Starwood hotels in Seoul Korea [Master Thread]
 

I will be in Seoul later this month, and am not to sure whether to stay at the Sheraton or the Westin. I can get a pretty good corporate rate at both, so cost is not a major concern.

Has any got any experiences at either. I've seen a thread on the Westin Chosun, but I thought it would be good to try and get a few other opinions before I make the booking.

Thx.

Both are fine, though not the RitzCarlton, and I'd chose based on location.

The Towers food and service at the Walker Hill are/were superb though the property is a bit out of the way!

Chosen is great for downtown business! And the sushi bar is pretty decent too! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

My experiences tally with doc's.

If you have meetings in central Seoul, or will be visiting embassies, etc., the Chosun is perfectly located.

The Walker Hill is well outside town, but does have busses running into town, and taxis in Seoul are (comparatively speaking) relatively inexpensive.

As to evening entertainment, the Chosun is near Myongdong, the "strip" for Seoul. The Walker Hill, though, has a casino in house, and a dinner show (with entertainment) that is similar to Vegas most times.

I like the Chosun, the high-tech rooms with fully equipped & complimentary high-speed internet access do it for me.

Thanks very much for the replies.

I think you've convinced me to stay at the Westin. I'll have a fair bit of time between appointments, so it would be good to stay somewhere central. I'm also looking forward to checking out those high-tech rooms!

I'll be sure to post a follow-up message when I get back. And if I get a chance I'll check out the Sheraton just so I can compare the two for next time.

Thanks again.

Make sure you know where your appointments are. If you have meetings mainly on the south side of the river, you should stay at one of the hotels over there (Ritz is best, then Intercontinental). Traffic in Seoul is horrible and you'll be sorry if you're constantly wasting time going from one side to the other.

If you're mainly in the old downtown area, the Westin Chosun is perfect (and a nice hotel).

Starwood hotels in Seoul Korea [Master Thread]
 

Does anyone know how far the Westin Chosun or the Sheraton in Seoul are from Incheon airport - THANKS

Westin Chosun is as downtown as it gets. About one hour by Korean Air limousine bus (the fastest way to town) with good traffic. It is on the ICN-Koreana-Plaza-Lotte-Westin line.

Sheraton Walker Hill is way upriver on the other side of Seoul. Probably the furthest from ICN of all the good hotels in Seoul.

Incheon is far from everything. In my opinion, no major differences in distance in choose properties.

Good advice from both monahos and TheAuditor. In deciding which of those hotels to stay at, the determining factor should be what your intentions are in Seoul. The two properties are an hour's drive apart in two very different parts of town. You could waste a lot of time fighting traffic during your stay if you're in the wrong one.

FWIW, I've stayed at the Walker Hill Towers in the past and liked it very much.

They also used to have a courtesy limo pick up for such Towers guests at the airport, gratis, but I do not know if they still do! They also run a free shuttle bus downtown as does the Westin.

Enjoy the trip! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Starwood hotels in Seoul Korea [Master Thread]
 

Leaving nothing to chance I may be in ICN for two nights in mid May. I would of course like to stay at two Starwood hotels which would qualify for the 50k promo going on. I haven't looked at the list. Looking for two hotels near eachother. How about transport from ICN to hotels. I'd like to stay at the "bum" hotel the first night and the nice one the last night. Please advise.

There are 3 starwood properties in Seoul. The Westin Chosun, Sheraton Walker Hill and a Four Points. I have never stayed at the Four points but Ihave at the other 2. I especiallylike the Walker Hill. There are 6 or 7 differenet restaurants and a casino in the hotel. All are basically same distance from ICN. FAR ! Willt ake at least 1 1/2 - 2 hours from the new airport in Incheon.

The Four Points is the former Ramada Olympia hotel, which is located in a mountain setting in a residential area not too far from downtown. There is not much traffic from this area to downtown, where the Westin is.

The Sheraton is rather far upriver, and getting from the Sheraton to either of the other Starwoods will be time-consuming (traffic and distance).

The most convenient way to the Sheraton and Westin are by KAL limousine bus, which I don't believe go to the Four Points.

Four Points: http://www.escortmap.co.kr/english/view_e_s03.htm

Sheraton: http://www.escortmap.co.kr/english/view_e_s18.htm

Westin: http://www.escortmap.co.kr/english/view_e_s09.htm ('H' at bottom right)

The two closest hotels are the Four Points & Westin. That trip will take 20 to 30 minutes and costs about 10,000 won in a readily available "Deluxe" taxi, or about 6,000 won in a regular taxi, or 700 won on bus #135. I make the trip everyday. If you need more info, let me know.

SeoulMan

*wood near Seoul (ICH) airport?
 

Has anyone tried the Westin at Souel? How far away to the ICN airport? Anyone tried the the 4P at Souel? is it good? Just stay overnight, do not want to be too far away from the airport

Thanks

You've GOT to be far away from the airport. Because Incheon is in the middle of nowhere. But, it's only a bus ride away. There are buses that take you to every part of the city. My view is that The Westin is very centrally located, but if you don't intend to enjoy the city, The 4 Pts is usually cheaper. YOu'd have to contact them to find out which bus to take from INcheon.

Too bad you're just overnight. Seoul is a terrific city to explore.

I stayed Westin Chosun last week.

The building itself was "historical" but very well maintained inside.
Staffs are friendly and very polite - as usual in Asian properties.
My only concern was the water pressure of shower, but it's not a big deal.
The location is just center of the city, walking distance to must-see areas.
It took 50 min. from ICN airport and about $11 by Korean Air limousine bus.

I think this is the best Starwood facility in Seoul.

Planning a 1 night stay at either the Westin Chosun or Sheraton Walker Hill and was wondering what sort of upgrade I might expect as a Platinum? Thanks in advance.

Soeul, South Korea
 

Will be going there in a number of months and would like to stay at one of the 2 SPG properties, heck I am loyal, but the rates are very high in comparison to other hotels (eg $250US+++). What are these properties like? Are there any good ways to get better deals?

Not sure when you're going but the new W Walker Hill in Seoul will be opening in the May I believe.

I've only been to the Westin CHosen. TOP of the line Hotel. They treat Plats VERY WELL. Put on Executive floor, with lounge priveleges. (breakfast, hors doevrs, drinks). Free use of the health club and Sauna. When I say "sauna", I don't mean a measly steam room, either. It is a true Korean sauna, fully equipped. You could spend all day in there. With the relaxation room, literally you could!

Yup, it's kind of pricey, but I've seen rates of 200,000 Korean Won lately. (I was there just a week ago). THat's under $200. From the SPG site.

It's a good property to use your points at, I think. They have been listed on Cash and Points. Great deal, though availability was nil, until I called and had them manually make the reservation. That worked out fine.

The location is fantastic, if you want to be in the city. Close to much. Subway ride to everything.

Never been to Walker Hill. Seems far from where I'd like to be.

Aloha

Sometimes if you call the hotel directly you can get a special package rate. I did this over the summer at the Chosun and got rates as low as 150,000 won, saving 30,000 won off the SPG price. Plus these package deals often nab you additional ammenities. Got makeup packs for the lady twice and wine and chocolats two other times. Try calling the front desk to see if they can square you away.


[This message has been edited by Mileage Schemer (edited Dec 09, 2003).]

I have to second clublounger's recommendation of the Westin Chosun. This is really a first rate property in an excellent downtown location. As a Plat, I've always been upgraded and treated VERY well. There's even a lively Irish Pub downstairs that, because of its central location, attracts an eclectic mix of Korean business people, diplomatic staff and ex-pats. The name? O'Kim's.

That's a really good price. I wonder if it is for locals, i.e. korean only. I did a call up to check on the rates while I was there, and the lowest I could get was 210,000 KRW. Went to an internet cafe, and bing-bang-boom, printed my confirmation slip at 180,000 KRW. As a SPG Gold then, I got what I thought was a really nice room with a PC and LCD monitor. Without a doubt, Westin Chosun is where I will stay on my next trip to Seoul, although I might have to send an email to you first to secure a good rate http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I'll pitch in too with good words for the Chosun. I actually was upgraded to the Exec floor as a Gold - amazing I know! Some of the Exec floor rooms are kitted out with desktop PC's and a broadband connection, something I found preferrable to daily visits to the business centre.

The hotel is also in a great location in the centre of town and the staff are uniformly excellent. The only bum note was the Chinese restaurant on the top floor - great view, terrible, awful pastiche Chinese food.

I'm staying in the Chosun next week (plat).

My first trip to S. Korea, any recommendations on making use of my free time?

There was a great family-run italian restaurant just down from the Chosun (left out of the main door, down the small hill and about 100 yards down on the (2nd road) on the left hand side).
Had a fab meal there during the soccer world cup, with some v. friendly locals !! Huge Jugs of beer and superb pastas for very little ...

Also close-by is the underground markets - good for killing some time ...

Sorry I can't help more - spent most of our time enjoying the football then !! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

By the way, don't spend too much time in the Irish bar at the hotel - the beer prices were extortionate !!

Oh, and the pool in the hotel was just fab ! Also a good view out onto the city from there.

John P.

Hmmm... I guess I would first ask what you have in mind. Nightlife? Touristy things?

Some ideas... If it's your first time in Korea most likely you would want to hit one of the palaces like Gyongbokgun. This is not too far from the hotel and is also not too far from Insadong, a touristy district with traditional tea houses and restaurants. Also take a look at the modern area of Kangnam="South of the River" (take a stop by the COEX mall). There's a pretty sizable discount electronics market in Yongsan (make sure you bargain on everything). Take a trip to the JSA and take a look at the divided border firsthand (I'm sure the hotel can help you arrange this if you have the time). There's also a Korean War memorial near Samgakji.

As for nightlife, the bars at the Hyatt hotel are pretty popular with the Expat crowd as well as large groups of local females. Kangnam and Sinchon are younger areas catering to those in their late teens to low twenties. Abgujongdong is where you will find some more sheeshy bars like "S bar" (NYX-style bar) and "Once in a Blue Moon" (a jazz bar). Also, you can check out a night market area like Dongdaemun, whever lots of younger Koreans go to buy clothes. You can also check out Itaewon if you're into the hip hop scene and/or some seedier establishments.

Just some ideas... hope you find some useful.

Also, while at the Westin do check out the upper floor executive lounge. I want to say it's on either the 14 or 17th floor.. been there so many times but I just can't think of it right now. There's two... I'm referring to the one NOT on the 9th floor. The staff is outstanding.. please do say hi to Mr. Son, an invaluable asset to this hotel.


[This message has been edited by Mileage Schemer (edited Dec 11, 2003).]

FYI - yes, there are two lounges. One on the 9th floor and one on the 17th. The 17th is smoking and the 9th is non-smoking. YOur choice. Staff on 9th was flawless as well. If you're booked on the executive floor you can even check in at the desk on either of these floors. If you're upgraded, you can check out there.

I just returned from a one-night stay at the Westin Chosun. I want to join the chorus of praise for this hotel.

As a gold, I was also upgraded to a premium room. Great view of the temple on the grounds. I found a very large and delicious asian pear waiting for me in a beautiful bowl on the coffee table, along with a personalized note card. Room was very plush -- it had, and I mean this honestly, the feeling of a small-scale Four Seasons room. The PC with high-speed internet access was great (as was in-room fax and printer). Very nice bath. Food was great -- both in restaurant and room service. Can't say enough good things about the place. All the staff were wonderful.

On the other hand, the next night I stayed at the Hyatt Regency. Nice public spaces, and good restaurants. Odd, out of the way location. The rooms are small and pretty sterile. I paid (no Hyatt status)a small amount to be ugraded to club level, and found the room was basically the same but had access to club -- which was just OK. Staff was barely pleasant -- the Westin staff was great.

One big plus for the Westin: the airport at Incheon is a loooong way out of town. I e-mailed the Westin before I left to arrange limo service. I was greeted right outside customs, handed a leather portfolio by a very nice young woman and led to my very nice car. They had my info in the folder, and all I needed to do was fill out a very brief card. I was already checked in -- keys were in the kit. Handed it to the doorman when we arrived and was up to my room directly from the car. THAT is fine service.

M.Leo

I stayed at the Westin Chosun last month. I agree that this is a great property. It is expensive, but my rate was cheaper than or comparable to other high-end hotels in Seoul. The rooms are very well appointed, newly remodeled, and the staff is one of the best I’ve seen anywhere. My room had a PC with free Internet access, a free cell phone (rental was free but there was a small charge for making/receiving calls, and you can even have calls forwarded to the cell phone), and a 50-inch plasma TV. The hotel apologized for not having any suite upgrades available, but I was more than happy with my room. They also include free bottles of drinking water, a full buffet breakfast in the lounge, and free access to the health club / spa. Additionally, the hotel is close to the subway station and right in the center of Seoul. If you want to take sightseeing tours, most companies make a stop at the Westin so the tour picks you up right at the door. As you can tell, I would definitely recommend this property!

How much was the limo service?

I'm staying at the Westin this spring for something like $145 per night, booked on the SPG website.

I've used the limo service to this hotel in the past and it is very convenient and most welcome after a long trans Pacific flight. When I used it (last summer), the price was around US$90.

[This message has been edited by DLfan (edited Jan 14, 2004).]

The limo service is fiarly expensive, though not much different in price than a cab and much more comfortable. They should also offer in-car check in, enabling you to go straight to your room. This is great for convenience, not so good if you want to ensure you have been upgraded to a suite.

Does anyone know of the transit hotel in ICN is a Sheraton? I believe it is owned by the walker hill, but no mention on its website. Thanks!

The transit hotel in ICN is called Air Garden. It is not a "Starwood" property but Walkerhill (SK Group) property Hyatt Incheon recently opened. You can take shuttle bus to the Hyatt Incheon 14B at arrival level.

Can anyone tell me how close any of the SPG hotels are to the COEX Conference Centre. I believe it is downtown, but someone above referred to it being on the south side of the river? Since I will be attending a conference at the COEX, I would prefer being close. The Intercontinental is right there and this is a possibility but I am a loyal SPG Plat.

The COEX is indeed south of the river. Considering distance and traffic, the Sheraton Walker Hill would be a bit more convenient getting to the COEX. The cab would probably only take 15-20 minutes. Last I remembered there was a shuttle bus from the Walker Hill that took you to Gangbyong Station on subway line 2 (I'm not 100% sure on this but I know there are 2 shuttles to 2 different subway stops). Samsung station is only 5 stops away from Gangbyon station. Total commute should be <30 minutes. On the other hand the Westin Chosun is downtown and could take up to an hour by taxi during rush hour traffic. It is about a 40-45 minute subway ride away from Euljiro Il-ga station (line 2) which is fairly close to the hotel.

I personally think the Westin has more to offer as far as its location (also the gym at the Walker Hill is awful). Both hotels treat plats well though.

Just got back from 4 nights at the Westin. Fabulous hotel with the best amenities of any Westin or Sheraton I can think of. Great location too! We had some people at the nearby Lotte hotel which is famous in Korea. After they saw my room at the Chosun, they quickly switched!