Hotel Review: Grand Hyatt Jeju (Grand Suite) - Massive Rooms and Suite with Forgettable Grand Club Experience
Getting to Jeju Island has never been easier, or better value, thanks to one of my favourite frequent flyer sweet spots. I flew from Seoul (Gimpo) to Jeju on Korean Air by redeeming just 5,000 KLM (Flying Blue) miles and a negligible amount in taxes - an absolute steal for this route. Upon landing at Jeju International Airport (CJU), the short 10-minute taxi ride to the hotel was a breeze, bringing me quickly to the imposing silhouette of the Jeju Dream Tower. The Grand Hyatt Jeju is not just another hotel; it is an integrated lifestyle destination housed within the iconic twin towers of the Jeju Dream Tower complex. As the largest Hyatt hotel in the Asia Pacific region, it dominates the skyline of Jeju City, offering an immediate sense of scale and modern luxury. The property is strategically located in the heart of the sleepless Noyeon-ro district, surrounded by local eateries and shopping, yet it stands apart as a vertical resort in its own right. Stepping into the lobby, I was immediately struck by the expansive, high-ceilinged space that buzzes with energy, blending contemporary Korean art with the brand's signature grandeur.
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Seating Area
Grand Club - Grand Hyatt Jeju
I proceeded directly to the Grand Club Lounge of the Grand Hyatt Jeju on Level 6 to complete my check-in. The lounge is an impressively large and airy space, though as is often the case with popular properties, my suite was not quite ready upon arrival. This gave me the perfect excuse to drop my luggage and head out for lunch. The hotel’s location in the Noyeon-ro district is excellent for this; there are plenty of local restaurants and cafes within easy walking distance, so you are never far from a good meal. While the immediate area is very pedestrian-friendly, exploring the rest of Jeju Island is a different story. The public bus network can be infrequent and somewhat difficult to navigate for non-locals, and taking taxis everywhere will cause costs to mount up very quickly. For this reason, most visitors (myself included) find that renting a car is essential for properly exploring the island's scenic coastlines and attractions.
Living Room
Grand Suite - Grand Hyatt Jeju
Hotels in South Korea are somewhat notorious for being strict with elite benefits, particularly when it comes to room upgrades. Unlike properties in Southeast Asia where generous multi-category jumps can be common, Korean hotels often adhere rigidly to the rules - typically offering a one-category upgrade at best. Given that I was visiting the Grand Hyatt Jeju over a weekend, a peak period where domestic tourists flock to Jeju Island in droves, I knew my chances of a complimentary suite upgrade were slim to none. Rather than leaving things to chance, I decided to apply one of my Suite Upgrade Awards to confirm a Grand Suite King well in advance. This strategy paid off handsomely, securing me 130 square metres of prime real estate in one of the island's most sought-after properties.
Living Room
Grand Suite - Grand Hyatt Jeju
Entering the Grand Suite, you are immediately greeted by an overwhelming sense of space that rivals many luxury residential apartments. The layout is open and intuitive, anchored by a substantial six-seater dining table that sits under a trio of warm pendant lights. This area serves perfectly as a workstation or a spot for in-room dining, with a wet bar and pantry area conveniently located just behind it, near the entrance foyer.
Nespresso Coffee Machine
Grand Suite - Grand Hyatt Jeju
The living area of the Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Jeju itself is designed for serious relaxation, featuring a plush grey sofa and two leather reclining armchairs with ottomans that invite you to put your feet up after a day of exploring. The decor is contemporary and sophisticated, utilizing light wood flooring and abstract art to balance the vibrant orange accents found in the area rug. One of the suite's most striking features is the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. These massive glass panels flood the room with natural light and offer commanding views of the city and the adjacent tower's striking glass façade, reinforcing the feeling of being high above the bustle of Jeju City. Located just behind the dining area is a well-appointed wet bar and pantry, which houses the Nespresso coffee machine and complimentary drinking water. While the hardware is certainly up to standard, the replenishment of amenities hints at the cost-consciousness often seen in the local hospitality sector.
Coffee Capsules
Grand Suite - Grand Hyatt Jeju
The drawer insert for coffee capsules clearly has six slots, yet only four capsules were provided - a small detail, perhaps, but one that feels deliberately parsimonious in a suite of this calibre. This aligns with a broader trend I have noticed across South Korea: while service is polite, hotels can be incredibly rigid and somewhat stingy with elite benefits. Beyond the reluctance to offer suite upgrades, it is not uncommon for properties to strictly enforce rulebook exclusions, such as limiting Globalist breakfast strictly to the Grand Club Lounge rather than offering the option of the main restaurant - a choice that feels restrictive compared to the more generous hospitality often found elsewhere in Asia.
Welcome Amenity
Grand Suite - Grand Hyatt Jeju
Waiting on the dining table was a welcome amenity intended for World of Hyatt Globalist members. This consisted of a beautifully presented box of four artisanal pralines from the hotel's Deli, alongside a personalised welcome card. While it was a perfectly pleasant gesture, it felt somewhat modest when compared to the lavish fruit platters, wine, or local snacks that often greet top-tier members at Hyatt properties elsewhere in Asia.
Bedroom
Grand Suite - Grand Hyatt Jeju
Separated from the living area by a heavy sliding door, the bedroom is a sanctuary of calm that continues the suite's warm, timber-clad aesthetic. The generous Super King bed measures a generous 200cm by 200cm and is dressed in the crisp, high-thread-count linens one expects from the Grand Hyatt brand. In the corner, a dedicated vanity area with an illuminated circular mirror provides a functional yet stylish space for getting ready, adding to the residential feel of the room.
Bedroom
Grand Suite - Grand Hyatt Jeju
However, despite the visual comfort, the sleep quality was somewhat compromised by a frustrating issue I have encountered all too frequently in South Korea: the air-conditioning. While the digital thermostat allows you to optimistically select a frosty 18°C, the actual room temperature at the Grand Hyatt Jeju hovered stubbornly around 23°C. Even when I cranked the fan speed to 'High', the system remained whisper-quiet - usually a positive trait, but in this case, it was simply confirmation that the airflow was virtually non-existent.
Bedroom
Grand Suite - Grand Hyatt Jeju
This phantom cooling seems to be a systemic issue across many Korean properties, reminiscent of my similarly stifling experiences at RYSE, Autograph Collection and The Ambassador Seoul - A Pullman Hotel. If you are someone who needs a truly cold room to sleep, this is definitely something to be aware of.
Bedside Controls
Grand Suite - Grand Hyatt Jeju
While the air-conditioning at Grand Hyatt Jeju left much to be desired, the room’s hardware was otherwise thoughtfully designed, particularly the bedside connectivity. A comprehensive control panel is integrated into the headboard, placing every necessary function within arm's reach. From here, you can effortlessly adjust the sheer and blackout blinds, toggle between various lighting scenes, and most importantly, hit the Master switch to plunge the entire room into darkness without having to hunt for individual switches. For keeping devices juiced up, the panel also features a universal power outlet alongside two USB-A charging ports. It is a functional and modern setup, though the absence of USB-C ports does feel like a slight oversight for a property this new.
Walk-in Wardrobe
Grand Suite - Grand Hyatt Jeju
Connecting the bedroom to the bathroom is a dedicated walk-in wardrobe that effectively serves as a private dressing area. The layout functions as a wide corridor flanked by open-concept joinery on both sides, providing an abundance of hanging space and shelving that could easily accommodate at least a week’s worth of outfits.
Bathroom
Grand Suite - Grand Hyatt Jeju
The bathroom in the Grand Suite is nothing short of spectacular, easily one of the most impressive wet areas I have seen in a Hyatt property recently. It centres around a massive island vanity that features double sinks and ample counter space, allowing two people to get ready simultaneously without getting in each other's way.
Bathtub
Grand Suite - Grand Hyatt Jeju
The highlight, however, is the oversized circular stone bathtub that sits adjacent to the window. It is deep, incredibly spacious, and perfect for a long soak.
Bath Amenities
Grand Suite - Grand Hyatt Jeju
The shower area is equally generous, featuring a rainfall showerhead with excellent pressure, stocked with Balmain amenities in large-format pump bottles - a standard eco-friendly move in South Korea these days.
Disposable Amenities (Chargeable)
Grand Suite - Grand Hyatt Jeju
The bathroom vanity features a neat wooden box containing a curated selection of essentials. However, you will notice some glaring omissions: toothbrushes, toothpaste, and razors are nowhere to be found. This is due to the South Korean government’s Resource Saving and Recycling Promotion Act, which came into full effect around March 2024. Under this regulation, properties are legally prohibited from providing single-use amenities like toothbrushes and razors free of charge. Instead, a small card informs you that these items are available for purchase in the minibar or at the front desk.
Interiors
Grand Club - Grand Hyatt Jeju
The Grand Club Lounge on Level 6 of the Grand Hyatt Jeju is a cavernous space that feels more like a dedicated restaurant than a typical club facility. Evening cocktails are served daily, and while the venue was busy during my visit, it never felt uncomfortably packed or chaotic.
Interiors
Grand Club - Grand Hyatt Jeju
The food spread is impressive and substantial enough to pass for a light dinner if you are not looking for a heavy meal, featuring a mix of hot dishes, cold cuts, and Korean specialities.
In terms of beverages, do not expect Champagne; the Grand Hyatt Jeju pours a standard sparkling wine instead. However, the lounge does have a rather generous (and somewhat unusual) policy where red and white wines are available all day long after the breakfast service concludes - a rarity in a region where (free) alcohol hours are usually strictly policed. The service style leans heavily towards self-service; staff are efficient at clearing plates but do not circulate to offer refills or top-ups, so you will need to be proactive with your own pouring.
Evening Cocktails and Canapes
Grand Club - Grand Hyatt Jeju
While the self-service buffet offers the usual array of cold cuts and salads, the real highlight of the evening service is the curated selection of hot appetisers. Unlike the mass-produced chafing dish fare seen in many lounges, the Grand Club takes a more refined approach with individually plated tasting portions. During my visit, these included delicate creations like pan-seared fish were notably small in portion size but excellent in quality.
Evening Cocktails and Canapes
Grand Club - Grand Hyatt Jeju
You definitely won’t find heaping piles of fried rice or noodles here; instead, the focus is on flavour and presentation. It is enough for a sophisticated light supper, but if you have a hearty appetite, you might find yourself needing a second dinner elsewhere later in the night.
One positive aspect of the evening service is that the menu is not static; the hot food selection rotates daily, keeping things interesting for guests on longer stays. Interestingly, the quality and variety seemed to noticeably improve over the weekend compared to the weekdays during my visit.
Breakfast
Grand Club - Grand Hyatt Jeju
For World of Hyatt Globalist members, the complimentary breakfast benefit is strictly confined to the Grand Club Lounge at the Grand Hyatt Jeju , with no option to dine at the main restaurant (Grand Kitchen) without paying a hefty surcharge. While this policy is common in North America, it feels decidedly stingy for a flagship property in Asia, and unfortunately, the offering does little to soften the blow. I only visited the lounge for breakfast once during my stay at the Grand Hyatt Jeju, and it was a largely forgettable affair. The selection was surprisingly limited for a hotel of this size, consisting of a basic salad bar, a few hot dishes, and a small station for eggs. Given how disappointing the spread was, I would honestly recommend skipping it entirely. You are much better off heading out early to explore one of Jeju’s beautiful seaside cafes, where the coffee is stronger and the views are infinitely better.
Living Room
Grand Suite - Grand Hyatt Jeju
The Grand Hyatt Jeju is a property of contradictions. Visually, it is undeniably stunning - a vertical resort with world-class hardware, expansive suites, and a sense of grandeur that few other hotels in the region can match. However, for a World of Hyatt Globalist, the experience feels transactional rather than hospitable. From the stingy amenity replenishment to the miserable breakfast offering that strictly confines elites to the lounge, the soft product simply does not live up to the promise of the hard product. While the Grand Club is a beautiful space, the food and beverage offerings are not compelling enough to warrant cutting your day short for evening cocktails, nor waking up early for the forgettable breakfast.
Location-wise, staying in the heart of the city is convenient for finding dinner after a long day, but it is not necessarily the best strategic base for a holiday. With Jeju’s key natural attractions scattered across the East, West, and South coasts, driving back to the city centre every evening can become tiresome. If you are renting a car (which you absolutely should!) my advice is to treat the Grand Hyatt Jeju as a luxurious stopover for a night or two to enjoy the city vibes, then move to another hotel closer to the coast to properly explore the rest of this beautiful island.
Grand Hyatt Jeju
12 Noyeon-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
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Standing tall in the heart of Jeju City, the Grand Hyatt Jeju impresses with its massive suites and stunning hardware. However, a stay here reveals a style over substance approach, with stingy elite recognition, and a forgettable club lounge experience.