Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Seoul, Korea
Nov 5, 2018, 8:07 pm
#106
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,914
Seoul cat 4 or 5 with pool and sauna
Any recommendations for a cat 4 or 5 Seoul property that has a pool and sauna with jacuzzi that is free of charge for guests? Was looking at the J.W. Dongdaemun but reviews appear to say it’s chargeable to use the facilities. Lounge and breakfast and close to transportation and touristy stuff will be a plus. Thanks in advance.
Nov 6, 2018, 6:55 pm
#107
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,053
Any recommendations for a cat 4 or 5 Seoul property that has a pool and sauna with jacuzzi that is free of charge for guests? Was looking at the J.W. Dongdaemun but reviews appear to say it’s chargeable to use the facilities. Lounge and breakfast and close to transportation and touristy stuff will be a plus. Thanks in advance.
Nov 6, 2018, 7:07 pm
#108
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
Any recommendations for a cat 4 or 5 Seoul property that has a pool and sauna with jacuzzi that is free of charge for guests? Was looking at the J.W. Dongdaemun but reviews appear to say it’s chargeable to use the facilities. Lounge and breakfast and close to transportation and touristy stuff will be a plus. Thanks in advance.
Do you have Starriott status? Otherwise you won't get lounge access or breakfast without booking a (higher) rate that includes these privileges and even then, you should read the rules carefully if you're traveling with additional people.
Many hotels in Asia seem to charge for using health clubs and swimming pools, but often these charges are waived for elites.
Many hotels in Asia seem to charge for using health clubs and swimming pools, but often these charges are waived for elites.
Nov 6, 2018, 8:25 pm
#109
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,914
Thanks. Will look into this.
Thanks. I’m a PP.
Maybe the pool is enough and we will just go outside for the traditional Korean baths.
Do you have Starriott status? Otherwise you won't get lounge access or breakfast without booking a (higher) rate that includes these privileges and even then, you should read the rules carefully if you're traveling with additional people.
Many hotels in Asia seem to charge for using health clubs and swimming pools, but often these charges are waived for elites.
Many hotels in Asia seem to charge for using health clubs and swimming pools, but often these charges are waived for elites.
Maybe the pool is enough and we will just go outside for the traditional Korean baths.
Nov 7, 2018, 2:01 pm
#110
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Probably on a flight.
Programs: WoH Glob, HH Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 197
Any updates on the best property to spend a few days to explore the city? Price point not a concern, coming in as a plat, just would like something that would appeal to a mid 30's couple who would like to do tourist things and experience some nightlife. Have never been to seoul, but there doesn't seem to be an amazing property that is the obvious choice for us. Should we just forego staying at a marriot property and go for the 4 seasons which I hear is great and has a really good location? Thanks!
Nov 8, 2018, 6:19 am
#111
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,727
You might want to check out the https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...oul-korea.html thread. This one being in the old legacy forum probably won't get the views as one in the new merged forum might get.
Nov 8, 2018, 7:22 am
#112
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,053
Any updates on the best property to spend a few days to explore the city? Price point not a concern, coming in as a plat, just would like something that would appeal to a mid 30's couple who would like to do tourist things and experience some nightlife. Have never been to seoul, but there doesn't seem to be an amazing property that is the obvious choice for us. Should we just forego staying at a marriot property and go for the 4 seasons which I hear is great and has a really good location? Thanks!
the candidates for you:
JW Marriott Dongdaemun - new-ish and near touristy things like a Korean traditional market and Zaha Hadid designed Design Plaza.
newly renovated JW Marriott Seoul
RYSE in Hongdae- great for going out, dining and nightlife.
Nov 14, 2018, 1:17 pm
#114
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: AC MM E50 , Former SPG, now Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 6,264
Westin Chosun vs Seoul Plaza
I have stayed at the Westin Chosun over 50 times, and know it well. I see that the Seoul Plaza next door is some 20% cheaper.
In searching the master thread, I see very negative reviews of the Plaza's lounge being too small and overcrowded.
I wonder if anyone could compare the 2 - I am looking for free breakfast as a platinum, possible evening snacks, and suite upgrade
( Chosun is some 90% success).
I will be arriving into Gimpo, so will take the subway, but departing from ICN - is there a limo bus at the Plaza as there is at the Chosun?
In searching the master thread, I see very negative reviews of the Plaza's lounge being too small and overcrowded.
I wonder if anyone could compare the 2 - I am looking for free breakfast as a platinum, possible evening snacks, and suite upgrade
( Chosun is some 90% success).
I will be arriving into Gimpo, so will take the subway, but departing from ICN - is there a limo bus at the Plaza as there is at the Chosun?
Nov 14, 2018, 5:09 pm
#115
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow
Programs: Airline Free Agent, Bonvoy Platinum, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,811
Have you considered the CY Namdaemun? All three hotels are near each other. I chose the CY Namdaemun over the Plaza due to really great reviews at the CY. It seems like the rooms at the Plaza are small and the lounge/breakfast isn't great due to overcrowding issues. The CY has a nice lounge with a good breakfast spread (including made to order eggs) and a few suites you might be able to get an upgrade to.
Nov 14, 2018, 9:40 pm
#116
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: Delta Platinum & 2MM, Marriott Lifetime TIT, Hertz Pres Club, IHG Gold, *A Gold
Posts: 1,253
Nov 14, 2018, 9:48 pm
#117
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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Yeah. I've been on buses between the WestinChosun and INC that have stopped at the Plaza and a couple more hotels. Still, you should check routes and schedules carefully as IMO one of the advantages of the Westin is tha airport bus service every 20 minutes or so.
People concerned about lounge crowding should be aware that this occurs at the Westin too. If I count the floors, slightly more than half are Executive, meaning lounge access, plus some elites on other floors are guaranteed lounge access, plus IIRC everyone staying in suites (on any floor). I've seen times when lounge access in the evening is divided into shifts and also times when there's a line for breakfast seating. OTOH, at least the Westin bans kids from the lounge, which helps enormously.
Normal suite upgrade at the Westin is to a junior suite, of which there are several categories, with one being listed for SNAs currently. The difference might be only the location (floor) as all of these junior suites seem to be the same size.
People concerned about lounge crowding should be aware that this occurs at the Westin too. If I count the floors, slightly more than half are Executive, meaning lounge access, plus some elites on other floors are guaranteed lounge access, plus IIRC everyone staying in suites (on any floor). I've seen times when lounge access in the evening is divided into shifts and also times when there's a line for breakfast seating. OTOH, at least the Westin bans kids from the lounge, which helps enormously.
Normal suite upgrade at the Westin is to a junior suite, of which there are several categories, with one being listed for SNAs currently. The difference might be only the location (floor) as all of these junior suites seem to be the same size.
Nov 15, 2018, 12:25 am
#118
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: Delta Platinum & 2MM, Marriott Lifetime TIT, Hertz Pres Club, IHG Gold, *A Gold
Posts: 1,253
amphlet says Cocktail Hour 6-8PM. Immediately below that it says "(Sat 1st seating 5:00PM - 7:00PM, 2nd seating 7:00PM - 9:00 PM). "Sat" must mean Saturday.
Nov 15, 2018, 1:16 am
#119
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: South Korea
Posts: 1,168
The lounge is the busiest on Saturday evenings with Koreans doing staycations. This is why they split it to two two-hour blocks. If you decide to arrive between 5-7, you are expected to leave at 7.
I personally don't bother with the happy hour on Saturdays. It is too much of a zoo.
I personally don't bother with the happy hour on Saturdays. It is too much of a zoo.
