Pyeongchang Hotel The Maru

We had a spacious, very clean room next to the river, with a nice view of Hoenggye town. The river is being transformed with snow machines for the PyeongChang Snow Festival. I didn't get any photos, but the pictures from other guests and the owner are accurate. This is a reasonably priced option if you'd rather stay outside the ski resorts. One thing to know: there's no ramp at the entrance. We carried our heavy luggage up the stairs to the level 2 lobby after taking a taxi, then found another entrance through the level 1 car park.

We chose this over staying at the ski resort because it was cheaper and there were other things to see and do in the evening after skiing. The room was large and very clean, with two bathrooms so the kids could have one of their own. They also provided all the amenities and enough towels.

They didn't even take the time to reply to my emails, despite my following up more than once. Not customer friendly, and plainly rude.

Closed windows kept the room quiet, even with snow festival preparations happening right outside. I chose this place for a peaceful stay after skiing at Yongpyong and eating Korean beef in downtown Hoenggye, and the large building didn't end up feeling noisy. The room had plenty of space for two suitcases, and the bathroom was huge. Hot water was excellent, and the ondol (Korean traditional heating system) kept things warm in the early morning. I went downstairs and lay on the floor under a blanket for a while, which felt like a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna). The hotel was very clean and the front desk staff were friendly. Ski season made the room expensive, but it was roomier and cleaner than other places. I'd like to visit again when I get the chance.