ashi_seattle

I have taken both a taxi and the bus, and both are fine. The bus takes a little longer due but is comfortable as others have noted, and is the least expensive option. If you prefer more privacy, or a direct ride than a taxi would be fine - I concur with the estimate of 50,000-60,000 KRW (~$42-$52USD) which is actually a pretty good deal given the distance from ICN to downtown. Seoul has two types of taxis, regular and deluxe, the deluxe cabs are all black and are larger, more comfortable vehicles. From the airport, I would recommend a deluxe taxi due to the smoother ride and often more courteous drivers.

The Westin Chosun is a great hotel, very well known/thought of with all of the locals and every taxi driver will be very familiar with it. The property itself is quite nice, centrally located and the club is very nice (on par with others in Asia which generally tend to be several steps up from those in the US in my opinion).

The one issue I have had with the Westin Concierge staff is poor restaurant recommendations. On two separate occasions I've had really poor referrals from them, food was not great although was reasonably priced - our speculation was that the Concierge (typically young women) sent us to places they might typically eat at, but definitely a different category than we would typically choose. Mrs Ashi speculated that perhaps they thought we were cheap b/c we specifically asked for restaurants outside the hotel. Anyway YMMV.

We also really enjoyed the nice wine bar on the lower level for a casual cocktail in the evening before/after dinner.

Plumber

Just last week, I used International Taxi to go from ICN to the Westin.

http://internationaltaxi.co.kr:8099/...port_seoul.jsp

They have a booth right next to the Limousine Bus booth in the Arrivals Hall. The cost was KRW 65,000 for a Medium taxi, as the Westin is in their Zone B.

It took a little less than 1 hour in rush hour traffic.

Plumber

AICML

I used their car service last year at the end of November. It was 135,000 KRW... so it's definitely not cheap. I'll admit it was pretty nice. I got greeted right after baggage claim and from there I was taken care of the entire way. They checked me into the room at the airport, handed me my keys, took my luggage, and escorted me to a luxury car. They provided me with a mini computer to access e-mail during the drive to the hotel. If you want this you need to request it when making the reservation. It's complimentary. Once at the hotel I was walked to my room where they took my credit card info. All in all it was a really pleasant and completely stress free experience.

Having said that... if it was on my own dime I would definitely just use one of the other options the FTs provided.

I also agree that they have one of the best free breakfast buffets (Platinum members) in their restaurant downstairs that I've experience at a Starwood property.

dina4

Thanks so much for all the great information and advice about getting to the Westin!!
The bus sounds very easy and comfortable.

The wonderful lounge and breakfast all of you are mentioning -- is that only for platinum members and is there a fee involved?
Sorry, we're definitely first-time Asian Starwood visitors.

Thanks!!

monahos

Yes, the lounge is only accessible to SPG platinum members and guests paying for executive rooms. The price difference between exec floor and normal rooms is usually fairly steep; it becomes worthwhile if you fancy evening drinks, as imported alcohol is expensive in Korea, and especially so at nicer hotels.

As for the bus, it has 1-2 seating reminiscent of US domestic F cabins, and the drivers have some leeway to choose their route based on traffic updates from preceding buses, which makes them sometimes faster than a less resourceful taxi driver.

TRAVELSIG

Is there still the little pub on the level below the lobby? I recall that as a great place when it was time for a little break from Korean food (which I like a lot, just once in a while nice for a change without having to go out of the hotel).

dina4

Thanks, monahos!
So happy to be a platinum member.
Is that where they serve breakfast, too, and is it complimentary?

thanks.
dina

jjbc

While I was last at the Westin in late June. The lounge is comp for Plat members, and it where the breakfast was presented. It sounds like they redid what was two seperate lounges and made one large lounge. I will be heading there next month, so it will be interesting to see.

In the past they had O'Kim's downstairs (what was billed as the first authentic Irish pub in Korea), but I actually do not recall seeing it the last couple of times I was at the Westin. However, I was not looking for it. O'Kim's had been around for as long as I can remember (and at least until 1990s).

makin'miles

I don't think O'Kim's is down there anymore. Compass Rose is now the Chosun's lounge/bar, located across from the Ninth Gate restaurant off the main lobby. Aria, the main breakfast/buffet restaurant is on B1, along with a Japanese restaurant and Veccia e Nuovo, a deli/lunch spot. There may be more restaurants, but I think O'Kim's is history (at least in Seoul... the Chosun in Busan still has one).

SQFAN

Westin Chosun is ine of the better hotels. Having stayed there twice, I thought the quality of food in the lounge has decreased slightly. The test is that I will still return. If you're a Plat, the upgrade choice can be a hit or miss. From ICN, I found the limousine bus to be fab. No need for a cab IMHO. Enhoy your stay.

Ecarous

Hello,

Does wnyone know what's offered to SPG Gold members, e.g. room upgrade? Read through the thread, but it seems most people on this post are Plats.

I will be staying at this hotel for 2 nights next week, and booked Deluxe Room. Any chance that I will be upgraded to executive room? (understand that lounge access is now only for Plats)

Thanks!

monahos

Welcome to Flyertalk!

No chance in my experience. There is a reason most people who rave about better Starwood hotels on this board are Plats: of all major chains SPG has the largest gap in treatment between top (among the best) and mid tier (mediocre). Hyatt, while on paper similar, tends to pull it off better IMHO, with occasional upgrades for Plats even on award stays, which is unthinkable for SPG Golds who tend to get the worst rooms when on award stays.

abcx

What kind of room do award stays get? Is there free breakfast/internet?

DownUnderFlyer

If you have no status with Starwood you will get the room category you have booked. If you are lucky a one category upgrade, a higher floor etc. There won't be free breakfast and last time I was there they still charged for internet.

OneWorldTraveller

Gold upgrade is only one category.. but not including Executive level upgrade.

If you reserve business deluxe, you'll get business deluxe office room. Only difference between them is whether there is a computer or not.. 20,000won difference.. In the same way, if you reserve executive deluxe, you'll get executive deluxe office..

Exeucitive room upgrade and above only happens to Platinum..