Hotel Review: JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul
Dongdaemoon is one of the four original gates of Seoul and one of the very few to still remain following the Joseon Dynasty. It was originally built in 1398 under King Taejo during his reign over the Joseon Dynasty. Later, it was repaired and rebuilt multiple times throughout its long history due to war or other destruction. The gate still stands today as a testament to Seoul’s long history and connection with its past. In modern times, Dongdaemoon, also known as Heunginjimoon, is an important tourist destination, often visited by those who come to experience a bit of Korean culture and history. Across from Dongdaemoon sits JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul. When I came across a photo showcasing the view of Dongdaemoon from the hotel, I was absolutely astounded by the breathtaking scenery. On my recent trip to Korea, I was determined to visit the hotel, and here is my review of JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul:
JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul is located at 279 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
I earn tons of Marriott Bonvoy points by using my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of two 85,000 free night awards when you spend $6,000 within your first 6 months of card membership. The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on dining and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X on all other purchases. Paired with Marriott’s promotions and AMEX offers, it opens doors to endless points-earning opportunities.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card comes with great benefits that can substantially offset its annual fee.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card does come with a hefty $650 annual fee but offers tons of perks to significantly offset its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
$25 monthly dining credit—$300 total in a year
$100 property credit when booked directly with Marriott and staying a minimum of two nights at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
An 85,000-point Free Night Award
Access to Priority Pass lounges
25 Elite Night Credits for chasing Marriott Bonvoy status
Even if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often, this card is still a must-have, in my opinion. It’s a true example of a keeper card that offers benefits that outweigh the annual fee.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
If you are looking for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card with a low annual fee, consider the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first six months from account opening. On top of that, you can earn additional 50,000 bonus points by staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott Bonvoy hotels through January 31, 2024—totaling 125,000 bonus points. I personally value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, making the 125,000 points offer worth $1,000. The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card earns 6X points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases every year on dining, grocery stores, and gas stations, and 2X points on all other purchases.
Be aware that 15 elite night credits from the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card can’t be combined with 15 elite night credits from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card
The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card’s annual fee is $95, and it offers useful perks to offset the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits that will help you achieve a higher Marriott Bonvoy status
Please note that you can’t combine Elite Night Credits from two Marriott Bonvoy personal credit cards, but you can stack Elite Night Credits from one personal and one Marriott Bonvoy business card. Thus, if you own both AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, you would only earn 25 elite night credits.
If you’d like to apply for the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you!
The last Marriott Bonvoy credit card you could use would be the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. Considering that the annual membership costs $125, you get paid to have the card! The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 4X points on dining, U.S. shipping purchases, U.S. wireless telephone services, and at U.S. gas stations. All other purchases earn 2X points.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card is the only Marriott business card on the market.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card’s annual fee is $125, and it offers valuable benefits to justify the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits, which can be combined with 15 Elite Night Credits from other personal Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
As you can see, the card’s benefits are less substantial than the ones from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, but it is a great long-term keeper card due to its annual Free Night Award perk. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary if you want to chase a higher Marriott Bonvoy status because it is the only Marriott business card that is on the market and will grant you an additional 15 Elite Night Credits. Lastly, even though it is a business credit card, it is very likely that you could get it approved. Check out my article on how to apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul is located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea's most popular shopping destination and home of the national treasure, the Great East Gate. Its prime location near Naksan Park and Doota Mall provides visitors easy access to various shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The hotel is just steps away from Exit 8 and 9 of Dongdaemun Station, making it convenient for travelers to explore the city.
Lobby & Check-In Review
As a luxurious five-star hotel, JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul exuded elegance and sophistication from the moment I stepped inside. The lobby greeted me with a warm and inviting atmosphere, which was further accentuated by the pristine marble flooring that shimmered under the light. On my way to the check-in desk, my eyes were drawn to a lavish chandelier adorned with countless sparkling crystals gracefully hanging from the second floor.
The tall, sparkling chandelier in the lobby embodied the essence of the beloved JW Marriott brand we know and love.
The front desks were equally impressive, boasting expansive marble fronts and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that provided a glimpse of the hotel grounds beyond. Through these glass walls, guests could see Christmas lights that decorated the hotel grounds, and the lights created a picturesque backdrop for the lobby.
Guests could see the enchanting Christmas lights adorning the hotel grounds when checking in and out.
Upon checking in, I was pleasantly surprised that I had been upgraded to a room with a skylight overlooking the magnificent Dongdaemun Gate. It felt great that the hotel acknowledged my loyalty to the Marriott Bonvoy program as a whole. I was glad the hotel recognized my loyalty to the overall Marriott Bonvoy program.
Spoiler alert: this was the view of Dongdaemun Gate from my upgraded room.
Then, I was asked to make a selection for my welcome amenity, which was only extended to Platinum Elites and higher. Among many options, I chose to have a cheese and cracker set accompanied by a petite bottle of red wine. Later on that evening, the hotel delivered the welcome treat to my room. After selecting my welcome amenity, one of the friendly front desk representatives took the time to explain the various amenities available at the hotel, including the fitness center and executive lounge. It was interesting to note that she specifically mentioned that guests were not allowed to order food for delivery or bring outside food onto the premises. This meant we couldn't have late-night food deliveries to our room. While this restriction seemed quite specific, I could understand their intention to promote sales for their restaurants and room service offerings.
In winter, JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul hosts a strawberry buffet, where every item is made with fresh strawberries.
Speaking of dining options within the hotel, during the winter season, guests had the opportunity to indulge in a unique experience—a strawberry buffet at the ground floor lounge called Salon de Ddalki (ddalki means strawberry in Korean).
There was a special photo zone for those visited Salon de Ddalki.
Although I wasn't particularly interested then, enjoying a variety of soft and incredibly sweet strawberries in different dessert forms sounded intriguing. It's definitely something I would love to try out in the future. After completing the check-in process, I went up to the ninth floor, where my room was located.
Bedroom Review
The bedroom unquestionably embodied the sophisticated, conservative ambiance typical of the JW Marriott brand. Natural materials were prominently utilized throughout the room, highlighting traditional Korean design elements. Rich hardwood flooring added a warm touch to the space, and a king-sized bed rested on a plush carpet.
The bedroom design leaned towards a more conservative style while ensuring comfort was not compromised.
The mattress was comfortable, and the bed linens were exceptionally soft and luxurious. A dark beige leather headboard adorned the bed and included integrated wall lights with convenient master light switches.
The bedside tablet had the capability to manage everything in the room from lighting to air conditioning, providing convenience at your fingertips.
While wall decorations were minimal, the mature atmosphere perfectly suited the room. Each bedside presented a spacious nightstand, with one of them housing an iPad for guests to control temperature and lighting and access dining or promotional offers provided by the hotel. Across from the bed, a smart TV with a Bose sound bar was positioned, and I could adjust viewing angles for enhanced entertainment experiences.
When it came to watching TV, a Bose soundbar and subwoofer delivered an immersive and dynamic range of sound.
As expected from a five-star establishment, the room featured a Nespresso machine, and a built-in mini fridge was thoughtfully stocked with various alcoholic beverages.
It is common to find clear water bottles in hotel rooms as Korean companies prioritize minimal packaging to reduce plastic waste.
Additional drinkware and miniature liquor bottles were discreetly stored in a cabinet above the coffee machine. An L-shaped work desk and a lengthy lounge sofa were situated alongside expansive windows that provided a captivating view of Dongdaemoon.
With the convenience of a bedside tablet, you can effortlessly control the blinds and enjoy privacy.
Though the windows didn't extend fully from floor to ceiling, they reached upward to create skylight-style windows.
With the blinds raised, I was treated to a breathtaking view of Dongdaemun Square.
The nighttime view was particularly breathtaking, as the illuminated gate and remaining fortress walls added to the spectacle.
Dongdaemoon is one of the four original gates of Seoul and one of the very few to still remain following the Joseon Dynasty.
Atop the work desk, a plate of clementines and a heartfelt note from the general manager expressed gratitude for my visit. Moreover, the cheese platter and wine I selected during check-in as my welcome amenity were delivered, making for delightful snacks to enjoy with the wine.
Clementine from Jeju Island is a beloved winter snack in South Korea.
However, it's worth noting that there were noticeably more crackers than cheese, and I hope the hotel considers providing a more generous portion of cheese in the future. The view of Dongdaemoon held special significance for me personally. Having lived in Seoul for over 16 years before relocating to the United States, I never ventured to see Dongdaemoon up close. With age, I developed a greater appreciation for Seoul's history and heritage, and it was truly remarkable to have the opportunity to spot it right from my hotel window.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom was seamlessly connected to the bedroom and featured a single-sink vanity with a stone sink. I particularly appreciated the tactile contrast of the sink, especially its exterior.
The stone sink complemented the bathroom floor, accentuating the room's natural design.
Although the countertop wasn't expansive, it cleverly incorporated a flip-top vanity mirror, making the most of the available space. To my surprise, it even included a hair-straightening iron, an amenity not commonly found even in luxury hotels.
Finding a hair straightening iron, even in high-end hotels, is a rarity, but not at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul.
Across from the vanity, there was a bathtub with minimal embellishment. The hotel provided bath salts infused with lavender and ylang-ylang essential oils, which left my skin feeling wonderfully nourished.
The bathing experience was elevated thanks to the inclusion of complimentary bath salts infused with lavender and ylang-ylang essential oils.
The walk-in shower boasted an authentic rainfall shower head descending from the ceiling and even featured a convenient bench, eliminating the need for precarious balancing during a shower.
The walk-in shower and water closet shared a door, which might compromise the privacy of guests.
The toiletries were from Aromatherapy Associates, with scents of rosemary and ylang-ylang that would appeal to a broad range of guests.
The toiletries featured similar delightful herbal and floral fragrances as the bath salts.
Lastly, there was a toilet equipped with a bidet, but it lacked a traditional door for privacy. However, I soon discovered that the shower door could swing a full 180 degrees, effectively creating a water closet.
When the shower was in use, there was a lack of privacy for the toilet, or vice versa.
This was a clever design innovation, albeit with the limitation that you could only choose to either shower or use the toilet at any given time. I personally didn't find this inconvenience bothersome and was rather impressed by the bathroom's space-saving design. The open layout of the bathroom was a departure from what I had typically encountered at JW Marriott properties. Nonetheless, the hotel admirably succeeded in crafting a functional bathroom without compromising its premier identity.
Executive Lounge Review
The executive lounge was situated on the 10th floor, and although its operational hours extended until 10 PM, complimentary alcoholic beverages and food were exclusively available between 5 PM and 7 PM. Consequently, with the exception of breakfast hours, only adults aged 18 or older were permitted entry into the lounge.
The executive lounge exclusively served complimentary alcoholic beverages and food between 5 PM and 7 PM.
Fortunately, I didn't need to be concerned about the age restriction, and I approached the receptionist to gain access. She verified my Titanium Elite status and warmly welcomed me into the lounge. The executive lounge featured a central seating area with standard tables and chairs, but it also offered more secluded spaces adorned with bookshelf decor.
The executive lounge's atmosphere aligned with the mature and conservative brand of JW Marriott Hotels.
For those who preferred the outdoors, there was a deck that provided a view of the Dongdaemoon gate.
I relished the atmosphere of the outdoor terrace because it provided a backdrop of the remaining fortress wall.
However, due to the chilly January weather, I opted to stay inside the lounge. Given that the kitchen would clear away the food and complimentary beverages at 7 PM, I headed straight to the buffet after securing a table.
The lounge menu presented a varied array of small dishes from both Western and Korean culinary traditions.
The lounge showcased a diverse selection of small dishes, including sticky pork ribs, duck breast salad, ratatouille, spicy chicken thighs, garlic butter shrimp, and many others.
The salad section appeared to be the least impressive part of the buffet, but the other meat-focused items shone.
These dishes were placed on warming pads to ensure that all hot items remained warm until they were served. Each dish looked delicious, and they had me eager to try each one. The sticky pork ribs immediately caught my attention, but unfortunately, they turned out to be quite dry.
The barbecue pork ribs looked appetizing at first, but the meat was quite dry.
My favorites were the spicy chicken thighs and the garlic butter shrimp; the shrimp was tender, and the garlic butter sauce paired excellently with bread.
The spicy chicken thighs were sweet and spicy with a funky undertone from Gochujang.
The spicy chicken thighs had a delightful sweet and spicy flavor, thanks to the addition of Gochujang, a Korean chili paste. The dessert station had two cakes—a chocolate cake and a vanilla mousse cake.
Although there were just two cake varieties to choose from, the chocolate mousse cake stood out with its decadent and flavorful qualities.
For those seeking a lighter option, fresh fruit bowls were available, although they were in high demand among guests. The cocktail station provided free-pouring wines, spirits, and even basic mixology tools.
For those who enjoy a couple of pre-dinner cocktails, the cost of accessing the executive lounge might be justified.
I ended up concocting an Old Fashioned for myself, although I noticed that garnishes like orange peel were not provided. Since I visited the hotel around New Year's, one of the lounge's servers prepared festive cocktails for guests.
Alongside spirits and beer, the lounge also had a selection of wine bottles.
The drink was centered around champagne, with a splash of grenadine syrup and a final touch of rosemary garnish. It had a subtle herbal note that effectively balanced the sweetness of the grenadine syrup.
The lounge’s signature drink was a champagne with a splash of grenadine syrup and a final touch of rosemary garnish.
In general, I wished the cocktail hours lasted a bit longer. However, for those with complimentary access to the lounge, I highly recommend visiting during cocktail hours to enjoy some pre-dinner drinks and delectable small bites.
Gym Review
The gym, situated on the 8th floor, operates daily from 10:30 AM to 10 PM. It comprised two levels, with the lower platform being the primary area for exercise equipment. The lower level was densely populated with a range of cardio and strength machines, with the cardio equipment neatly aligned along a mirrored wall.
The fitness center didn't have the most recent models of cardio machines, but they were well-maintained and functioning properly.
Fortunately, the high ceilings provided ample space for guests to move comfortably. Regarding strength equipment, the gym presented an extensive selection, featuring a well-balanced mix of Life Fitness and TechnoGym machines scattered across the floor.
The gym was filled with exercise machines placed closely together, yet the ample ceiling height prevented it from feeling overly cramped.
Flat and incline benches, equipped with Olympic-grade bars and weight plates, encouraged guests to push their limits.
The weightlifting machines in the gym were remarkably comprehensive, providing an extensive array of options.
Dumbbells were available up to 45 lbs, and for those who preferred solo workouts, a Smith machine with safety bars was also at hand, eliminating the need for a spotter.
The gym could accommodate every type of gym enthusiasts, thanks to the multitude of workout machines in the facility.
Although considerably smaller, the upper level presented an open layout furnished with lightweight dumbbells and medicine balls. This elevated platform was an excellent space for comprehensive bodyweight workouts and stretching routines.
The upper platform was specifically designated for performing light and stretching exercises.
My gym experience exceeded my expectations, primarily due to the wide array of equipment available. Whether it was barbells, dumbbells, treadmills, or medicine balls, guests had access to a complete arsenal of exercise tools. Whether one sought to enhance endurance or build strength, the gym catered to every type of workout, making it a truly comprehensive fitness facility.
Pool Review
The pool, also situated on the 8th floor, was accessible daily from 6 AM to 10 PM. Each guest had the opportunity to enjoy the pool once every evening for a maximum duration of 90 minutes. In South Korea, swim caps are typically required in pools, but the hotel offered the convenience of borrowing clean swim caps at no cost upon check-in with the receptionist. The primary infinity pool was absolutely stunning.
The indoor infinity pool at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul was stunning with luxurious decor that exuded elegance and sophistication.
Modern chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and subtle underwater lighting softly illuminated the pool. The mosaic tiles harmonized beautifully with the white and gray marble finishes on the walls.
The opulent decor by the poolside bore a resemblance to the decorations found in the executive lounge.
The water was purified using eco-friendly silicon filters, allowing the hotel to maintain water quality without the need for chemical additives. Adjacent to the pool, you could find comfortable pool beds and lounge chairs situated around a contemporary fireplace.
The poolside hotel staff conscientiously maintained and refreshed the lounge area to ensure a spotless and welcoming environment.
After each use, the staff diligently refreshed the area, ensuring a pristine environment. While I certainly enjoyed using the swimming pool, my personal favorite was the jacuzzi.
The jacuzzi featured the identical tile design as the infinity pool, maintaining a cohesive and consistent overall design.
It had ample space for approximately ten people at once and provided invigorating yet soothing streams that worked wonders in massaging my body after a swim. Lastly, there was a charming kiddie pool full of numerous rubber ducks. Although no children were at the pool during my visit, I'm confident young ones would universally adore it.
I would have adored the kiddie pool if I had visited it when I was younger.
The swimming pool was undeniably luxurious, boasting elegant decor and outstanding amenities. It was a valuable addition to the hotel, and I highly recommend that all guests take advantage of it during their stay.
Be sure to take advantage of the swimming pool during your stay at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul.
Breakfast Review
The hotel provided multiple breakfast venues. Tavolo24, situated on the second floor, delivered a wider array of breakfast options. However, as I wasn't particularly hungry in the morning, I visited the executive lounge on the 10th floor instead, as I was already familiar with its layout.
In the morning, I returned to the executive lounge for a quick breakfast, but guests could also visit Tavolo24 on the second floor for a more extensive breakfast experience.
The breakfast buffet at the executive lounge showcased a blend of traditional and Western dishes every day from 6:30 AM to 10 AM. Among the traditional American breakfast offerings were scrambled eggs, chicken sausage, bacon, baked beans, and potatoes.
The Western breakfast options were decent and seemed lighter compared to the meals typically served at American hotels.
Additionally, you could place an à la carte order for fried eggs, poached eggs, or even an omelet. I decided to go for a cheese and vegetable omelet, which was expertly prepared with just the right level of creaminess and fluffiness.
The omelets were prepared to order and executed flawlessly, showcasing a center that was both creamy and delightfully fluffy.
For those seeking European breakfast options, there was a selection of mixed greens with feta cheese, olives, and tomatoes.
The breakfast buffet provided straightforward European options that included olives and cheese.
If you preferred more protein, cold cuts of meat and cheese were available, including salami, smoked salmon, and brie cheese.
The charcuterie section of the buffet may not have been the most impressive, but all the ingredients were of high quality and fresh.
However, since I was in South Korea, I decided to skip these items and opted for a traditional Korean breakfast. In addition to freshly prepared rice and abalone porridge, there were various banchans (side dishes), such as pickled radish, perilla leaves, and kimchi.
You can skip the salad when enjoying banchans, as they typically feature a generous serving of vegetables.
I enjoyed a bowl of dried pollack soup (Bugeoguk), which is renowned among Koreans as a hangover remedy.
A traditional Korean breakfast typically includes a warm bowl of soup and rice, served alongside an array of banchans.
While the bread and pastry selection was somewhat limited, I was pleasantly surprised to find a small section dedicated to gluten-free options.
Despite the limited offerings in the pastry section, the hotel made an effort to cater to individuals with gluten allergies.
Despite feeling quite full, I couldn't resist trying a strawberry Danish, which turned out to be an excellent choice due to the robust natural sweetness of the strawberries.
When it comes to strawberries in South Korea, I can assure you that they are notably sweeter than those found in America.
Comparatively, the breakfast dishes at the executive lounge were not as extensive as those at Tavolo24, but it was considerably less crowded. If you're not inclined to indulge in elaborate breakfasts and prefer a more private and inviting atmosphere, the executive lounge makes for a good alternative.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
The indoor infinity swimming pool boasted stunning decor, including chandeliers and a fireplace. I found the hot tub particularly enjoyable and had a special fondness for the children's pool full of rubber ducks. As for the fitness center, it offered a comprehensive array of exercise equipment to cater to guests of all activity levels.
The executive lounge not only included an outdoor deck but also served food during cocktail hours. With complimentary alcoholic beverages, it would be an excellent spot to savor pre-dinner drinks and appetizers before heading out for the evening.
My room provided a direct and unobstructed view of Dongdaemoon, and being a former Seoul resident, I truly valued its historical beauty. Having been initially constructed in 1396, it retained its original elements even after several renovations. I wholeheartedly suggest booking a room with a Dongdaemoon view—you won't be disappointed!
Negatives
The hotel's traditional and conservative interior design might not resonate with a younger demographic. After all, it's worth noting that the JW Marriott brand is synonymous with a luxurious business hotel experience, and I believe the hotel's design aligns perfectly with the brand's identity.
Summary
The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul stands out as a truly distinctive hotel, primarily due to its exceptional location. It is strategically positioned directly across from Dongdaemun, which serves as the main gateway to the eastern part of Seoul. My upgraded room offered a captivating view of this historic gate, and I found myself appreciating its architectural and historical significance every time I gazed outside. While my room's interior design embodied the traditional elements typically associated with the JW Marriott brand, the hotel ingeniously utilized its floor plan to optimize both the room's space and functionality. In contrast to the standard executive lounges found at other JW Marriott properties, the executive lounge at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul provided an elevated atmosphere along with decent food and beverages. Furthermore, I had the pleasure of indulging in the luxurious amenities of the indoor infinity pool and jacuzzi. In summary, JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul is not your typical JW Marriott hotel, and I highly recommend staying at this exceptional property to relish premier amenities and immerse yourself in the rich history of Seoul.
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