So short but so suite - Westin Josun Seoul
Quick Summary
10/11/2022 - 10/13/2022
Status at Time: Platinum
Points Redeemed - 40,000 (35k Credit Card Certificate + 5,000 Points Top Up)
Original Room: 1 Twin Bed and 1 Queen Bed, Family Guest Room
Suite Night Upgraded to Executive Suite, 1 King, City view
The Deets
For 2022, I was looking for a trip with a high nostalgia factor, then it hit me: Seoul.
Seoul was a place I had lived in for four years during my elementary school days. However, there was always this one hotel that I always passed by, on the way to my house in the school bus, and that was the Westin Josun.
I booked my stay at Westin Josun just before I headed back to Toronto.
Westin Josun is definitely one of those dated hotels, but it has its charm. A great breakfast buffet, excellent service, and a helpful bellhop who will help you bring your luggage wherever you go and doesn't beg for tips - that's true hospitality!
From the moment I stepped into the lobby, I was impressed by the grandeur and elegance of the space. There was something about that lobby and how it would be the setting for the afternoon tea for the wives of the Chaebols of Korea. For those who don’t watch Korean dramas, Chaebol means a large family-owned business conglomerate, e.g. Samsung.
With a super upscale lobby, the staff were friendly and efficient, making me feel pampered and attended. This was definitely a Westin that wanted to be JW Marriott, but the age of the hotel took that chance away from them.
The room itself was spacious, with a large king-size bed, plush pillows, and luxurious linens. The bathroom was well-stocked with Korean inspired beauty products, with a decent sized bathtub and separate shower, and enough towels for a family.
Looking back at my stay, one of the highlights was getting an upgrade without even asking for one. I had originally booked a 1 twin and 1 queen room, but with my Platinum annual benefit, I used my Suite Upgrade Award to get myself into the Executive Suite. For East Asia standards, this is large already, though nothing like a Penthouse Suite.
One of the reasons why this hotel is worth a stay is that it's in the heart of Downtown Seoul. It's steps away from the financial and shopping districts. Right next door is the subway, which is just around the corner, and a department store. If you want to be a bit frugal, you can take a taxi to Seoul station, which is only a 10 minute ride, and then take Seoul’s version of Airport Express.
Overall, Westin Josun is definitely an “affordable luxury” type of hotel. For anyone who wants a conveniently located hotel that's in the upper middle tier but won't cost you a fortune in points, I would definitely recommend it.
Other stays made during this Seoul trip:
Courtyard Namdaemun - Right around the corner of Westin Josun, a much more cheaper and muted hotel but still in the heart of downtown Seoul
Fairfield by Marriott Seoul - A bit off the downtown core but still accessible to points of interests as the hotel is next to a major train station