This "[Staycation Secrets]" series is a concept woven from countless experiences at hotels I've visited time and again,

unfolding in order of each hotel's unique strengths.

For example, **The Westin Chosun shines in breakfast** and dining,

**The Westin Parnas excels in its lounge**,

and J**W Marriott Seoul is all about its fitness center and swimming pool**.

Choosing a staycation and a hotel really comes down to personal preference and where you place value,

and it's so common to pick a place based on someone's 'rave review'

only to be disappointed because it wasn't quite your style, right?

It feels like a missed opportunity when you only look at the brand

without fully understanding that hotel's true charm.

Imagine a hotel with amazing facilities like a pool and walking paths, but you end up staying only in an old, small room,

or choosing a "room only" package when the lounge is a real highlight!

I'm dedicated to filling this guide with insights that can be a great reference when you're choosing a hotel,

helping you discover and enjoy all those hidden perks.

​- Table of Contents -

[1] Shinsegae Connected Passage

[2] Fitness Facilities

[3] JW Marriott Lounge

[4] Guest Rooms

​

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Reservation-wise, Agoda seems to offer the best prices.

​

1. JW Seoul Location & Directions: Shinsegae Connected Passage

JW Marriott Seoul is located at the Express Bus Terminal Station,

which is famously bustling.

It's close to Subway Line 3, Exit 7, and Line 7, Exit 3,

and you can access it indoors via the Shinsegae Department Store connected passage.

You can even use this passage **after the department store closes**!

This place is always bustling... (whew, it's a bit of a maze!)

When you get off at Express Bus Terminal Subway Station (exits feel almost meaningless here, right?),

head towards Subway Line 3, Exit 7 or Line 7, Exit 3,

and then follow the signs in the **Central City Honam Line direction**.

While it's convenient to use the Shinsegae Department Store connected passage,

if you try to find Shinsegae Department Store itself, you'll end up at Exit 8,

which is completely opposite from JW Marriott Seoul.

Since it's at the far end of Gangnam Shinsegae, the Central City direction is the correct way.

The Shinsegae connected passage is located on the

**2nd floor, between Van Cleef & Arpels and Bvlgari**.

This area can get really busy!

Depending on your direction,

it's either between Hermès & Van Cleef & Arpels

or Bvlgari & Van Cleef & Arpels.

The main lobby of the Shinsegae connected passage is great

for dropping off luggage or just enjoying the spacious, cool ambiance,

but the actual check-in takes place on the 8th floor.

2. A Fitness Center Even Better Than The Shilla Hotel's

The JW Marriott fitness center and swimming pool

were the absolute best I've ever experienced at a hotel.

Even better than The Shilla Hotel!

I haven't been to the Four Seasons yet, but ^^;

at least in terms of diverse facilities and sheer scale, I think it's top-notch.

First off, there's a basketball court and a squash court!

Since the main fitness area prohibits children,

usually families with kids are limited to the swimming pool.

But with the basketball court, squash, and multi-purpose rooms,

kids who love sports will absolutely adore it!

Looking at the fitness center's layout,

the upper floor is the strength training zone,

and below that is the swimming pool.

From the fitness center, if you head down, down,

you'll discover the basketball court, golf practice area, multi-purpose room, and squash courts.

This is it! The golf, squash, and basketball multi-room!

I loved that you could adjust the basketball hoop height, which is super convenient! Both basketballs and squash equipment are available for rent, so just make a reservation, and you're all set to play.

This multi-room might look a bit like an office, but trust me, it’s a hidden gem that’s easy to miss if you're not looking!

It’s quite spacious, actually big enough for a game of futsal! And for kids, I bet it feels even more enormous.

It’s perfect for kids to just run around freely – their absolute favorite kind of play!

And for those who prefer other activities, there were various sports equipment available, including a ping-pong table!

They also run kids' programs here, so you'll find safety rules clearly posted, which is always reassuring.

And yes, you can also enjoy golf here – how cool is that! The golf practice room is ~$7 for 30 minutes, and a round of nine holes costs ~$19 (~$26 for 18 holes).

The swimming pool is truly, truly massive, boasting 6 lanes, a separate kids' pool, and a wonderful jacuzzi pool! Just remember, swimming caps are mandatory, and you'll get the maintenance schedule when you check in.

As you head to the sauna and changing rooms, you'll discover a lovely hot bath – so even if you're just using the showers without the full sauna experience, you can still enjoy a relaxing soak in the warm water. It's such a thoughtful touch!

Since the fitness center is incredibly spacious, it even boasts its own indoor jogging track! As someone who isn't the biggest fan of treadmills, I absolutely loved having this track – it's perfectly designed for a truly enjoyable jog.

Seriously, coming here makes you genuinely wish you had a membership – it's *that* amazing!! I heard it's even the largest fitness center in Korea. Talk about inspiring your inner athlete!

The lounge areas are also so well-designed, and there's even a dedicated restaurant with a special fitness menu! Seriously, you could spend an entire day here and never get bored.

Honestly, if you come to JW Marriott Seoul and don't check out the fitness center, you'd truly be missing an incredible experience. I highly recommend taking a look, even if you don't plan to work out!

And if you're traveling with kids, booking the multi-room and letting them run around to their heart's content is an absolutely fantastic idea!

3. JW Garden & Restaurant

On the 7th floor, you'll find a restaurant and

the JW Garden.

It's quite well-decorated, so I think it's

a lovely place to stroll around.

4. The Lounge

I poured my heart into describing the fitness center, but

from here on, I'll be a bit more casual, haha!

The lounge is spacious, comfortable, and delicious.

I love that they have draft beer!

Even during happy hour, they make noodles live at the noodle corner.

While it's not quite the same live experience as breakfast,

the combination of warm broth and draft beer is pretty fantastic.

You can also use the meeting room and PC room if you reserve them.

Having a tier status isn't bad,

but extra charges for children (~$30??)

or limited stay duration (add ~$30 for 1 hour...??) make me

hesitate to use it, haha! It's just not quite worth that much, honestly ㅠㅠ.

Happy hour is only available for a limited time with an extra charge,

but breakfast is a free add-on.

5. The Room

It's not particularly spacious, but the bed is comfortable.

The interior has a slightly old-fashioned feel,

and the amenities seem to have gotten worse.

Upgrades are really stingy.

JW is usually quite strict with upgrades to begin with...

Usually, repeat guests or Ambassador status members get them,

but even an Ambassador got a standard room... ;;

(Tier status is useless.....)

They say all the suites are fully booked,

but the lounge is often quiet.

In terms of value for money,

the price range is ~$370-$518, similar to The Shilla,

but the skilled service,

and all the intangible (emotional appeal?) elements that make a difference are completely absent, haha!

The rooms are also old, and it totally lacks that pleasant, comfortable feeling

that The Shilla provides, whatever it is.

However, the fitness center was insanely, unbelievably good,

so for enjoying the fitness center and indoor pool,

it was quite a decent 'hotel vacation'.

JW Marriott Hotel Seoul Reviews & Special Deals, Seoul 2026 | Trip.com3ha.in

It has great accessibility,

and being close to the Express Bus Terminal makes it convenient for traveling to other regions,

so I recommend JW Seoul!