Jeju Batdol Guesthouse

It's tucked away in a peaceful spot, but there's a bus stop right out front and Songdang's downtown is about a 10-minute walk. The garden is beautifully kept, and the lights stay on until 11 p.m. They also offer free early morning climbing tours. The owners do the cleaning themselves. Even with the high ceilings there wasn't a speck of dust, and the dishes were spotless too, like first-class hotel cleaning. The architecture is thoughtfully done, right down to the joints, furniture, and outlets. The duplex bed has a skylight, so you can watch the rain or see stars on a clear night.

Being right across from the bus stop made the place easy to find. It was clean and comfortable, and they let me check in early. When I thought I might arrive late, they even called to offer a pickup. They carefully checked my route and transport, then took me, a walker, to Yongoreum at 5 a.m. for sunrise. They also pointed out some good nearby spots. Songdang has lots of little shops and restaurants, so wandering around there made the trip fun. I'd like to come back!

The yard had swing chairs and a trampoline the kids would love, and inside felt warm and pleasant. It was clean throughout, and honestly the most satisfying place in every way.

Seongsanpo is nearby, and Kyoto has peaceful scenery and is conveniently located.