At W Seoul-Walkerhill, strangers become friends
By Bae Ji-sook
If you enter W Seoul-Walkerhill, smile and say hello to people you meet for the first time. Something magical may happen ㅡ they could become your friends instantly, share drinks and giggle over small matters.
That’s the magic of W and the spirit of W. Instead of the serenity and discretion required and expected at other five-star hotels, W chose to be fun, bright and outgoing.
“I think we are too old to constantly think about what others do and their achievements. W will be going on its own way and those who like it will come and enjoy it. So far, many people like it,” said Nick Heath, general manager of the hotel.
His confidence comes from the fact that the W Seoul Walkerhill is the first W hotel in Asia and has led many other hotels not only in Seoul but in other Asian countries to adopt flamboyant but classical colors in the hotel’s interior, service and most of all, atmosphere.
“Yes, a hotel is all about selling beds for overnight. But I want more. I want single travelers to grab their notebook computers, sit in the Woo Bar and enjoy free Wifi LAN, make friends with the bartenders, then move on to talk to people sitting in the next seat,” he said.
The so-called mingling is still not an easy task for the majority of Koreans. But somehow, many of them turn extremely friendly at this place. While the hotels’ executive chef, Ciaran Hickey, creates very contemporary but lavish dinners at the open kitchen of the restaurant, “The Kitchen” guests enjoy laughter and giggles moving from table to table sharing wine and a cigar. It is quite a new experience for typical Koreans but they indulge in new ways to enjoy the “moment.”
Heath said the “W spirit” is all about creating and defining a lifestyle. The W hotel headquarters has recently appointed renowned DJ Michaelangelo L’acqua as its music director. His trendiest selection of music fills every hall and restaurants of the hotel while stylist Amanda Ross looks over every bit of the design of the facility.
“We are hoping that these efforts could pull off a ‘wow’ experience from the guests. Long ago, people used to ‘live to work’ but these days, finally, ‘work to live.’ I am sure that the experience could bring up their overall perspective of enjoying life, suggesting a new direction,” he said.
But if you still have hard time adjusting yourself to the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere of the W, call Heath. He said his office is always open and he is ready to visit any guests with any idea. “It sounds a bit stale, but your idea is appreciated,” he smiled.