Starwood Preferred Guest - Seoul & Sydney

I'll be visiting friends in Seoul for a few days in early June and then heading to Sydney for a week to visit more friends. Would appreciate any comments on where to stay (W, Westin, Sheraton) while there.

Thanking you in advance for your input.

The Westin Seoul is nice if you can afford it. One time the rate was close to the nearby Hilton Millennium and another time it was 50% more (can't really justify that for business as the Hilton is also good). The weekends usually have lower rates and there might be better rates through a hotel booking site - I didn't have time to look when I went, but compared starwood & hilton website rates (tried leisure and corporate rates).

I'll be visiting friends in Seoul for a few days in early June and then heading to Sydney for a week to visit more friends. Would appreciate any comments on where to stay (W, Westin, Sheraton) while there.

Thanking you in advance for your input.

I have to disagree with many of FTers on Westin Chosun. After reading so much about it I actually stayed there in Dec 2004 and have to tell you that Westin Chosun isn't all that. It's an old hotel(histroic one) and just don't think location is that good. Especially, Lotte Deptartment store doing lots of construction infront of their main rd/underground mall and based on Korean media many violent confrontations between street merchants and thugs Lotte hired to move those merchants. For my money, I would stay at JW Marriott becauser it's newer more spacious bedroom/bathroom, great view and awesome gym. Walker Hill and W are located so far out mind as well staying in Busan. :-)

Thank you both for your input. Still studying the situation and trying to decide where to stay. I've decided to spend a couple of nights in Tokyo too...

In Sydney I like the four points. It has a great location and a great seafood buffet. As a plat I got a great suite with a fabulous view. At the W I was upgraded to a loft. The bedroom is upstairs on a loft which overlooks the living room. At the sheraton I didn't get any upgrade but the hotel was OK. I didn't try the Westin. All in all the four points wins and I'll bet that all who have stayed there will agree.

I would recommend the 4 Points Darling Harbor. As a Plat, I got a nice upgrade to a suite with a good view of the Harbor. Lots of restaurants nearby, and not all that far from the main attractions or business district. The W is OK, but I like the 4 Points location better.