W Seoul-Walkerhill

[Keith009]

(pics by otherhalfofQF009)

What
W Seoul-Walkerhill

Where
Perched on top of Walkerhill, this W is unfortunately in a rather far-flung suburban location. Being so far off-centre, the location would be especially inconvenient for business travellers. The only plus point was the free shuttle bus to the subway station in Gwangnaru or Gangbyeon. And it’s then a 60 mins journey on the subway to Apgujeong (upscale designer boutiques), 40 mins to Itaewon (nightlife), 30 mins to Hongdae or Sinchon (more nightlife, funky little shops), 20 mins to Myeongdong (upscale shopping) or Dongdaemun (cheap shopping)... you get the idea. Cabs in general are rather cheap but might take you longer due to traffic congestion, and the only times we cabbed were when we were getting back to the W, completely and utterly off our face at 5am after a night out at Itaewon – it’d cost no more than AUD23; obviously the lack of traffic on the roads at that time of the morning ensured a relatively speedy ride home. I guess it’s ok if you’re not in a rush to get anywhere fast, and there’s that ‘away from the hustle and bustle’ novelty.

WoW
We got upgraded to a totally sexy and zen Studio Suite, ie junior suite. I loved the great use of loud colours, and how everything just flowed so well together. The round bed was pretty cool, as was the large tub which could pretty much fit a small group. The rather large bathroom was both stylish and functional.

 

[Keith009]

The public areas were similarly beautifully and trendily zen with lots of whimsical features. The party on Friday nights attracts a large crowd, and entry is free for W guests. WooBar does some rather ‘out there’ drinks, including quite a few varieties of mojitos and a milky drink that came in a baby’s milk bottle.

 

[Keith009]

 

[Keith009]

the elevators - sick!

Service here was on the whole rather good and all staff members were encountered were incredibly friendly and attentive, though slightly deferential. Stephanie at the concierge desk tried hard to recover my camera, which I’d left on an Asiana flight; we didn’t manage to get my camera back but her efforts were appreciated. We were also given great advice on the best ways to get to wherever we wanted to go (as it’s been a while since the other half had lived in Seoul), and great suggestions on where best to shop or party.

Woe

They really need to work on music played during the evening DJ sessions. The music seemed to be the same throughout the party, v techno-y – then again it seemed all DJs in Seoul play the same kind of music.

Also, though the girls who attended their Fri party were hot and elegantly dressed, there wasn’t much eye candy for those who swing the other way.

Most disappointingly, despite being nice to look at, the round bed was most uncomfortable. The mattress was too firm for my liking, and is most defo not the standard mattress used by Wonderful Beds.

Finally, they tried to charge KRW5000 for toothbrush/toothpaste - but we later learnt from a mate that this was typical of Korean hotels. Thankfully we had plenty of dental kits from the airline amenity kits we'd accumulated.

On the whole, despite the deficiencies, this W has done a totally decent job with its decor and the rather keen service made staying here a joy.

 

[Febs]

Love these reviews - keep it up!

Any plans to visit W Mexico City? I think you'll like it. Decor is similar-ish to those photos, but with a Mexican spin.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Keith009]

Any plans to visit W Mexico City? I think you'll like it. Decor is similar-ish to those photos, but with a Mexican spin.

Haven't got any plans or desire to visit Mexico City I'm afraid, but might just go there to check out the W Mexico City after I've ticked others off my list.

 

[Alanslegal]

Love those red round beds!!!!! And that in room spa?! Hotness!

But what's hotter? Bringing up some of the hot chics from the Living Room and enjoying some hard SoJu and playing W Spin the Bottle (too bad there wasn't much for those who swing the other way)

Keith, I know you don't really like BKK but when the W Bangkok opens up in 18 months, make sure you and I and everyone else goes there and hits it hard

 

[Keith009]

Keith, I know you don't really like BKK but when the W Bangkok opens up in 18 months, make sure you and I and everyone else goes there and hits it hard

Says who? I dig Bangkok! Silom sois 2 and 4 especially. Just haven't had much of an opportunity to fit the place into recent trips.

I'll defo make a special trip there when the W Bangkok opens. Can't wait for the aLofts (ie junior Ws) too, I've never stayed in one before and there'll be one in Silom.

 

[sr81]

Nice one QF009, I agree with your comments though our bed in a corner Wonderful Room was the normal one that was very comfortable. Huge room as well.

We had one hickup at the W Seoul with a party being hosted on the roof and right below our room. We had a very early start the next morning, 6am, to make the DMZ tour departing from the other side of town. The party started about 3pm and it was just loud doof, doof music that cut right through the semi-tinted windows. Alongside that we had been slipped a little noted under the door that told us to close our curtains as it would effect the lighting of the party from 9pm to midnight!

Not best pleased - I needed a full nights sleep and I wasn't staying at some roudy backpackers - I saw the Whatever desk. After some phaffing about they got the duty manager who was very apologetic and ran, seriously, ran after us as we jumped in a cab to go to dinner. She acknowledged the problem and offered a suite on the other side of the hotel.

Now I know that as any good AFF member I should have been all over it but as we had an early start and it was our last night we just couldn't be stuffed. The duty manager then offered some free coughtails in the bar. That's the ticket!

4 nice little mixed drinks later and I was nicely toasted, as was the other half.

Kudos to the W for service recovery but did feel at times that the hotel was more interested in being a place to be and that guests were a minor aside.

The lobby of the W must also be the BEST place for people watching in Seoul. From pretty casual westerns to very elegant locals and everything in between.

I would happily stay there again and don't let the location scare you. The shuttle bus is great and the metro is better than Tokyo. Easy to get everywhere and everything is duplicated in English (I assume this is left over from the Olympics).

 

[murielc]

Wow! I have stayed in the Shilla and the Lotte in Seoul - avoided the W because it seemed too far away from the action. For that room it seems worth it though!