Tuesday 11 November 2014

The Westin Chosun Seoul - April 2014

 

Seoul is the capital of South Korea which is a rather mountainous region and is now famous for Samsung, Gangnam Style and plastic surgery.

We were here for the cherry blossoms and some shopping. 

Incidentally, the FIFA world cup was at the hotel during our stay!


Why choose this hotel?

The Chosun Hotel is one of the premium hotels in Seoul and the oldest apparently. I believe it was rebuilt.

The hotel is celebrating its 100 anniversary this year.

The location of the hotel is great, and is within walking distance to many attractions as well as many metro stations on different lines.
Traveling to various tourist spots were so easy!


The hotel is next to a minor attraction too!

The Management

Starwood!

Getting to the Hotel

We arrived at Incheon Airport which is actually quite far away and there is a direct bus which stops at the hotel.

Fast, safe and convenient!

The Hotel

There was no sign of its age and the lobby was clean and spacious.


The check-in was a little hidden in the corner providing perhaps a bit more privacy.

The corridors were a little dark for my liking.


The Rooms

We were given a deluxe room at first which was really small. However, hotels are rather expensive in Seoul.
The room is about 40sqm/440sqft which actually isn't too bad.


 The bathroom was rather small and had a tub with a shower as reflected in the mirror.

We could see the temple beside the hotel from the room.

We were then upgraded to a Junior Suite and it looked much bigger (60sqm/650sqft) . However I do feel some space was wasted for the 'locker room' and doorway.





Westin's Heavenly Bed is of course delightful, providing a good sleep!

I love Nepresso machines!

The amenities in the bathroom is the most complete of any hotel I have experienced.

The Food and Drinks

We had lounge access and the lounge was located at the top floors with a good view.

The evening cocktail spread was relatively good for range but excellent for quality!



Otherwise, cookies and drinks were available throughout the day.
There was also a space for internet use which was rather hidden and great for privacy.

We had breakfast daily at Aria which really played classical music and operatic arias (which was to my liking).

The range was really good and there was slight variation to the food offered daily.

Service was excellent and getting attention was easy. Food was replenished readily and quickly.









There was also a Japanese restaurant next the the lounge which we didn't try.


Neither did we go to the lobby bar.

The Pool And Gym

Sadly the  pool was closed during my stay, but it looks magnificent!

There was an area to relax which was shared with the spa.


The gym was truly a gem! Perhaps that is why many Korean men are so buff!

Gigantic space and many machines and weights!




The Service

I must emphasize the service is excellent!

Our luggage was taken the moment we reached and everyone was so polite. The bellboy even refused tips!

A box of macaroons was waiting for us in the room as a gift.


The staff are very well-dressed and good looking as well!



 

The Spa

No visits to the spa, as there are way too many things to do in Seoul for our first time there!

In Summary 

The location is great, the service is excellent, food is good and the rooms are nice.

The downside? Probably the room rates during high season.

A great place to stay for a first visit to Seoul definitely!

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