W Hotel, Seoul, South Korea
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Extreme Wow Suite Lounge: W Hotel in Seoul, South Korea -
Marvelous Suite: W Hotel in Seoul, South Korea -
Namu Restaurant: W Hotel in Seoul, South Korea -
Marvelous Suite Jacuzzi Bathroom: W Hotel in Seoul, South Korea -
Wow Suite Bar and Dining Room: W Hotel in Seoul, South Korea -
Away Spa Pool: W Hotel in Seoul, South Korea
W Hotel 4 Stars
"All-glass walls and a stunning 'wooden mirror' installation give a taste of this ultra-hip luxury hotel in central Seoul."
Hotel Overview
Review of W Hotel, by The TI Review Team
By TI reviewer Alice Woolliams
Being escorted through the revolving doors of the W Hotel Seoul is like walking into a very sophisticated future. Every touch – from the miniature TV screens (which can even be found inside the pod-shaped lobby restrooms) to the subtle lighting and electronic music – is modern and ultra-cool.
This stunning luxury hotel is located at Walkerhill, an upmarket complex (which includes a casino) set on the hillside in east Seoul. Outside the hectic city centre, it’s a suitably tranquil spot for a sumptuous weekend break, with an elevated position that (thanks to the all-glass walls) offers a unique window on the city. With a complimentary bus service (running every ten minutes) to the subway station and taxis lining up outside, it’s also surprisingly convenient for exploring Seoul.
From the moment of our arrival, the W Hotel group’s renowned ‘whatever/whenever’ team of staff could not have been more helpful or attentive, and offered a kind smile and welcome every time we passed by. The little design extras, however, are what really make this luxury hotel stand out from the crowd – communal areas are pure urban cool with their tangled industrial-style light fixtures and pod chairs, whilst a ‘Wooden Mirror’ greets guests in the lobby and day-glo rings hang from the ceiling in the black-lit elevators (with a different colour inside each one, naturally).
There’s a swimming pool, fitness room and luxurious spa all on site here at the W Hotel. Although we didn’t feel energetic enough for the gym, the pool was very impressive – floor to ceiling windows wrap around the water to provide an outstanding panorama over the city.
Access to the Away Spa isn’t complimentary, but the stunning range of Jacuzzis, from whirlpools to lavender scented baths, and chic, sophisticated atmosphere mean it’s well worth the extra cost. Be sure to check out the balcony and relax outside in a giant hot tub, with more great views of Seoul.
Downstairs, the W Hotel Seoul is graced by a long bar that’s popular with the city’s glamorous crowd and pumps out modern music at night. There are also two restaurants – Kitchen, which serves classic dishes (including a fabulous taster menu) and has a very decent wine list, and contemporary Japanese cuisine at Namu.
The rooms are dominated by the vast windows, as well as giant red and white (and very comfortable) beds. There are several levels of room types (all the way up to executive suites with waterfalls inside) but each one has a rainfall shower, TV and stereo as standard. There’s no need to worry if you have left something at home – enough cosmetics, drinks and snacks greet you from the mini-bar and goodies box to sink a battleship. One word of warning, however – these are extras for guests with deep pockets.
Although we had to wait a while for the room to be ready when we arrived, this was so that it could be double checked by the hotel’s resident stylist to ensure every chic item was exactly as it was supposed to be. Rooms themselves are very stylish, though less cutting-edge in feel than the futuristic communal areas.
Facilities
Come for...
- Sleek, urban style
- People watching in the bar
- Amazing spa treatments
Not Suitable for...
- Traditionalists
Eating in
Kitchen is laid-back and cool, serving chic pan-Asian to Seoul's trendies. Namu is more formal, an absolute hotspot in the city.
The Press Say
“The modern interiors…help define W's new 'Wonderland' concept, with whimsical touches such as glowing neon rings in the lifts and circular beds with control panels...” Conde Nast Traveler, 05“Threatening to change the way Korea perceives food--and perhaps how the world perceives Korea--” Boston Globe, 05
Reviews
Review of W Hotel, by Ramsey Qubein
This all-glass, polka-dotted tower of a luxury hotel was the first W Hotel in Asia and surveys the Han River in Seoul's Walkerhill neighbourhood. Music fills the art-lined lobby mimicking an ultra-hip New York City loft, complete with pod-style chairs and plush, cocoon-like sofas. Artwork is especially notable including pieces from museum wunderkinds who know their stuff when it comes to impressing on-the-go business guests.
Wooden Mirror is a popular favourite of international guests to the luxury hotel, thanks to each mahogany panel shifting in movement from side to side of the masterpiece created by Daniel Rozin, each is treated to a symphony of artistic movement that mimics their own.
The facilities
The 18-meter-long bar is the longest in Korea and well-stocked with exotic spirits from around the world. In fact, the artfully dignified bartender will happily mix one of his famous mojitos before guests succumb to the Jenga games taking place nearby. The luxury hotel's Sunday brunch at Kitchen restaurant has already established itself as the premier one of its kind, attracting guests and local hipsters every weekend, so strong is the allure of free-flowing Veuve Clicquot. The more formal Namu is one of Seoul's hot spots throughout the week, with terrific views of the city and innovative Asian cuisine.
At the Away spa, water is a central feature with seven pools ranging from arctic chilled to a hellishly hot 46 degrees C. There is also a steamy hammam where therapists offer traditional Turkish or Korean scrubs (which feel pretty much the same). In the treatment rooms, guests can partake of the usual massages and body polishes as well as ayurvedic treatments from India and colour-therapy facials, plus the very popular Vichy shower for those who want more water. A standout is the health club bar where blended juices and light dishes take muscular shape.
The rooms
Elevators start the journey almost pitch black then glow with air-conditioned ceiling neon artwork. Hallways are appropriately hip, and several floors boast electronic art, with cameras that colourfully capture guests in motion as they take step towards their rooms. Beds range in shape from circular to square with pillowtop mattresses, overstuffed duvets, and multiple pillow types to guarantee guest comfort. Bedside controls handle everything from cable TV to automatic curtains.
So-called Wonderful rooms are the most basic, and Fabulous Spa rooms open with full baths as the entrance point. All contain flat-screen TVs, Bose stereo CD players, and sitting areas fit for a super-modern king.
Accommodations are a challenge with all-white surfaces and granite floors proving the backdrop to top-shelf designer digs. Baths are open-plan with natural light flooding the white stone showers stocked with Bliss shower product. Additional amenities include robes, slippers, coffeemakers, and minibars.
This is the city's most happening post where celebrities and hot shots head first. Suites boast everything from full-fledged waterfalls to glassed-in board rooms. W Seoul Walkerhill is the most notable address in town for visiting VIPs.