Sacheon Grand Tourist Hotel

I’ve stayed here for short term work assignments over the past two years, and I’d pick it over many other hotels in Sacheon. It’s away from the city center because of the spa, which uses natural spring water and has to be located there. The staff are friendly, and most speak English well, some very well. Rooms are clean and large, bigger than what I’m used to in Europe. The spa has several shallow circular pools, about one meter deep, at different temperatures from warm to very hot, plus one very cold pool. There are also two saunas and large shower facilities. Hotel guests can use the washers and dryers instead of relying on dry cleaning. Breakfast is very good. It’s one of the few places in Korea where they can cook an egg over medium, and they also serve bacon, juice, and great coffee. For dinner, I’d go for the duck and skip the hamburger. The TV selection is okay, with about five movie channels, three news channels, and a couple of other English channels.

The hotel is out of the way, so you’ll need a ride to get around, but a taxi into Sacheon costs a few dollars and can arrive within minutes. I’ve been coming for five years, and the owner has gone out of his way to help me many times. There’s lots of wildlife around too. Birdwatchers can walk around the property or down into the rice fields and spot dozens of bird species. The rooms are large, the staff are friendly, and breakfast is complimentary. Rooms also have great views, especially from the third floor balconies overlooking rural Sacheon.

The saunas are unusual and enjoyable, and the fitness center is good. The restaurant is only okay, since it relies on prepared frozen ingredients.

There’s some construction going on in the cafe, but breakfast is still really nice. With so few guests around right now, every employee knows me.