Sep 21, 2014, 11:02 pm
Last edit by: ElevatorEnthusiast
Fitness Facility Closed Every First Monday
The first Monday of the month, the hotel's fitness facility is closed. Please contact the hotel for further information.
The first Monday of the month, the hotel's fitness facility is closed. Please contact the hotel for further information.
The Westin Josun Seoul, South Korea [Master Thread]
Aug 21, 2007, 3:17 am
#91
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: AA EXP 2.2M, SPG Platinum
Posts: 61
I'm currently staying at the Westin Chosun and will check tonight if both of the lounges are non-smoking.
As many people have mentioned, the service at the hotel is absolutely fantastic. I was met at the airport by the hotel rep, she escorted me to the KAL bus stop, gave me my executive lounge amenity card, and ensured my bags were tagged. As soon as we arrived at the hotel, there was a staff member ready to meet me, took my bag, and escorted me directly to the room. I arrived too late to check out the lounges, but will file a report tomorrow.
The only odd event so far was that I was given a letter that stated I had been upgraded, but in reviewing my reservation and the room I am in, I don't think I actually was upgraded. Not a big deal as the room is nice and has a Nespresso coffee machine. :-)
As many people have mentioned, the service at the hotel is absolutely fantastic. I was met at the airport by the hotel rep, she escorted me to the KAL bus stop, gave me my executive lounge amenity card, and ensured my bags were tagged. As soon as we arrived at the hotel, there was a staff member ready to meet me, took my bag, and escorted me directly to the room. I arrived too late to check out the lounges, but will file a report tomorrow.
The only odd event so far was that I was given a letter that stated I had been upgraded, but in reviewing my reservation and the room I am in, I don't think I actually was upgraded. Not a big deal as the room is nice and has a Nespresso coffee machine. :-)
Last edited by BJD1r; Aug 21, 2007 at 3:23 am
Aug 22, 2007, 6:54 am
#92
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: AA EXP 2.2M, SPG Platinum
Posts: 61
Just as a follow-up to my previous post, I visited the lounge on the 17th floor this evening and did not see anyone smoking. Granted it wasn't very full, so I can't say for certain if it is allowed or not. The food was decent and they had a very good selection of hard liquor and local beers.
Oct 1, 2007, 6:11 pm
#94
Moderator: CommunityBuzz!, OMNI, OMNI/PR, and OMNI/Games & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ORD (MDW stinks)
Programs: UAMM, AAMM & ExPlat, Marriott lifetime Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 23,512
Just got back and if traveling for business, the location of your hotel should come first, not what chain it is affiliated with. I would stay close to wherever you are doing business as traffic sucks in Seoul. Location far outweighs chain affilitation.
For the Leisure traveler, (I'm stating the following after staying in the Renaissance, IC Coex and becoming quite familiar with the Westin Chosun area) hands down the area around the Westin trumps Renaissance and IC's.
The area around the Rennaissance is very commercial, no retail (unless you consider the myriad of massage parlors behind the hotel retail, BTW if you do walk out the back of the Renaissance you will get approached by men asking if you want "massagi" or "Koeran girl"). The area around the IC's is very sterile compared with other parts of the city, you will pay for that sterile mall like environment, Highly recommend staying elsewhere in Seoul if for leisure.
I wouldn't stay at the Renaissance again even if I picked it up for $72USD per night through Priceline like I did. I also had the IC for 5,000 points per night, a bargain but still will stay elsewhere.
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Oct 1, 2007, 11:07 pm
#95
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: India
Programs: UA 1K/Million Miler, Starwood Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 103
one vote in favor
I'll put in a vote for the Westin Chosun. Stayed there a couple of years ago, and was very impressed by the level of attention and service.
The upgrade to a suite on the top floor really helped, too.
W is 'hipper' but if you're not looking for hip, the Westin is much more relaxed.
The upgrade to a suite on the top floor really helped, too.
W is 'hipper' but if you're not looking for hip, the Westin is much more relaxed.
May 15, 2008, 4:40 am
#96
Join Date: May 2005
Location: 1A
Posts: 1,350
Just staying at the Westin. Arrived with the KAL bus (14,000 Won). Very convenient. I had to push a little to have any kind of upgrade, though ...
Received a junior suite on the 17th floor opposite the Club lounge.
The room has everything you can dream off - 19'' laptop with free internet, Coffee machine with capsules, fax, printer, Bvlgari toiletries & even a heated toilet + complimentary shoeshine etc.
The club lounge is perfect. Everyone speaks good English and the location is superb. Well recommended.
Received a junior suite on the 17th floor opposite the Club lounge.
The room has everything you can dream off - 19'' laptop with free internet, Coffee machine with capsules, fax, printer, Bvlgari toiletries & even a heated toilet + complimentary shoeshine etc.
The club lounge is perfect. Everyone speaks good English and the location is superb. Well recommended.
May 15, 2008, 7:14 am
#97
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
From Gimpo to Westin.
Hello. My flight from Japan is out of Haneda into Gimpo which I would assume is better. Maybe? Can someone please comment on transport from Gimpo to Westin? Thanks.
May 15, 2008, 7:38 pm
#98
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,473
Now that's a nice way to travel to one of my favorite hotels-- the Westin Chosun!
First, Haneda is much easier and quicker to get to from central Tokyo, and in my opinion a more modern airport with newer terminals.
Second, Gimpo is much closer to the Westin than ICN. You can take a taxi, or the subway if you're not burdened with too much luggage.
www.urbanrail.net (formerly MetroPlanet) has subway maps for worldwide subway/metro systems.
First, Haneda is much easier and quicker to get to from central Tokyo, and in my opinion a more modern airport with newer terminals.
Second, Gimpo is much closer to the Westin than ICN. You can take a taxi, or the subway if you're not burdened with too much luggage.
www.urbanrail.net (formerly MetroPlanet) has subway maps for worldwide subway/metro systems.
May 16, 2008, 6:36 am
#99
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
Thank you. I am hoping so. It also gets me into the Westin earlier than flying into ICN. My buddy will already be there.
So no bus from Gimpo to Westin? Can I just get a round about idea for a taxi? BTW. I got a low season award ticket on NH in C for 25000 NH points.
So no bus from Gimpo to Westin? Can I just get a round about idea for a taxi? BTW. I got a low season award ticket on NH in C for 25000 NH points.
May 16, 2008, 6:40 pm
#100
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,473
Thank you. I am hoping so. It also gets me into the Westin earlier than flying into ICN. My buddy will already be there.
So no bus from Gimpo to Westin? Can I just get a round about idea for a taxi? BTW. I got a low season award ticket on NH in C for 25000 NH points.
So no bus from Gimpo to Westin? Can I just get a round about idea for a taxi? BTW. I got a low season award ticket on NH in C for 25000 NH points.
Well, there is a bus, many in fact. But I didn't see one that goes to the hotel.
Here's the list from the airport website: http://gimpo.airport.co.kr/eng/park/trans_info.jsp
Airport website is not informative as to how much a taxi costs to the hotel.
I'd go for the subway if not traveling with much luggage as it avoids traffic congestion.
May 20, 2008, 6:54 am
#101
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,755
Platinums no longer get free internet
I am at the hotel now, and thought it worth an update.
Rooms are in good repair, yet have a rather dreary look to them. Everything is very bland, and not in a well coordinated way. As others have reported, rooms are rather small; bathrooms won't hold more than one at a time.
Service in the lounges is superb, but both the decor and the food are underwhelming. There are appetizers between 5:30 and 8pm. Selection is very limited and not very tasty, which might be why there were only 2 other people when we were there. During the day, the only thing out is a plate of cookies.
The location remains terrific for a tourist.
- At ICN, on exiting customs, go to door 11. There should be a Westin employee standing by a Westin sign. S/he will check your name on the arrival sheet, walk to the airport bus ticket stand, and help ensure you buy the proper tickets.
- The KAL limousine bus costs 14,000 won one way. The driver announced it would take 80 minutes.
- The bus stops down a slgiht incline from the hotel. A bellman comes to the bus to take luggage.
- We were at the platinum desk checking in when retrieved from there by someone who had a file ready for us. He walked us to the room to check us in.
- The hotel is 100% full. Thus, our upgrade was simply to give us a room with executive lounge access. We did not get a room with a computer.
- On checking about computer access, we were told it is not complimentary in either the lounges or the room. The duty manager came to talk to me. He acknowledged that this had been a past benefit. It was changed this year. Instead, they now have two computers in the lounge on the 9th floor. You must have an upgrade to a suite or to a room with a computer to get complimentary access. As a one time courtesy he gave me complimentary access. but repeatedly said my file was being notated to show I was advised of the new policy going forward. Internet costs 20,000 won/day.
- Toiletries are Aveda. Suites get Bulgari.
- We chose points as our amenity. We were given a fruit bowl which was one orange and some grapes.
Rooms are in good repair, yet have a rather dreary look to them. Everything is very bland, and not in a well coordinated way. As others have reported, rooms are rather small; bathrooms won't hold more than one at a time.
Service in the lounges is superb, but both the decor and the food are underwhelming. There are appetizers between 5:30 and 8pm. Selection is very limited and not very tasty, which might be why there were only 2 other people when we were there. During the day, the only thing out is a plate of cookies.
The location remains terrific for a tourist.
May 20, 2008, 8:02 am
#102
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
Comment and golf accessory question.
Well. And I was looking forward to this stay. Thank you for your comments. I am only a tourist so it will work out fine.
? My golf is a golf nut. A huge golf nut. All of her Korean friends rave about all the golf accessories they buy cheap in Seoul. Is there a specific area in Seoul that has all these golf shops? Subway stop also please. Thanks.
? My golf is a golf nut. A huge golf nut. All of her Korean friends rave about all the golf accessories they buy cheap in Seoul. Is there a specific area in Seoul that has all these golf shops? Subway stop also please. Thanks.
May 24, 2008, 1:11 am
#103
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: SPG Platinum, Hilton Honors Gold, Flying Blue Platinum
Posts: 108
I am at the hotel now, and thought it worth an update.
Rooms are in good repair, yet have a rather dreary look to them. Everything is very bland, and not in a well coordinated way. As others have reported, rooms are rather small; bathrooms won't hold more than one at a time.
Service in the lounges is superb, but both the decor and the food are underwhelming. There are appetizers between 5:30 and 8pm. Selection is very limited and not very tasty, which might be why there were only 2 other people when we were there. During the day, the only thing out is a plate of cookies.
The location remains terrific for a tourist.
- At ICN, on exiting customs, go to door 11. There should be a Westin employee standing by a Westin sign. S/he will check your name on the arrival sheet, walk to the airport bus ticket stand, and help ensure you buy the proper tickets.
- The KAL limousine bus costs 14,000 won one way. The driver announced it would take 80 minutes.
- The bus stops down a slgiht incline from the hotel. A bellman comes to the bus to take luggage.
- We were at the platinum desk checking in when retrieved from there by someone who had a file ready for us. He walked us to the room to check us in.
- The hotel is 100% full. Thus, our upgrade was simply to give us a room with executive lounge access. We did not get a room with a computer.
- On checking about computer access, we were told it is not complimentary in either the lounges or the room. The duty manager came to talk to me. He acknowledged that this had been a past benefit. It was changed this year. Instead, they now have two computers in the lounge on the 9th floor. You must have an upgrade to a suite or to a room with a computer to get complimentary access. As a one time courtesy he gave me complimentary access. but repeatedly said my file was being notated to show I was advised of the new policy going forward. Internet costs 20,000 won/day.
- Toiletries are Aveda. Suites get Bulgari.
- We chose points as our amenity. We were given a fruit bowl which was one orange and some grapes.
Rooms are in good repair, yet have a rather dreary look to them. Everything is very bland, and not in a well coordinated way. As others have reported, rooms are rather small; bathrooms won't hold more than one at a time.
Service in the lounges is superb, but both the decor and the food are underwhelming. There are appetizers between 5:30 and 8pm. Selection is very limited and not very tasty, which might be why there were only 2 other people when we were there. During the day, the only thing out is a plate of cookies.
The location remains terrific for a tourist.
I find the Exec lounge ladies (two in a row) unsmiling and stiff (not that I would expect them to sit in my lap and tell me I am pretty, but still, there is a measure of pleasantness one expects). And yes both lounges are cramped (two many tables) with a varied selection of exceptionnally bland food
An uniformed waiter hovers around the buffet, being more an annoyance than anything else due to the room layout. Not very engaging.I was upgraded to a Junior suite with a computer and a cellphone, this part works well. But I do think there is an over-reliance on electronic gadgetry in this property, which I think is detrimental to human service. The lounge ladies, they barely ackowledge you as a sentient being before you stick your room key to the control panel in front of their desk, and only if it flashes green they (barely) animate.
I guess my mistake was travelling to Korea AFTER Japan. The other way round would have been smoother I assume...
May 24, 2008, 4:42 am
#104
Moderator: Asiana & Qantas Frequent Flyer
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: STR/SYD/SMF
Programs: QF Lifetime SG, LH HON, OZ Lifetime Diamond +, HH Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 14,375
I concur and amplify. I do not understand the raving reviews about the service in this hotel. I am staying there right now and my room is still not made at 4PM (yes I was out and no I did not switch the DND sign by accident). Service express hardly spoke English when I asked about housekeeping schedule.
I find the Exec lounge ladies (two in a row) unsmiling and stiff (not that I would expect them to sit in my lap and tell me I am pretty, but still, there is a measure of pleasantness one expects). And yes both lounges are cramped (two many tables) with a varied selection of exceptionnally bland food An uniformed waiter hovers around the buffet, being more an annoyance than anything else due to the room layout. Not very engaging.
I was upgraded to a Junior suite with a computer and a cellphone, this part works well. But I do think there is an over-reliance on electronic gadgetry in this property, which I think is detrimental to human service. The lounge ladies, they barely ackowledge you as a sentient being before you stick your room key to the control panel in front of their desk, and only if it flashes green they (barely) animate.
I guess my mistake was travelling to Korea AFTER Japan. The other way round would have been smoother I assume...
I find the Exec lounge ladies (two in a row) unsmiling and stiff (not that I would expect them to sit in my lap and tell me I am pretty, but still, there is a measure of pleasantness one expects). And yes both lounges are cramped (two many tables) with a varied selection of exceptionnally bland food
An uniformed waiter hovers around the buffet, being more an annoyance than anything else due to the room layout. Not very engaging.I was upgraded to a Junior suite with a computer and a cellphone, this part works well. But I do think there is an over-reliance on electronic gadgetry in this property, which I think is detrimental to human service. The lounge ladies, they barely ackowledge you as a sentient being before you stick your room key to the control panel in front of their desk, and only if it flashes green they (barely) animate.
I guess my mistake was travelling to Korea AFTER Japan. The other way round would have been smoother I assume...
May 26, 2008, 1:58 pm
#105
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
Not impressed. How could one be impressed? I don't think so.
This Hotel is advertising all over the place about being the best Hotel in South Korea. If that is the case I am concerned about the state of the industry. I will not keep you with a long report as this property has been written about extensive. I will do the bullet point thing like SAN.
* Upon arrival at ICN there was a sign for the Hotel but no one was attending it. The Lotte Hotel rep. tried to send us in the right direction to the agent. We could not find her. She finally showed up walking the bus line asking if people were going to the Westin.
* Agents met us and took us directly to our rooms. I was given a **05 room in the Westin Club floor. The room is ok. A little aged if you look closely. We were in the Lounge and you can see this pipe running up the side of the Hotel with plastic and stuff sticking out. That inspires confidence. I also noted a silver metal strip in the bathroom hiding I assume some wires. The bathroom is a little dirty in places. My room does have a 19" screen Samsung laptop. I was going to use it until I found someones searched web pages on it by using the dropdown. Someone was in search of more than just a hotel stay. You are advised. I just unplug the internet cable into my own laptop. Bathroom amenities are mini mini mini Bulgari. I would have taken the Aveda.
* When I was in the Lounge at the food area this agent must have been thirsty because he twisted open a bottle and took a swig in front of me. Wow. And this is Asia.
* I asked about the golf stuff also. The first agent was clueless but the second agent was excellent.
* I need to do a flight change and get out earlier. I might just do that at ICN.
* The Lounge on 17 was full so people we directed to 9. The breakfast food was uneventful.
* There is construction going on 20 so be mindful that you will have noise at least at this time.
* The windows are not sound proof so you can hear the protests going on outside regarding resuming US beef imports.
* I awoke to the slam of doors this morning in the hall.
* The wired internet access went down in my room so now they want to send a technician. What a waste of time. I am now on their wireless system.
* I am done with Seoul. It has been a few years since I have been here. I am like one of the other posters. Having just been to Japan. You gotta ask why you left.
Regards from Seoul. Off to SIN. At least I have/had free internet access!
* Upon arrival at ICN there was a sign for the Hotel but no one was attending it. The Lotte Hotel rep. tried to send us in the right direction to the agent. We could not find her. She finally showed up walking the bus line asking if people were going to the Westin.
* Agents met us and took us directly to our rooms. I was given a **05 room in the Westin Club floor. The room is ok. A little aged if you look closely. We were in the Lounge and you can see this pipe running up the side of the Hotel with plastic and stuff sticking out. That inspires confidence. I also noted a silver metal strip in the bathroom hiding I assume some wires. The bathroom is a little dirty in places. My room does have a 19" screen Samsung laptop. I was going to use it until I found someones searched web pages on it by using the dropdown. Someone was in search of more than just a hotel stay. You are advised. I just unplug the internet cable into my own laptop. Bathroom amenities are mini mini mini Bulgari. I would have taken the Aveda.
* When I was in the Lounge at the food area this agent must have been thirsty because he twisted open a bottle and took a swig in front of me. Wow. And this is Asia.
* I asked about the golf stuff also. The first agent was clueless but the second agent was excellent.
* I need to do a flight change and get out earlier. I might just do that at ICN.
* The Lounge on 17 was full so people we directed to 9. The breakfast food was uneventful.
* There is construction going on 20 so be mindful that you will have noise at least at this time.
* The windows are not sound proof so you can hear the protests going on outside regarding resuming US beef imports.
* I awoke to the slam of doors this morning in the hall.
* The wired internet access went down in my room so now they want to send a technician. What a waste of time. I am now on their wireless system.
* I am done with Seoul. It has been a few years since I have been here. I am like one of the other posters. Having just been to Japan. You gotta ask why you left.
Regards from Seoul. Off to SIN. At least I have/had free internet access!
Last edited by RTWSTARALLIANCE; May 26, 2008 at 10:25 pm