JW Marriott Hotel Seoul — Attraction in Seoul

My wife and I stayed in two different SPG hotels during our stay in Korea this time. The first hotel was great, and we probably will return to that location next time. However, JW was very underwhelming. The hotel is older and somewhat run down. I feel like the hotel could have done better to take care and update the facility. The club lounge was extremely crowded and didn't restock food/drinks in time on a regular basis. However, the most significant reason for me to NOT to return to this hotel is the service. The staff we dealt with was mostly indifferent, almost snooty, somewhat rude, and not helpful. Even when they were smiling, they didn't seem genuine at all. From checking in, the staff had a very cold demeanor and was not very accommodating. The second day, we received an invitation to the full-breakfast. The problem was that the date was for the same day, and it was delivered after 10 a.m. How ridiculous it that? So I called the front desk/guest services, and the staff asked which day I would like to come back. I asked for a specific day and the staff said he will send a new card later. That night, we received the new invitation, and AGAIN, they put the wrong date! I was very annoyed, but nicely asked for the correct date on the breakfast invitation. But Michelle (guest service staff I spoke with) was initially rude, and told me that the hotel was just having an event and I didn't have an option to choose a date. So at this point, I got very frustrated and explained the whole situation, then asked for her name. After I asked for her name, I'm not sure what happened, but she all of a sudden became very polite and apologetic. She also told us that we can come on the day of our choice. The funny thing was that she called back a few minutes later to tell us that we can have the full breakfast during our entire stay. We had no reason to refuse, so we accepted. However, each morning we went down for breakfast, we had to explain the situation and the staff was not very friendly. Although they saw my name on the list, they kept asking me for the invitation. Obviously, there was a communication break down between the front desk/guest services and the cafe. Plus, the cafe staff members (Sophia, Somang, etc.) were snooty, not helpful, and incompetent. We chose this hotel because we stayed here in the past and came back due to the location. However, after this stay, we probably won't come back here again. There are enough...

I travel for work quite a bit and always look forward to staying at the JW Marriott Seoul. It is not only the best option in Seoul, but one of the nicest properties anywhere!

Located in the Express Bus Terminal (which is a main Subway node with two lines connecting there), you can easily use the safe and easy-to-navigate subway to travel anywhere in the city within minutes. There is also a shopping mall and Shinsegae (luxury department store) accessible through the hotel's ground floor, which provides additional convenience, entertainment and restaurant options.

The hotel itself is amazing. The rooms are new (remodeled within the last year), large, modern, quiet and include everything you would expect from a Marriott property - large TV, coffee maker, iron/ironing board, minibar, etc. You can even place your shoes outside of your door at night for a free shoeshine.

The staff is extremely polite, knowledgeable and helpful, going out of their way to help you with a taxi, directions, or ideas for things to do. Everyone in the hotel - from the doorman to the manager - greets you with a warm smile and offer to provide assistance.

The fitness center is absolutely amazing! It is actually a private fitness club that is offered to hotel guests. Its amenities include an indoor swimming pool, indoor track, ample free weights, many machines that I did not even recognize, and more cardio equipment than I have ever seen in my life. They must have 30+ treadmills, not to mention cycles and elliptical machines. The facility also offers a full service spa and screen golf! Even the locker rooms are amazing - they provide workout clothes (even socks) so that you don't have to travel with sweaty, damp gym clothes in the outside pocket of your suitcase. A visit to the fitness center is an experience in itself.

If you are ever going to splurge for Executive Lounge access, this is the place. They offer a free breakfast that puts other properties to shame. They also have a full service afternoon tea - it is not self serve, a waiter brings you trays of finger sandwiches and treats. The evening happy hour is amazing. They have a fully stocked bar manned by a bartender, self serve wine and many beer selections, including local craft beers. There are also about 6 - 8 desert options available throughout the evening. And all of this is complimentary in their spacious, comfortable lounge.

I cannot recommend this...

I recently stayed at the JW Marriott in Seoul, Korea. I was in town for business and this hotel was recommended by co-workers who have stayed there in the past. I was there for one week and used a few of the different amenities they had to offer. When I checked in the staff was attentive and ready for me to begin my check in process. This would be something you would think is obvious and expected but I checked into my room at almost midnight. I was impressed that they were readily available as if it was the middle of the day. It was a smooth and easy process. I arrived at my room and when I entered it was clean and in good order. The first thing I noticed was the bathroom which had what almost resembled French doors walking into it. I liked that it was different. The tub and shower was very modern looking with glass and mirrors everywhere. Any amenity you could think of, soap, lotion, toothbrush...it was there ready and available. I had stayed in other hotels in Korea, but was disappointed that there wasn't a heated toilet seat in this one. That set apart the other luxury hotels from this one. It's a personal preference but none the less, one I did miss. The bed was big and comfy although I didn't like the skirt on the bottom of the bed. It looked a little faded and almost frayed. It looked old. The overall rest of the room looked very nice with a great view. I ordered room service and was greeted on the other end with the hotel addressing me by my last name and Mr. That was another one of those extras that was nice. I ordered the burger, nothing special. Food was good with nice sized portions. The only other restaurant I ate at was the Executive Lounge. Which was very nice! Breakfast had made to order eggs with assortments of cereals, sausage, different meat and cheeses and many different types of bread. The evening service had heavy hors'devours which were great and an open bar with beer and mixed drinks. The highlight of my stay! I recommend the dim sum! Very tasty! I did notice some of the carpet in the hallways being faded and needing replacement. Some of the décor slightly out of date as well. Maybe an upgrade is in the works for the future. I did use the gym facilities. They were very friendly making sure I had everything I needed. They have workout clothes if you need it as well! Overall stay was very pleasant and well worth it. I would recommend this...