I'll be frank - I loved my time at Josun Palace. If only all hotels were like this, the world would be a better place. It's not perfect, but the majority attitudes of the staff, true 5-star "let me handle it" service, delicious breakfast, and a comfortable hard product all on top of a skyscraper in a beautiful, lively, walkable city - sign me up again and again. Here are my pros, cons, and photos:
Note: Josun Palace is at the top of the Centerfield West new build skyscraper with rooms on 27-35. If you look at Street View, it appears this site used to be a different now-demolished Renaissance property. I believe
James Luckard explained it well that the 1914 heritage date refers to the original Chosun Hotel that was on the site of the Westin Josun. Regardless, this property is new, modern, and classy with stunning views all around. However, you do enter on B1 of a car park - it's just a few feet walk to sunlight, however.
Lounge Note: Access to the lounge is not included. I couldn't figure out from the info sheet if the lounge was the Grand Reception on 25 (where everyone checks in) of the 1914 Lounge on 24. Regardless, for the 99K KRW price quoted on the sheet, it didn't sound very appealing as the breakfast was pastries and the evening drink sounded limited. For Elites, you get the full restaurant breakfast in Constans on 24 as a welcome gift choice.
Pros:
- While my reservation initially only showed an upgrade to a Grand Masters guest room - I was told at check-in that I was upgraded to a Masters Junior Suite (though, I had to wait until 3 PM - which was fine as I wanted to get lunch and walk around Gangnam)
- Massive windows with gorgeous views of Seoul
- Bed was very comfortable - plush mattress, plush covers, plush pillows, typical LC bedding
- Shower was MASSIVE with double, separately controlled rainfall head and wand set ups - pressure was also fantastic - the shower was a standout
- Furniture was all comfortable - though I avoided the odd green daybed
- TV had native apps including YouTube (which was surprisingly set to English)
- Air purifier and steamer closet (which I didn't know how to use - my fashions weren't worthy)
- Quiet - I never heard another soul while in my room
- Integrated wireless charging surfaces in the nightstand
- Service was really very good - I never had to open my own door, everyone had a lot of greetings, luggage kept and moved for me, passport placed safely in my bag while I was out
- Breakfast (only 7 to 10) was delicious - one of the better ones I have had in a while
- Amazing baked sole and potatoes au gratin
- Very tasty french toast and waffles
- Made-to-order eggs
- Tasty pastries - including a nice chocolate muffin
- Beautiful flower arrangements
- Left a lovely gift of tasty truffles of various flavors
Cons:
- AC just can't keep up in the afternoon with the west-facing windows, but it cools off significantly at night when I was actually chilly
- Told I would be getting 1 PM checkout - I feel like I misunderstood initially, but it definitely wasn't a question
- Front desk staff contrary to others had more of a business attitude
Overall, I would 100% return.