JW Marriott Seoul [Master Thread]
#61
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
I thought I read a thread or two before comparing JW Marriott Seoul with Ren Seoul, but I cannot find it through a search. So I post here.
I am in the process of Plat challenge, so I split my two nights in Seoul into one night at JW and second night at Ren.
JW upgraded me to a suite. It could just because the hotel was very busy. Some of my colleagues were put into smoking rooms even when non-smoking was requested at reservation. JW's gym is huge, just as others mentioned.
At Ren, I was upgraded to the Club level. Though it was strange I was given a room with two double beds.
The rates I booked include breakfast. Buffet at JW's 2nd floor restaurant is a lot better than the one at the restaurant in the lobby of Ren.
It was worth it for my mattress run, as the taxi was only $6 going from JW to Ren.
Otherwise, I will stick to JW in the future.
I am in the process of Plat challenge, so I split my two nights in Seoul into one night at JW and second night at Ren.
JW upgraded me to a suite. It could just because the hotel was very busy. Some of my colleagues were put into smoking rooms even when non-smoking was requested at reservation. JW's gym is huge, just as others mentioned.
At Ren, I was upgraded to the Club level. Though it was strange I was given a room with two double beds.
The rates I booked include breakfast. Buffet at JW's 2nd floor restaurant is a lot better than the one at the restaurant in the lobby of Ren.
It was worth it for my mattress run, as the taxi was only $6 going from JW to Ren.
Otherwise, I will stick to JW in the future.
Cheers.
#62
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,614
I'm assuming JW is better for Plats since you don't get any benefits at Ritz?
I do love the club inside of Ritz though, my type of scene ..
looking to redeem 2 award nights at JW
I do love the club inside of Ritz though, my type of scene ..
looking to redeem 2 award nights at JW
#63
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 263
I travel solo, so do not need anything other than a nice room with a good working desk, both of which are provided by the normal rooms in the JW. Lounge is good, though can get a bit busy at times. Gym is great.
#64
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA EXP (2.5MM), Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,859
How does the JW compare to the Courtyard in Seoul? Its only a little bit more on my rates to stay at JW vs the Courtyard but I'm still looking for an additional justification. Based on TripAdvisor, it seems the JW is in a better location for a tourist than the CY. I also figure the lounge will be better at JW.
When I stayed at the JW in Beijing I was 2/3 upgraded to a Suite as a Plat. Any chance of a suite upgrade as plat in Seoul?
When I stayed at the JW in Beijing I was 2/3 upgraded to a Suite as a Plat. Any chance of a suite upgrade as plat in Seoul?
#65
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ *G; HH Diamond;
Posts: 1,644
How does the JW compare to the Courtyard in Seoul? Its only a little bit more on my rates to stay at JW vs the Courtyard but I'm still looking for an additional justification. Based on TripAdvisor, it seems the JW is in a better location for a tourist than the CY. I also figure the lounge will be better at JW.
When I stayed at the JW in Beijing I was 2/3 upgraded to a Suite as a Plat. Any chance of a suite upgrade as plat in Seoul?
When I stayed at the JW in Beijing I was 2/3 upgraded to a Suite as a Plat. Any chance of a suite upgrade as plat in Seoul?
#66
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 263
I have had a number of stays at the JW Seoul (as a Plat) and never upgraded to a suite. Based on this and the previous poster, I would say that your chances are close to nil. Having said that, a very nice hotel - lounge is very nice. Getting around via ground transport (esp. in morning/evening rush hours) is a pain. However, the hotel sits on top of the intersection of three subway lines, so if you are able to navigate the maze that is Seoul subway stations, you can get around pretty easily.
#67
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA EXP (2.5MM), Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,859
I'm OK without a suite upgrade, just figured I'd ask. its only me travelling. I think that I'll go with JW over CY for my booking. Even without a big upgrade, the lounge sounds like a good place to unwind a bit after a day out and about and before dinner.
#68
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,285
How does the JW compare to the Courtyard in Seoul? Its only a little bit more on my rates to stay at JW vs the Courtyard but I'm still looking for an additional justification. Based on TripAdvisor, it seems the JW is in a better location for a tourist than the CY. I also figure the lounge will be better at JW.
Location-wise, the JW is a little better if you're looking to get around the city as it is connected to a subway station serviced by three lines. But the Courtyard is better if you're looking to use regional trains, as it is just a few blocks from Yeongdeungpo station. For example, I've stayed there when my trip involves visiting clients both in Seoul and in Suwon. There's also one city subway line at that station.
#69
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA EXP (2.5MM), Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,859
Location-wise, the JW is a little better if you're looking to get around the city as it is connected to a subway station serviced by three lines. But the Courtyard is better if you're looking to use regional trains, as it is just a few blocks from Yeongdeungpo station. For example, I've stayed there when my trip involves visiting clients both in Seoul and in Suwon. There's also one city subway line at that station.
#70
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 263
Correct - if you can navigate the Seoul subway system, the JW is in a better location than the Courtyard. It sits on top of three major lines that can get you pretty much anywhere. It is a bit tricky the first time you use it (at least it was for me, as I kept coming out the wrong exit upon getting back to the station). Would not suggest trying to use a taxi etc, especially during morning/evening rush hours as the traffic in front of the hotel is horrendous.
#71
Correct - if you can navigate the Seoul subway system, the JW is in a better location than the Courtyard. It sits on top of three major lines that can get you pretty much anywhere. It is a bit tricky the first time you use it (at least it was for me, as I kept coming out the wrong exit upon getting back to the station). Would not suggest trying to use a taxi etc, especially during morning/evening rush hours as the traffic in front of the hotel is horrendous.
#72
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Maryland
Programs: Marriott Platinum, SPG Gold, DL Silver
Posts: 514
We were upgraded prior to arrival
I have had a number of stays at the JW Seoul (as a Plat) and never upgraded to a suite. Based on this and the previous poster, I would say that your chances are close to nil. Having said that, a very nice hotel - lounge is very nice. Getting around via ground transport (esp. in morning/evening rush hours) is a pain. However, the hotel sits on top of the intersection of three subway lines, so if you are able to navigate the maze that is Seoul subway stations, you can get around pretty easily.
I'm looking forward to taking my kids to Korea with their grandparents! This sounds like a great property, especially since the first night we'll be so tired from the flights (2 hour one followed by a 14 hour one).
I do wonder one small thing. I had read someplace (tripadvisor?) that they charge for shampoo. I have never found that the case in any hotel, but wonder if the person was referring to a high end one in the minibar? I understand they do have some extra toiletries that you can purchase from the minibar (but housekeeping has complimentary basic ones) but I had never heard of a hotel not having basic shampoo in the bathroom.
I haven't been to Korea in 20 years. It sounds like much has changed (just like here).
Is the coffee really that bad? I like strong coffee, but as I recall most in Korea was more weak. We'll probably bring instant to add to our coffee in the room!
#73
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SDF
Programs: DL:360/DM/6 MMer; Bonvoy: Lifetime Titanium 10+M pts, 3100+ nights;
Posts: 1,441
When I was there last year, the usual shampoo, conditioner and body lotion were on the bathroom counter and were free. There's a Starbucks in the shopping center connected to the JW. Is that strong enough?
#74
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Maryland
Programs: Marriott Platinum, SPG Gold, DL Silver
Posts: 514
Starbucks is strong! I just need something before I get up and dressed in the morning too so hope they have some coffee in the room. I'm sure we'll go to Starbucks too!
#75
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat; *A Gold; Marriott Gold
Posts: 351
I can also confirm that the coffee in the room was weak - they give you tiny pouches of ground coffee for the in-room coffee maker. I learned to use two pouches per cup of coffee, but that definitely could be improved.
The Executive Lounge (assuming you'll have access) has not only brewed coffee but also an automated coffee machine for Lattes, espresso, and cappucinos that was pretty good.
For MikeLat - I can't comment on the Renaissance although I considered it when booking. The executive lounge not being open on weekends made up my mind. The JW was very convenient for the connections to the subway lines - I was also travelling by myself and I prefer to use mass transit to get around in a new city so I can see more of the "real" country. The Seoul subway is incredibly easy to navigate once you get the hang of how they do signage - things like each line is both numbered and color-coded, each exit is numbered and the maps of the station will indicate each exit.