Citadines open in Yeoungdeongpo, Seoul

A Studio Deluxe room at Citadines Han River Seoul which receives guests from Aug. 12 / Courtesy of Citadines Han River Seoul

Max Philips

By Kim Se-jeong

Somerset Palace Seoul is recognized for its location, atmosphere and service, among others. It has become one of the most coveted serviced residences in the city, attracting both long-term and short-term guests to the heart of the city.

A sister serviced apartment property is opening on Aug. 12 in Yeongdeungpo, southwestern Seoul.

Citadines Han River Seoul belongs to one of the Ascott Limited’s three brands — Somerset, Citadines and Ascott. The property will have its official grand opening in October, but it starts receiving guests from Aug. 12 with special pre-opening rates.

The southwestern district of Seoul is a good location for Citadines, which caters primarily to long-term guests.

The property is close to small- and medium-sized factories and warehouses and Lotte Home Shopping. It is also close to Yeouido, the nation’s financial hub, which is less than five kilometers away or three subway stops away.

Price is what makes Citadines stand out among its competitors.

The smallest studio unit with kitchen and laundry facilities costs less than 100,000 won per night, and during the pre-opening promotion costs only 64,000 won per night, with complimentary Wi-Fi and other services.

The property has 149 units, the majority of which have a fully-equipped kitchen, in-room electronic safe, multi-split air conditioning and heating, steam iron and ironing board, telephone, washing machine and cable TV.

It also has a 24-hour reception desk, housekeeping service, baby toys and a fitness center.

Citadines’ facilities are perfect for business people. It has a meeting room, a computer station at the lobby and breakfast service.

The property has three room types: 20 square-meter Studio room; 20-square-meter Studio Deluxe room; and 29-square-meter Studio Executive room. Most rooms can accommodate two guests, but a number of interconnected rooms can accommodate a family of up to four.

“The two properties (Citadines and Somerset) are very different due to location and size, but you can get a good synergy between difference in room rates,” Max Philips, Country General Manager for The Ascott Limited, said. “If someone calls up for a Somerset room, and if it is over their budget, we can immediately recommend Citadines.”

The Ascott Limited, a Singapore-based hospitality chain, is the world’s biggest serviced residence owner and operator, with more than 47,000 units around the world.

Citadines Han River Seoul is the company’s third property in Korea. It opened Citadines Haeundae Busan last summer, attracting vacationers in the city with its affordability.

Philips said he hopes Citadines Han River Seoul will attract domestic guests as well, including those looking to go on “staycation,” or relaxing mini-vacation while staying in an urban hotel.

Staycation has become a trend for Koreans who do not have the time to take long holidays, and therefore look for something close to home.

Citadines Han River Seoul is close to IFC Mall and Time Square, two big shopping malls in the city. It is also only five to 10 minute walk away from the riverside parks along Han River, as well as from Seonyudo Park, an island park in the middle of the river.

During the promotional period until Dec. 31, the Studio room will cost 64,000 won per night, excluding tax and service charge, the Studio Deluxe room 80,000 won per night , and Studio Executive room, 104,000 won. The package includes laundry service but not breakfast.

For more information, call (02) 2014-1111.