[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] The hotel industry, which recorded its worst performance last year due to COVID-19, is drawing attention as it embarks on new hotel openings in preparation for the 'post-COVID' era.
◆"Luxury Above Luxury" Chosun Palace
On the 15th, Chosun Hotel & Resort announced that it will open 'Chosun Palace Seoul Gangnam, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Chosun Palace)' on the 25th of next month. Chosun Palace is a top-tier independent brand hotel that inherits the heritage of Chosun Hotel, one of Korea's finest luxury hotels. It is also the first 'Luxury Collection' hotel in Korea, introduced through a soft brand partnership with Marriott International's luxury hotel brand, the 'Luxury Collection.'
Chosun Hotel & Resort continued aggressive hotel openings even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic last year. Starting with the Grand Chosun Busan in October, it opened four new hotels within six months, including Four Points by Sheraton Seoul Myeongdong, Gravity Seoul Pangyo, and Grand Chosun Jeju. This reflects Shinsegae Group's optimistic outlook on the hotel industry in the post-COVID era. Chosun Palace, a luxury hotel at the pinnacle of the new openings, attracted attention from Shinsegae Vice Chairman Chung Yong-jin, who visited hotel dining venues such as 'Eatanic Garden' ahead of the opening.
Located on the site of the former Renaissance Hotel in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Chosun Palace consists of a lobby-level welcome reception, banquet halls on the 3rd and 4th floors, guest rooms and dining from the 24th to 36th floors, and the Chosun Wellness Club. The hotel has a total of 254 rooms, including 44 suites. The rooms are categorized into nine types according to grade: State, Masters, Grand Masters, Masters Suite, and Chosun Grand Masters Suite, among others. Five gourmet collections will be featured: Constance, Eatanic Garden, The Great Hongyeon, 1914 Lounge & Bar, and Chosun Deli The Boutique.
The hotel design was handled by French designers Humbert & Poyet, who also designed Grand Chosun Busan and Grand Chosun Jeju. Amenities include Byredo's 'Le Chemin,' the signature amenity of the Luxury Collection. Chosun Palace stated, "We are preparing services that satisfy all five senses, including developing the hotel's signature scent, 'Lasting Impression.'"
◆13th Shilla Stay in West Busan
Shilla Stay, which positions itself as a premium business hotel, opened Shilla Stay West Busan on this day. This is the 13th Shilla Stay since the first branch opened in Dongtan in November 2013. Hotel Shilla opened the Samsung branch in April last year amid the COVID-19 outbreak and has now opened West Busan as well. The West Busan branch is located in Myeongji International New City, making it easier to capture business demand after the end of the pandemic.
Shilla Stay is looking ahead to the post-COVID era and plans to open branches in Yeosu and Sejong as scheduled. Shilla Stay West Busan will continue marketing focused on domestic customers before and after the opening. Various packages tailored to family non-face-to-face travelers, spring outing travelers with friends or couples, eco-friendly travelers, and solo travelers will be offered so that customers can choose according to their situation. Food and beverage discount promotions for local residents will also be conducted.
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