X-ON

I can warmly recommend the Westin Chosun which I think is a nice property with a very good location. Near to shopping and if you like to travel around Seoul the subway is just around the corner. There are also a 7-11 just outside the hotel which is good since employers (at least mine) don't pay for mini-bar consumption.

/Anders

ajnaro

Here's another vote for the Westin Chosun -- the location is great, and the people are fantastic. It is, however, a very popular hotel, and that can make upgrades very hard to get.

1K_From_SNA

I lost count on the votes for the Westin Chosun, but it's my vote too. Here is my experience:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...=westin+chosen

ryan754

I am a big fan of the W and Sheraton. In fact Sheraton has Cash and points now. Great hotels and great staff, and cool rooms. The WooBar at the W is happening although beer is 11,000 won and cocktails quite expensive, but great ambience. Out of the way but nice place to get out of the city relax drink and gamble

rhodeweary

Anybody have any new info/insight on *wood options in Soeul? I'm heading out in March. Westin and W both offering essentially the same rate. Can anyone share any recent experiences, pro/cons, etc? Thanks in advance.

DH

I only stayed at the Westin. Only downside of W is its location; it located at the eastern edge of Seoul. I don't think there has been any posting on W Seoul unlike the Westin...

DH

Yes. Unless you are Platinum, do not expect any upgrades. Its good service and central location was important for me. Since I stayed there with my family, I wasn't looking for any hip factor.

KosherKimchee

IMHO, the Chosun Westin is the single best hotel in the *wood program. Unbelievable service, great rooms, great location in Seoul (although Seoul itself is nowhere near Incheon airport).

bobo809

Stayed at Westin Chosun last year. It's a great hotel. It's in the center of the city and above the subway. You can walk to the Lotte dept store, the Dongdaeman market, and others. It is very convenient. They also give you a cell phone to use during your stay. Receiving call is free, but you pay when you dial out. It's a reasonable cost. Breakfast is in the cafe on first floor. Very good breakfast, but expect to pay $25 to $30 for it. The other choice I recommend is Seoul Park Plaza hotel. It's affiliated with Radisson. Excellent service and hotel. President Clinton stayed there. You won't regret if you stay at either hotel. They are top notch. Both are located acroos the City Hall.

There's a hotel bus service to and from airport. It's very comfortable (two seats on the left, and one on the right). Seat is more confortable than domestic 1st class seats I would say. The Westin Chosun is the third stop on the line. Make sure you get on the right bus. Show your ticket to the staff at the bus stop. I got on the wrong bus once and was sent to another district. Had to get a taxi back.

DLfan

This is exactly how I feel about the Westin Chosun. It's a superb hotel and very well located in downtown Seoul. Do not pass up an opportunity to experience it for yourself!

millburnmike

I'll add my recommendation on the Westin Chosun (just called the Chosun locally). I've been staying at there several times a year since 2002 and service/quality has stayed consistent on all of my visits. It is centrally located in the city - near the financial district.

The best bus service from the airport is the KAL Limosine. They have about 6 different routes - I think the Westin is #4. You can take it regardless of the airline that you fly. Buy tickets at the counter inside or on-board. As mentioned earlier it is about 50 minutes but you can hop out at the Seoul Plaza hotel and walk across the street to shave 5-10 minutes off. The other option is to take a taxi - if you do this call ahead to the hotel and have them send a car. It will be the same price and they will let you check-in in the car (about $100).

If you are Platinum, they will give you access to the executive lounge even if you are not staying on an official exec club floor. The lounges (there are 2) are excellent for breakfast and free drinks/snacks at dinner. All of the hotel restaurants are good, but very expensive. Take the 5 minute walk to Myung Dong for very good semi-casual fare.

As an aside on quality, during my stays there I've run into Will Smith and the 1st President Bush.

IluvSQ

Westin Chosun is definitely much better than the Sheraton or W for location,
unless you are a gambler ( Seoul's only casino is in the Sheraton). I used to
stay there regularly until business made staying on the south side a much better
option, now I am always at the Interconti, which I find better than the Westin in
terms of room size ( service is comparable)

AJLondon

Bump!

So lots of votes for the Westin I see. I'm off to Seoul for the first time (3 night break) in a couple of months and was wondering where to stay. (Am SPG Plat and IC RA.) At the moment I am torn between the Westin (which seems to have got rave FT reviews!) and the Grand Intercontinental.

I would prefer to stay in the city centre, and be as close to the tourist sights and the shops as possible. (preferably walkable!). The Grand IC seems to have a huge 200 store mall connected to it's site. For the stay, I can use either SPG points, IC points or $$$. The rates for my dates are:

IC Grand: 250,000 won (approx US$250) or 30k PC points.
Westin: 260,000 won (approx US$260) or 10k SPG points per night.

Elite treatment at both hotels should be similar and both have award availability.

So any advice in making a choice would be greatly appreciated!

bobbrownson

I have stayed at the IC Grand over 70 times and love it - especially the Junior Suites. Seoul is a huge city so you won't be able to be "central" as there are really 3 centers - Yuoido - Government center (National), Kangnam (where the IC Grand is otherwise referred to as COEX - exhibition center) and City Center (Westin is here) which is financial district. If you stay at Westin you can walk to the old Palace grounds which is very interesting - brand new Korea Historical Museum.

Yes, there is a huge mall underneath the IC but the same stores generally speaking that you find anywhere. You still have to take a taxi or train to
E Tae Won, Namdaemung shopping districts. Be prepared for nightmarish traffic jams, 1 hour commutes between these 3 districts. BC me if you want more information - I work in Seoul - glad to help.
bb

bobbrownson

http://www.lifeinkorea.com/index.cfm?Language=English

Take a look at this site - one of the better informational sites for Korea/Seoul