool," which I can't deny I did not use.
The Little Extras (and the Quirky Bits)
- For the Kids: They had "Kids facilities", and a "Babysitting service," which is a decent touch if you've got the little ones in tow.
- Services and conveniences: "Cash withdrawal", "Concierge", "Daily housekeeping", "Doorman", "Dry cleaning", "Elevator", "Ironing service", "Laundry service","Luggage storage"- all the basics are covered.
- Getting around: "Airport transfer" is something I would have used if I could! They had also "Bicycle parking," "Car park [free of charge]", "Car park [on-site]" & "Taxi service,"
- The Quirks: Okay, so "Proposal spot" made me chuckle. Are you planning to propose? Come to Pyeongchang! The "Gift/souvenir shop" felt a tad generic, but hey, gotta get that last-minute present, right? Also, I found a "Shrine," which was cool.
The Bottom Line: Should YOU Escape to Paradise?
Here's the deal: Phoenix Resort in Pyeongchang is a solid choice. It's not perfect, no hotel is, but it offers a good balance of relaxation, activity, and beautiful scenery. The spa is worth the price of admission alone. The food can be hit or miss, but the Asian cuisine is worth trying. The accessibility and internet access could use some work.
So, who is this for? If you're looking for a relaxing getaway in a beautiful location, are flexible, and don't mind a few minor hiccups, absolutely book it! If you're high-maintenance and need pristine perfection, maybe lower your expectations a tad, or possibly look elsewhere.
My Rating: Overall, I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It's not just Paradise, but it's paradise-adjacent! And that's good enough for me.
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Alright, buckle up buttercup, because my trip to Phoenix Resort Pyeongchang… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly a perfectly curated Instagram story. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-off-kilter truth.
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Adjustment (aka, Breathing is Hard!)
- Morning (or Attempt Thereof): Landed in Seoul Incheon. Jet lag officially seized control of my brain. Thought I could handle the connecting domestic flight. Nope. My stomach was pitching a tent, I smelled like stale airplane air, and I swear that duty-free perfume aisle nearly took me out. Managed to find the train to Pyeongchang, mostly by following the herd of brightly colored ski suits.
- Afternoon: Arrived at Phoenix Resort. First impressions? Majestic. The mountains, the crisp air… and the sheer scale of the place. It's huge! Wandered around, feeling like a tiny ant in a ski lodge kingdom. Found my room. Thank GOD it had a balcony. Spent a solid hour just breathing, trying to acclimate to the altitude. Anyone else feel like they're running a marathon just walking to the lobby? Just me? Okay.
- Evening: Dinner at the resort's Korean BBQ place. Okay, confession: I'm not a foodie. I’m a “feed me now and hope for the best” kind of traveler. The banchan? Amazing. The meat? I charred the first few pieces, but eventually got the hang of it. Felt glorious until the waiter told me in Korean, and I just nodded and smiled. I now believe I may have ordered a cow. Regret. Ended the night with a wander around the resort, admiring the lights, and completely missing the shuttle because I was too busy gawking at some ridiculously fluffy dog.
Day 2: Skiing (Sort Of) and Slips and Slides
- Morning: The Great Skiing Experiment. Gear up. I am at odds with the equipment. I can't believe how many layers you need! I look like a Michelin Man on a mission. Took the gondola up to… well, the top of the mountain. Then promptly took a tumble. And another. And another. Let's just say, skiing is not my forte. It's more like a graceful attempt that usually ends in a belly flop. My instructor tried to be cheerful, but I could see his soul slowly dying as he watched me careen down the bunny hill.
- Afternoon: More Skiing (lol). After lunch, my legs are screaming. I'm pretty sure I'm wearing a new bruise everywhere I haven't already bruised the day before. Decided to try a slightly steeper slope. Disaster. Face-plant into the snow. Spent the next hour digging myself out. Seriously, who thought this was fun? Maybe I'm just not cut out for this whole "sport" thing. Decided to retire early to the hot tub, which was bliss. My knees have a chance to recover somewhat, and I'm no longer cold.
- Evening: Dinner at the resort's Italian place. Pizza saved the day. Seriously, delicious. The wine? Even better. Spent too much time people-watching, laughing at the various ski-related injuries everyone was sporting. I am very thankful my injuries are minimal.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion (and More Mountain Views!)
- Morning: Decided to venture out of the resort. Took a taxi to a local temple. Breathtaking. The scent of incense, the intricate architecture, the serene atmosphere… it was a complete contrast to my previous day's chaos. Started meditating. A fly proceeded to land on my face. Failed meditation attempt.
- Afternoon: Visited a local market. The sights! The smells! The… everything! Tried some local street food and was incredibly grateful I didn't get sick. Bought a ridiculously oversized scarf. Never gonna wear it, but I love it. Got hopelessly lost. Found a cute café. The coffee, and even the conversation with the cafe worker, was a highlight.
- Evening: Back to the resort. Strolled around. Admired the night view of the mountains. Ate a whole bag of chips in my room. Realized I still hadn't perfected chopsticks and ate the chips with a fork. Regret.
Day 4: Departure and Reflections (aka, Did I Survive?)
- Morning: Last breakfast. Ate way too much Korean food. Checked out of the resort. Said goodbye to the mountains. Goodbye to the crisp air. Goodbye to the sheer terror of skiing.
- Afternoon: Took the train back to Seoul. My brain is still a little scrambled from the jet lag, but, I think I'm starting to get a grasp on this country.
- Evening: Heading to the airport. Reviewing the whole trip in my head. Mostly full of memories of falling over. I saw some crazy views, ate too much delicious food, and, okay, I spent most of my time not skiing. But I actually had a blast. It's the imperfections that make a trip memorable, right?
Final Thoughts:
Phoenix Resort Pyeongchang? Worth it. Despite the bruises, the altitude, and my complete lack of athletic ability. It was an adventure. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe without the skis next time. Maybe. Who am I kidding? Probably not. But hey, at least I have some stories to tell!
London Balcony Bliss: Stunning 2-Bed Sparkford Gardens Gem!
Escape to Paradise: Phoenix Resort's Pyeongchang Magic! - The REAL FAQs (Because Let's Be Honest)
So, Pyeongchang in Winter. Is it, like, REALLY freezing? I'm from, you know, *California*.
Okay, listen. Freezing is an understatement. Imagine your eyelashes turning into tiny ice daggers. Seriously. I went in December and, bless my cotton socks, it was BRUTAL. Like, the kind of cold that makes your nose RUN like a faucet, even indoors. I swear, I saw one woman… bless her heart… nearly get blown off the chairlift. But, and this is the important bit... it's a *dry* cold. Which makes a huge difference? You feel it deeper, but you don't feel as utterly damp and defeated as you would in, say, London. Bring layers. And face masks. More face masks. Buy them cheap... or regret it. I regret it. My face still remembers the windburn.
What's the snowboarding/skiing situation like? Is it all super-advanced pros bombing down the slopes? (I'm a beginner, mostly.)
Alright, this is where my internal monologue gets *loud*. I'm an intermediate skier, and I'll be honest, some of those runs are a *bit* ambitious. But Phoenix Park has a decent mix. There are definitely some terrifying black diamond runs that made my knees wobble just looking at them (and I *did* see a guy fly off a jump and nearly land in a tree - no injuries, thankfully!). However, there are also really, really good beginner slopes. Wide, gentle, perfect for getting your snow legs under you. The instructors are generally patient, too (and surprisingly good at broken English. You learn a lot of hand gestures). The key is to stick to what you're comfortable with. Don't let the speed demons intimidate you! I spent *hours* just practicing the pizza slice, and you know what? I'm proud of it. (Mostly.) And the views from the top? Insane. Totally worth the slightly-fear-inducing chairlift ride.
Accommodation – is it all boring hotel rooms? Or are there any cool places to stay?
Okay, okay, this is actually *interesting*. The resort has a real mix. You’ve got the standard hotel rooms, which are... fine. Functional. You could basically be anywhere in the world in one of those. But then there are these *condos*... now, those are the sweet spot. Spacious, often with a kitchen, giving you room to spread out and, crucially, a place to stash all your wet ski gear. Seriously, drying your stuff is a CHORE if you don't have a decent place to do it. I stayed in one with a balcony overlooking the slopes, and it was just… magical. Right up until the moment I realized the balcony was, you know, *outside* and therefore, also freezing. But still, would recommend the condo.
Is the food any good? Give me the lowdown on the grub. I like to eat. A lot.
Right, FOOD. This is my jam. My absolute jam. Okay, so, the on-mountain options are… well, they’re what you’d expect. Pretty standard ski resort fare. Think: burgers, fries, pizza, the usual suspects. They’re perfectly adequate for fueling up mid-ski, but maybe don't expect Michelin star quality. What you REALLY want to do is explore the local restaurants. Now, the language barrier can be… challenging. But trust me, the Korean food is *incredible*. Bibimbap, bulgogi, kimchi jjigae – oh my god, just thinking about it makes my mouth water. *That kimchi jjigae...* There was this tiny little place off the main road, run by this amazing *ajumma* (Korean for "older woman") who barely spoke English, but she served the best spicy pork I’ve ever eaten in my LIFE. I went back every single night, no shame. And the soju? Cheap and cheerful, and warmed me up from the inside out. (Maybe a little *too* much on some nights... but hey, no judgment!) Don’t be afraid to try new things. You might just find your new favorite dish, like I did!
What about the nightlife? Is there anything to do besides just… sleep?
Nightlife... Hmmm. Let's just say it's not exactly Las Vegas. But there are options! There are a few bars around the resort, mostly pretty generic, but good for a post-ski beer (or three). There's usually a karaoke spot somewhere – prepare to witness some absolutely spectacular performances (and some that will make you want to hide under the table). Honestly, for me, the best "nightlife" was just chilling in the condo, drinking soju, and chatting with my friends. The peace and quiet were amazing. If you're looking for a raging party scene, Pyeongchang might not be the place for you. Unless you're planning on partying with the kimchi jjigae ajumma. (I'm still dreaming about that spicy pork.)
Any tips for saving money? It all sounds a bit… pricey.
Okay, budget. This is CRUCIAL because, yeah, it can get expensive. Ski passes are a significant chunk of change. Look for deals online. Consider renting your gear off-site, away from the resort shops – it can be considerably cheaper. Eat at local restaurants! They're way better value than the resort food. And here's a *secret* tip: Stock up on snacks and drinks at a convenience store. Those little shops everywhere are lifesavers and a godsend on the slopes. I packed instant noodles, and energy bars, and I didn't feel guilty when I had to get on the slope. And be prepared to pay a fair amount of money. Budget. Budget. Budget!
Is it worth it? Should I actually go?
That’s the big question, isn't it? Honestly? YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. Despite the cold, the potential wipeouts, the language barrier, the slightly terrifying ski runs… the whole experience was amazing. It’s a beautiful place. The air is crisp. The food is incredible. The people are generally friendly (even if you can’t understand them). You’ll make memories. You'll get slightly frostbitten toes. You'll probably fall over. You'll laugh a LOT. You might even learn to ski or snowboard! And you'll come home with a story to tell. And that kimchi jjigae. I’m still craving it. Go. Just go. Bring me back some spicy pork.
