This Summer, the Hotel Industry Prioritizes 'Health' and 'Safety'

Air purifier 'Bespoke Cube Air' placed at The Shilla Palace Seoul Gangnam, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Photo by Chosun Hotel & Resort).

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] The hotel industry is emphasizing 'health' and 'safety' this summer by launching related services. As the spread of COVID-19 continues unabated, hotels are expanding the installation of air purifiers in guest rooms to ensure safe stays for those planning a staycation, while strengthening To-go services in food and beverage.

Chosun Palace Seoul Gangnam, a Luxury Collection Hotel, has installed the air purifier 'Bespoke Cube Air' in all guest rooms. Chosun Palace explained, "To ensure guests can stay in their rooms with peace of mind, we have further strengthened our current quarantine system and introduced indoor air purifiers in all rooms." Currently, all rooms are equipped with an automatic UVC sterilization device that activates the ultraviolet sterilization system after room cleaning, and the air purification and humidification functions within the room are also possible through internal filters, maintaining a comfortable room environment. Additionally, by introducing extra air purifiers, the hotel aims to help guests enjoy an even safer rest. A 'Special Care Kit' consisting of masks, wet wipes, and disinfectants is also provided in two sets per room for guests to use during their stay.

To-go services have also been enhanced. Glad Hotel is introducing three new To-go box menu items from its buffet restaurant 'Greets,' allowing customers to enjoy hotel chef-prepared meals delivered to their homes. The new menu features 'Iberico Spaghetti' and 'Iberico Jjajang Rice Bowl' made with 'Iberico,' a representative gourmet ingredient from Spain. Following the popularity of the Iberico steak launched in March, additional Iberico-based dishes have been introduced. The menu also includes 'Bulgogi Rice Bowl,' a favorite among all ages. Furthermore, the Greets To-go box offers a variety of dishes such as 'Basil Pasta Salad,' 'Sushi Plate,' 'Chicken & Shrimp Gangjeong,' 'Yuringi,' 'Cream Shrimp,' and 'Crispy Chicken.' A special July promotion offers a 10% discount on 'Lamb Chops,' 'Tomahawk Steak,' and 'Iberico Steak.'

Vegan packages emphasizing health are also notable. Courtyard Marriott Seoul Times Square Hotel is offering the 'Wise Vegan Life' package, which allows guests to maintain their health while practicing an eco-friendly 'vegan life.' The package includes a one-night stay, breakfast buffet, a two-person vegan menu set from Momocafe, a vegan beauty Dr. Bronner's 'Pure Castile Soap' starter kit, and an asparagus plant pot created in collaboration with the eco-friendly plant interior brand Savanna. The two-person vegan menu set from Momocafe consists of vegan steak and vegan salad. The vegan steak is made from soy protein with a soy meat steak accompanied by grilled vegetable garnishes such as green beans, mushrooms, potatoes, and cauliflower. The vegan salad is a protein-rich vegan dish filled with various grains, nuts, beans, and vegetables including oats, chickpeas, avocado, cucumber, tomato, olives, apple, lettuce, almonds, and cranberries.