French Luxury Hotel Sofitel Lands in Korea... "Offering Exotic Experiences"

Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences (center).

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] "Although overseas travel is limited, we will make it possible to experience exotic and luxurious hotels domestically as well."

The luxury brand of the global hotel group Accor, Sofitel Hotels & Resorts, held an online press conference on the 29th and announced that the "Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences" will officially open in Jamsil, Seoul on the 30th. Sofitel is introducing the world's first 'complex' type where a hotel and serviced residences are located in one building. With its opening, Sofitel Ambassador Seoul will join the Sofitel collection of over 120 properties in 45 countries, including famous locations such as Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg and Sofitel London St James.

Sofitel Ambassador Seoul is located on the site of the former Jamsil KT Telephone Office. KT Estate leases the hotel building owned by KT and entrusts Accor with its operation. The building consists of a total of 36 floors, from 4 basement levels to 32 above ground, and operates a total of 563 rooms, including 403 hotel rooms with 59 suites and 160 serviced residences. The rooms are designed to offer views of Seokchon Lake in front of the hotel. On the 32nd floor, the 'Club Millesime' offers a customized service called Cousu Main, which includes private check-in, breakfast, snacks, and evening cocktail service. There are also five restaurants and bars, banquet halls, a swimming pool, fitness center, and spa.

Garth Simmons, CEO of Accor Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea, said, "The Sofitel brand, with over 55 years of history, has landed in Seoul, a city boasting over 2,000 years of tradition and history." He added, "Sofitel Hotels & Resorts shares the spirit of 'Art de Vivre,' meaning 'the art of living' in French, with its customers. We will present excellent design, authentic cuisine, and splendid art and culture, showcasing both Korean culture and the artistic life of France simultaneously." General Manager Jomin Sook emphasized, "We plan to deliver French chic blended with modern Korean luxury through excellent art and design, amazing taste experiences, and activities."

Sofitel Ambassador Seoul's Fait Maison offers authentic French cuisine such as a charcuterie station. Breakfast includes semi-buffet and ? la carte menus, while lunch and dinner feature representative French dishes like tartare steak and cr?me br?l?e. The lounge L'Espace serves Sofitel's afternoon tea service called 'Le Go?ter.' At the gourmet caf? Jardin d'Hiver, where the urban garden is visible through floor-to-ceiling glass windows, guests can enjoy tea time. At Mio, Japanese cuisine is available, and the rooftop bar Latitude32 boasts the largest scale among domestic hotels.

Sofitel Fitness includes fitness facilities, a 25-meter swimming pool, a children's pool, and an outdoor whirlpool. Sofitel Spa by Beaute BR uses French Biologique Recherche products. The hotel has a grand ballroom named Vend?me that can accommodate 300 people, a Bastille room for 100 people, and a Concorde room for small meetings.

Sofitel Ambassador Seoul conducts a 'Candle Ritual Ceremony' where staff dressed in modern-design traditional costumes light the hotel's lights to signal sunset. This event is inspired by the tradition from the time of Louis XIV, when lights were lit on the streets of Paris in the evening, and has been recreated with Korean colors. Every day at sunset, the lighting starts in the lobby, proceeds up the stairs, and lights up the Club Millesime on the 32nd floor, providing guests with a special experience.

To commemorate the opening, the hotel is offering the 'Bonjour Sofitel!' package. It includes a free upgrade to a room with a view of Seokchon Lake and a credit worth 100,000 KRW to experience the Fait Maison restaurant. A Diptyque travel kit is also given as a gift, and guests can use the fitness center and swimming pool.

Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences Room.