The Westin Chosun Seoul

Known simply as the Chosun Hotel when it opened in 1914, this is Korea’s oldest hotel, as affirmed by a Guinness Book of Records plaque outside. Now, the 23-story hotel’s mix of modern and traditional Korean designs distinguish it from other luxury hotels. Varnished wood designs and moody lighting in the lobby creates a warm atmosphere, as does the sitting areas's earth-tone furniture and paneled screens decorated with tree designs. Many of the hotel’s facilities -- including its lobby, restaurants, gym, business center, and wellness center -- were renovated over a period of a few years, from 2008 until 2011. Many of the renovations were spearheaded by American interior designer Adam D. Tihany, who told the Korea Times in 2011 that he used wood, water, and stone designs to maintain “the harmony between the old and new.”

Situated on a busy intersection, the hotel is convenient for both business travelers and tourists. It’s right next to the 19th-century Wongudan Altar and a five-minute walk to Myeongdong, Seoul’s popular shopping district. Also nearby is the Lotte Department Store with duty-free shopping, and the Sogong Underground Shopping Center. There are a Starbucks next to the hotel and a convenience store across the street, but there aren’t many restaurants in the immediate area. City Hall and Euljiro metro stations are a short walk away, as are area attractions such as the Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza, and Gwanghwamun Plaza. The Blue House and Gyeongbokgung palace are five minutes away by car. The Gimpo International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel, while the Incheon Airport is 45 minutes. A limousine bus stops at the hotel and takes guest to the airport for a fee.

Rooms aren't incredibly exciting, but they're modern and stylish, featuring light-gray and cream-colored decor and linens, wood furnishings, and wooden floors or carpeting. Standard features include well-stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs, espresso machines, safes, irons, slippers, and bathrobes. Large windows have views of the city or the adjacent 19th-century Wongudan Altar. Bathrooms are small but modern, with granite walls, glass counters, bidets, and shower/tub combos. Hairdryers, scales, and a range of toiletries are also provided.

Business Deluxe and Executive Deluxe Rooms have access to the 20th-floor Executive Lounge. Suites have one or two separate bedrooms, living rooms with gray sofas, and large bathrooms. The Korean-themed Renewal Suite is the gem of the hotel, with a wall of windows and a soaking tub facing the bed. The 18th-floor Presidential Suite has a kitchen and a whirlpool tub. 

The Westin Chosun Seoul has all the expected facilities of a luxury property. Dining-wise, the contemporary Ninth Gate Grille offers steak and seafood with lovely views of the Temple of Heaven. There are also a Japanese restaurant, Sushi Cho, on the 20th floor and the Chinese restaurant, Hong Yuan, in a stunning red dining room with wooden carvings. Additionally, there are a buffet-style restaurant, Aria, and a deli, Vecchia E Nuovo. The Circle Bar in the lobby has regular live music performances and the Menagerie cake shop offers a selection of sweets.

The hotel sees plenty of business travelers and along with free Wi-Fi, it offers a business center with four computers, plus seven meeting rooms -- including two ballrooms, one of which can fit 200 guests and the other which is large enough for 500 people. There are two more computers in the Executive Lounge (accessible to Starwood Preferred Guest members and Executive Room guests); the Lounge also has free snacks, a cocktail hour, and free breakfast. The stylish indoor pool has a leaf-shaped skylight, hot tubs, cabanas, and a pool lounge. While there's no full spa, massage treatments are available, and the hotel has steam rooms, saunas, and a solarium. The gym offers aerobics classes and is equipped with modern cardio and weight machines. There's also a Pilates studio and the Westin offers loaner exercise clothes/shoes (a typical feature of the chain). Note that the fitness center is closed the first Monday of each month.