There are places across the globe that I have stayed at for business - which I probably could not have afforded to stay at if someone else was not funding it - the JW Marriott in Seoul is definitely such a place! But if you have the money to spend - or are looking for a place to spend a few extra won - then you need to stay at the JWM! It is hard to beat the very large rooms, huge luxurious bathrooms with glass showers – but the service at the hotel is just awesome – and it's one of the first hotels that I have ever stayed where the courteous and friendly hotel staff are actually complemented by the great rooms. It usually is the other way around – but the staff at the JW Marriott really is that good.
The super deluxe 34 story JW Marriott Seoul is ideally situated at Central City, Korea's largest and most popular shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. The hotel is located in Gangnam, on Seoul’s south side, close to the Han River, and about 10 minutes from the US Embassy. The backside of the hotel is the Shinsagae Department Store, which is actually connected to the hotel by taking the first right after you come in the front door and then going left down the line of shops till you get to the escalators. It is a big story – with about 7 floors of shopping, and a bottom level that is restaurants and food purchase items.
The one item that definitely sticks out about the JWM is the size of the health and fitness area – you could easily fit a whole Fitness USA into it – and add another one as well! The fitness area is on the floor above the Olympic size pool – with the center section looking down on the pool and all around it are exercise bikes and machines and free weights. There is also a climbing wall, sauna, spa, and least we not forget it – a diving pool for those doing certification. It is massive. We plan to make use of the climbing wall next month when we go back and have a little fun. We found out that they also have workout clothes for you if you are in need of them – or if your just not wanting to use yours. It is by far the biggest complete health club and spa that I have seen in a hotel anywhere.
The location of the hotel is itself is one of its greatest properties, with the Central City bus station and the subway station almost directly underneath it. You have pretty much instant access to anywhere in Seoul, and no need of a taxi in getting there. The hotel offers a $14 limo shuttle bus that goes to Inchon International Airport. And there are plenty of inexpensive places to eat and many fast food restaurants in the terminal area.