By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
To help relieve financial concerns affecting their customers, local hotels are presenting greater benefits to membership cardholders. The following are services and advantages cardholders should not miss out on.
Grand Hyatt Seoul presents Hyatt Gold Passport's ``The Big Welcome'' event with the Global Hyatt Corporation.
Hyatt Gold Passport is a free membership program whereby guests can earn points to apply toward a free stay that can be used at any Hyatt property worldwide.
The program was redesigned this year to be more rewarding. Members can now enjoy a variety of exclusive privileges ranging from free nights with no blackout dates to complimentary Internet access and suite upgrades.
Guests can participate in two events ― an essay contest and sweepstakes. The theme of the essay competition is: ``How would you spend 365 free nights at Hyatt to create an unforgettable experience?''
Three people will win 365 free nights, 30,000 people will win one free night and countless others will have a chance to experience Hyatt's service.
```The Big Welcome' is the way in which we have chosen to introduce travelers, and especially our existing Gold Passport members, to our redesigned Hyatt Gold Passport loyalty program. At a time when others may be tempted to cut back, we consider these enhancements a long-term investment in our business,'' said Mark Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer of Global Hyatt Corporation. ``This is our way of showing our dedication to creating a unique, comfortable and welcoming experience for all guests.''
The Ritz Carlton Seoul, Millennium Seoul Hilton and Sheraton Grande Walkerhill launched the VIP ``Super Triple'' card in March.
The membership card provides guests with various privileges and benefits at all three hotels ― cardholders can get a 40-percent discount on room rates, including weekends, and up to 33-percent discounts at the hotels' restaurants and bars. New members will receive complimentary coupons for guest rooms and restaurants.
Other special benefits and gifts are available from Shilla's Country Club Golf Range, Busan Paradise Hotel, Jeju Haevichi Hotel, Seoul National University Hospital, French cosmetics line Darphin, Walkerhill Duty Free and elsewhere. There will be 20 partner companies by the end of this year.
According to the hotels, the Super Triple covers a wide area in Seoul and the amount of free coupons issued upon joining exceeds admission fees.
The membership fee is priced at 400,000 won and an additional card for the spouse of a cardholder is only 20,000 won. The card is valid for exactly a year from the date of purchase.
The ``Double Choice'' card of InterContinental and Shilla is one of the most popular VIP cards among users of deluxe hotels in Seoul.
The card is accepted at the Grand InterContinental Seoul and COEX InterContinental Seoul, south of the Han River, and at northern Seoul's Hotel Shilla and Jeju Shilla. Cardholders are eligible for discounts at hotel restaurants and bars. Guests can also benefit from a 35-percent discount on room rates Monday through Thursday and a 50-percent discount on weekends at the Grand and COEX InterContinental Seoul and the Hotel Shilla.
The membership fee is 390,000 won and valid for one year from purchase date.
Imperial Palace Hotel in Gangnam created VIP Management exclusively for VIP guests. From making reservations to using every hotel service, a specialized manager will provide one-stop service guaranteeing convenient and private use.
Seoul Plaza Hotel's Platinum Membership entitles guests to a variety of benefits including food and beverages, rooms, dry cleaning, floristry, reward programs, coupon benefits and more.
O'Kim's Brauhaus in COEX ― originated from the Irish pub O'Kim's of the Westin Chosun Seoul ― brings back the legendary Mug Club. Beer lovers are invited to join and receive a personal tin jug as well as 20 complimentary house beer coupons. The Mug Club members automatically gain the Westin Chosun VIP Club membership and benefit from a 10-percent discount at restaurants and bars operated by the Chosun Hotel.