Novotel presents new concept to Dongdaemun
The Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun is the brand's first mixed-use property in the world. / Courtesy of Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels and Residences
Brand's 500th property features latest tech
By Kang Seung-woo
The Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels and Residences has officially opened its doors, hoping the hotel brand's first mixed-use property will help meet various needs in the saturated Korean hospitality industry.
Plus, the “smart” hotel using KT's digital technology is Novotel's 500th hotel in the world.
Cho Min-sook, general manager of the Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels and Residences, speaks during a press conference in Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels and Residences
“We are extremely excited to introduce our new flagship Novotel hotel to Korea, which also happens to be the 500th Novotel hotel in the world," said Vincent Lelay, AccorHotels' vice president for operations in Korea, in a press conference, Tuesday.
He also said the hotel will present a new business model for the saturated hotel industry and the mobile telecommunication sector here.
General Manager Cho Min-sook said, "We initially eyed a four-and-a half star hotel because there are many three- and four-star hotels in the Dongdaemun district, but we are now positioning ourselves as five star."
The property consists of 331 rooms and 192 residences -- the latter featuring full kitchenettes to meet the needs of leisure, business and family guests for both short- and long-term stays.
In addition, the hotel is strategically located near major city attractions such as the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Dongdaemun Fashion Street and the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station on three subway lines, so it is an ideal place for meeting, incentives conference and exhibition (MICE) customers as well as local and foreign tourists.
The Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun is the first international hotel of KT estate, a subsidiary of the nation's leading telecommunications firm KT.
In that respect, it is making the most of KT's cutting-edge network and energy management technology.
According to the hotel, 157 hotel rooms and 137 residences are equipped with KT's voice-recognition speaker GiGA Genie, available in Korean and English, and guests are able to control the room temperature and have access to various amenity services and music streaming through the artificial intelligence device.
In addition, each unit is equipped with ultra-modern technological systems, such as an online concierge. Customers are also given a smartphone allowing them to explore the city with maps, but also to make calls and send messages.
Once back at the hotel, people can use an individual QR code to turn the phone into a remote control for the room that can take control of the television and order the various services.
The Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels and Residences aims at becoming a five-star property. / Courtesy of ?Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels and Residences
A stunning rooftop bar and the outdoor infinity pool are featured on the 21st floor, offering the perfect spot to enjoy an evening sunset overlooking the city skyline, while a naturally lit indoor swimming pool is also available on the 20th floor.
The general manager expressed confidence that her hotel could stand out in the closely contested Korean hotel industry, with its advantages.
“While occupancy by local guests recently reached 40 percent, the mixed-use Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun will be able to satisfy business, leisure and medical travelers,” said Cho.
“So far, residences have had a poor reputation for food and beverages, but we are able to offer hotel-level services to residence guests.”
In order to mark the grand opening, the Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun is now offering a package featuring a one-night stay in a standard, superior room or studio, deluxe residence, with prices starting from 190,000 won ($170) until Sept. 30.
The package includes a 50,000 won dining voucher, free access to the fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools and a lucky draw scratch card for a chance to win attractive prizes including dining discount vouchers and a complimentary one night stay at Novotel Hotels, Suites and Resorts worldwide.