Westin Chosun tops market with authentic American service

By Bae Ji-sook

Staff reporter

There are always things to learn from market leaders. The Westin Chosun Seoul hotel has maintained the lead among top-class hotels in Seoul for its room occupancy rate and its food and beverage sales.

“I thank the loyal customers of the Westin brand of the Sheraton hotel franchise who make up 60 percent of those occupying rooms,” said Gerhard Schmidt, general manager of the hotel in his interview The Korea Times.

But what keeps them revisiting the Westin Chosun Seoul is its authenticity, he said.

“We try to be honest with the guests. We don’t just go with European sophistication just because it is en vogue. If we do not have a French cook or French baker, why try to create French cuisine and French pattiserie? The Chosun Hotel has remained authentic cozy yet classy hotel,” he said.

Indeed, guests will be happy to find chunky but creamy cheese cakes or thick and crunchy sandwiches at the underground Vecchia e Nuovo casual restaurant following the hotel’s “authentic American” concept, while the Chinese Hong Yuan pleases even the pickiest gourmand with its original Cantonese dishes. Sushi Cho, the Japanese diner on the top floor, does not even serve Kimchi, which most Japanese restaurants chose as a compromise for Korean customers.

“There was quite some opposition when we tried to stick with the originality and rules. But I think the customers are appreciating it, too,” he smiled.

The policy of authenticity and sticking with principle is adjusted to its service. “We are not too friendly and keep a fair and decent distance from the guests so that they can feel their privacy being respected, what the hotel should really offer,” he said.

Anybody can receive “authentic service” at the Chosun hotel, whether you are a top class celebrity, a policy maker, a one-time traveler or a casual diner. Schmidt, who has welcomed rows of VIPs said the label doesn’t matter and does not affect the level of service provided. “Individuals are precious enough to be welcomed. We do not give extra attention to people with higher profiles. That’s not real,” he said.

So what are the authentic spots, dishes and components of Westin Chosun Seoul?

“The luxurious executive lounge that has just finished being refurbished; sushi and sashimi with salad at the buffet restaurant Aria; afternoon tea at the café; and a good nights sleep in our heavenly beds,” he smiled.