JW Marriott Hotel Seoul review: Gangnam five-star offers just as much to do within its four walls as the trendy local neighbourhood

The Hallyu, or Korean Wave, has turned into a tsunami across the Americas, Europe and the Middle East since the mid-2010s, with travellers heading to Seoul in search of K-pop singers, K-drama stars and hearty bowls of bibimbap. South Korea’s capital has also proven popular for its shopping experiences – both of the wholesale and luxury variety – and those seeking out the latter will be hard pressed to find a better place to stay than the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul.

Located in Gangnam (arguably the epicentre of Hallyu 2.0 thanks to Psy’s record-breaking song), guests can reach the Cheongdamdong Fashion Street and its flagship stores, or the Insta-famous library at Starfield COEX Mall in just 15 minutes. Better yet, the hotel itself is directly connected to the upscale Shinsegae Department Store.

Of course, shopping isn’t the only reason to stay at the hotel — the 33-storey property is home to a number of sensational restaurants plus a fitness centre where you can partake in almost any sport you can think of (or, if exercise is the last thing on your mind, book in for a well-deserved spa treatment).

All of this, paired with its convenient access to the metro and express bus station, make the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul a superb choice for visitors.

Middle East Traveller checked in to an Executive Deluxe King at JW Marriott Hotel Seoul for a stay in the capital’s best-known district.

The Hotel

The JW Marriott Hotel Seoul doesn’t feel like a JW Marriott. Certainly, it has all the hallmarks of the brand, like a JW Garden, plenty of gourmet dining options and a renowned spa. But with its warm woods, high ceilings and signature scent, it feels more like an EDITION. That’s not by accident — the current GM previously worked at the Shanghai EDITION, while the scent is totally unique to the property, courtesy of the building’s owner’s cosmetics brand.

The modern, yet warm and welcoming, look of the hotel was the result of an eight-month renovation of the property in 2018 following its original opening in 2000. French interior designer Bruno Moinard of AGENCY 4BI was tasked with creating the lobby and other public spaces drawing inspiration from Korea’s modern aesthetic.

The Arrival

Centred around a 15-metre ivory necklace sculpture by famed French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, the hotel’s expansive lobby is designed for lingering. Dangling from the ceiling, the sculpture draws your eyes up and emphasises the sense of space.

We’re not the only ones who appreciate the aesthetics of the property — just weeks before our visit, the American actor Noah Centineo was in town filming scenes here for The Recruit’s season two.

The JW Marriott Hotel Seoul can be reached from Incheon International Airport via taxi in around an hour and 10 minutes, or by airport bus in just under an hour. Those coming from elsewhere in the city can access the hotel by one of three metro lines, followed by a short stroll through the Shinsegae Department Store (some extra signage would be welcome, but the entrance is next to BVLGARI on the second floor).

The check-in desk is on the eighth floor, where you’ll be greeted with piano music and more neutral tones.

The Room

Between the 12th and 33rd floor, there are 379 guest rooms, including 32 suites and two multi-level penthouses, each with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views over the city. Designed by South Korean interior design firm KESSON, rooms feature a muted grey and white palette with photographs of a traditional hanok village by local artist Seungsang Park.

Our favourite part of the room, aside from the views out to the mountains, is the bathroom, featuring both a wooden floored shower, adding a traditional touch, and a tub for soaking in. The walls feature a brown marble plus more artworks from Park — this time in the form of flowers.

For those looking to take their stay to the next level, book into the Ambassador Penthouse, which includes a dedicated room for noraebang (karaoke).

The Restaurants and Bars

It’s not often that a hotel’s all-day dining restaurant stands out in comparison to its à la carte offerings, but this is certainly the case at JW Marriott Hotel Seoul. Flavors on the second floor has live cooking stations with salads, seafood, soups and more from around the world, with each dish made in small batches or to order. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it will change your mind about buffet restaurants (or, for those who are already fans, quickly become your favourite).

Another of the hotel’s signature dining experiences is Tamayura. With seating in front of a teppanyaki counter, you’ll enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal while watching the chefs at work.

Up on the seventh floor, next to the JW Garden, is The Margaux Grill. Fresh seafood and premium meats are cooked on the wood-fired grill and paired with one of 800 varieties of wine selected from the cave (including some corked exclusively for the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul). MOBO Bar next door offers a quiet place to enjoy signature cocktails and bottles of wine.

Halal meats are available on room service, but those looking to dine in one of the hotel’s outlets will need to order this in advance.

The Activities

While the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul’s location makes it a prime spot for seeing the sights, there’s plenty to explore within its four walls, particularly in the basement-level Fitness Club and spa.

South Korea is known for its love of golf, and here you can practise both putting and your swing, with 16 Golzon GDR bays and an analysis room. Get the laps in at the six-lane swimming pool, relax in the therapy pool or Jacuzzi or jump into the scuba diving pool. There’s a squash court and basketball court, as well as a pilates room and gym with 350 pieces of state-of-the-art equipment. Unsurprisingly, the space holds the title of being the capital’s largest hotel fitness centre.

On the relaxation side of things, there are nine treatment rooms and one couples’ treatment room, as well as various saunas and a powder room. If taking care of your fitness begins from within, the spa is also home to a restaurant serving up nourishing Korean cuisine.

Why Stay?

The elevated feel, with touches inspired by the EDITION, makes the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul a top choice in the South Korean capital. With just as much to do within the hotel as in the surrounding areas, this property is the perfect base no matter what you’re in town for.