Ritz-Carlton to pull off best service

By Bae Ji-sook

Staff reporter

To many people around the world, especially those from the Western hemisphere, the Ritz-Carlton has always been more than a luxury ― it symbolizes historical, cultural and economic class.

Whether it is in Paris or New York, the hotel is always located in the heart of cosmopolitan areas and has always led the hip but luxurious and discrete trends of the times.

The Ritz-Carlton Seoul fits those conditions in every way, too. Located in the affluent southern Seoul Gangnam area, it hosts trendsetters and business leaders meeting for social gatherings. Its restaurants are bustling with business people making lunch and dinner appointments while the weekends are filled with lovebirds seeking to get an "opera wedding" where couples get married in a two-storey hallway, just like a scene in a romantic movie.

Franz Richter, general manager of the hotel, is gearing to take a more aggressive approach in promoting the hotel. "While we have a steady reputation among foreigners, we are trying to reach out more to Korean guests, who truly have an eye for delicacies and sophistication as well as class and manners," he said in an interview with The Korea Times.

He has reportedly held several meetings for expatriates here alongside Korean socialites ― cosmetic launches and corporate business meetings have taken place, and seasonal packages for domestic clients are becoming real bestsellers.

Richter said the Ritz-Carlton represents everything that a person dreams of in a hotel.

"The shopping district of Gangnam is just a few minutes away, subway lines 2 and 9 are within a reachable distance while large corporations such as Samsung, Posco, GS and others are all very close enough for staff to enjoy their lunch here," he said.

The Ritz Deli and the cozy but extravagant Ritz Bar, which was voted by Seoul's banking and financial professionals as the best bar in town, among other features have propelled the hotel into an advantageous position against its rivals.

A grand renovation of its gym ― one of the favorites among Gangnam residents― is planned and the restaurants are undergoing menu ``renovations.''

But most of all ― the cr?me-de la-cr?me ― is the level of service provided, he said. Each guest is noticed and receives tailored service throughout their stay, while Richter himself sometimes shows up to express gratitude and loyalty.

He said he was also amused by the way Koreans enriched the hotel service. "They are frank and honest, well educated and fierce. To be honest, I was a bit worried because I had no previous information about the country, but you know what? It's going to be the best ever!" he said.