JW Marriott Seoul - Photo & Video Review

In 2007 I stayed at the JW Marriott Seoul for one night during a layover between Singapore and San Francisco.  I had one frustrating experience but otherwise the stay was excellent. 

The AAA Card Obsession

Before we get to the pictures of the large room that I was upgraded to let me quickly discuss the one problem.  This was a personal trip and the best rate I could find was the AAA rate.  In fact, the AAA rate was surprisingly a LOT cheaper than the best available rate. 

At check-in they didn't ask for the card.  Instead, awaking me around 8pm, the front desk called and insisted that I come down and show them my card.  I told them that I was asleep, didn't appreciate being woken up for something that if important they should have dealt with during check-in, and that I was going back to sleep and would be happy to show them my AAA card during check-out in the morning. 

Then in the morning, the front desk called me twice.  First to insist that I bring down my AAA card right away and then a second time to apologize for calling the first time and telling me it was okay to wait until check-out. 

At check-out, after they made two copies of my AAA card, I gently expressed my dissatisfaction at being called so many times and being woken up because the check-in agent forgot to ask for my AAA card.  I got a friendly apology but nothing else.

The Room

I booked a Superior Room - the standard room - but was upgraded to a Deluxe Room during check-in.  The Deluxe Room is larger by maybe 100 square feet.

The bed with lots of pillows.

The desk in the room provided enough space to actually be able get some work done.

Looking out the windows provided a nice view of part of the city.

The room had a long entry hallway between the door and the main part of the room.  The bathroom is off the side of this hallway.

The bathroom tub - separate from the shower.

The bathroom sink.

Toilet and shower.

Breakfast

I had breakfast in the room.  I like it when hotels bring food on a table if the room doesn't have a proper table.  As you can see, it was an extensive spread for a standard breakfast.  No complaints.

View From The Room

Videos

Video of the Deluxe Room:

Video of the Lobby:

Conclusion

The room was great and the hotel had many good restaurants.  It was also located directly on top of a labyrinth of underground shopping and low cost food options.  More importantly it was well connected to the public transportation network and had non-stop bus service to and from the airport.  However, the AAA card fiasco left a bad impression.