Business Hotel Competition Heating Up
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Competition is heating up in Seoul among mid- to low-priced business hotels operated by top franchises.
Guests can enjoy all the refined services provided at five-star hotels at less than half the price.
As Seoul becomes more popular among a varied range of visitors ― from businessmen to travelers and shoppers ― the number of people staying at business hotels is jumping too.
According to a recent report, these hotels are operating at more than 70-percent capacity, far above their luxury rivals, who haven't fully recovered from the aftermath of influenza A (H1N1).
Ibis
Among the reasonably-priced business hotels, Ambassador Group's Ibis is leading the way. Rooms from 120,000 won are considered reasonable for many Chinese and Japanese travelers. There are three Ibis hotels nationwide.
The hotel has minimized its expenses ― the services they provide are limited to the very basic level. But rooms are cozy and clean.
Its branch in Myeong-dong, the heart of Seoul's shopping district, offers up to a 30-percent-lower price than the nearby top-class hotels and is gaining support mostly from Japanese tourists who come for shopping and sightseeing.
The hotel's publicist Lee Jung-hwa said, "Ibis is marking a remarkable success in Korea. The Ambassador Group is planning to establish many more here. Ibis has the full potential of attracting visitors who seek affordable and cozy accommodations."
Lotte City Mapo
Lotte City Mapo is located in the trendy business-residential area of Gongdeok, western Seoul. The domestic hotel franchise announced that the opening of the business hotel would add diversity to its branches ― Lotte has one luxury hotel in downtown Seoul and in Busan in addition to more leisure-focused hotels in Jamsil, southern Seoul, and Jeju Island.
The eight-story building's 284 rooms are made up of double, twin and ondol rooms, which feature Korean traditional floors. The interior is modern and subtle and has all the essential factors to make a comfortable atmosphere. All rooms have separate shower booths, bathtubs and free Internet access.
Additionally, the hotel is equipped with a swimming pool, buffet restaurant, fitness club, medical clinic, spa and conference rooms.
The hotel charges 150,000 won per night, about half the cost of the luxury Lotte Hotel Seoul.
Publicist Moon In-young said the hotel is gaining popularity among businessmen who seek a comfortable environment and facilities at a more reasonable price.
"About 65 percent of guests are here for business and 30 percent are tourists. About 80 percent are foreigners. We are expecting about 85- to 90-percent sales of rooms this month," she said.
The hotel is planning to launch a sister hotel in Tokyo next year, expanding its concept to Japan.
"The hotel is a mixture of Korean hospitality and Western practicality," Moon said.
The Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Timesquare
The Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Timesquare is the latest addition to the business hotel competition. It is located in Timesquare, the newly established shopping district in Yeongdeungpo.
Each of the 283 rooms is designed as contemporary private residences with simple, bright tones and artistic elements. There are also fitness rooms, and five meeting rooms equipped with an LCD projector and screen. Wireless LAN is available across the building.
Courtyard is the fourth Marriott hotel in Seoul and is one of the 200 budget offerings nationwide. The rooms are priced from 99,000 won through October, and the hotel said they are expecting the Marriott mileage system to boost sales.
"The modestly priced hotels are important because they are the ones that make a consistent profit. They are less influenced by the world economy and there are steady visitors," a hotel promoter said. "That's the real reason hotels are lining up to have one."