Hotel Lobby
By Jun Ji-hye
InterContinental presents icy cold bingsu
The Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas and the InterContinental Seoul COEX announced that summer premium bingsu is available at The Lobby Lounge on the first floor and to-go bingsu at the Grand Deli on the first floor until the end of August.
To-go bingsu served at the Grand Deli has seen a 40 percent increase in sales over the past two years, and to-go items are becoming more popular in general among customers this year amid COVID-19 pandemic.
As social distancing has become the “new normal” this summer, the hotels present a new approach for bingsu ― the large-sized bingsu for two or three served at The Lobby Lounge is now available in a one-person serving as well.
The one-person bingsu is a safe option as it is not meant for sharing. Available in a reasonable size and at an affordable price, it also makes it easier to try different flavors all at once.
The Lobby Lounge of Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas serves mango pudding bingsu made with a generous amount of fresh mango pieces and topped with mango-shaped pudding.
InterContinental Seoul COEX presents bingsu items with healthy ingredients. Honey grain bingsu made with healthy grains, including black bean ice cream and black rice popcorn, and classic bingsu topped with bittersweet green tea ice cream are available.
Summer premium bingsu for two or three at The Lobby Lounge is available from 38,000 won ($31) and bingsu for one starts at 24,000 won.
The Grand Deli's take away bingsu is available from 13,000 won.
IHG Hotels & Resorts offers fresh take on clean
IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to offer strengthened measures related to cleanness in a bid to support guests' personal wellbeing throughout their stay, at a time when the world adjusts to new travel norms following the COVID-19 outbreak.
The strengthened measures include using new, science-led protocols and service measures; and partnering with industry leading experts Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab and Diversey.
With updated measures in place, IHG is launching a campaign named “Clean Promise" on June 1, and guests can be reassured that their room will meet IHG's high standards of cleanliness.
“The future of travel may look different, but a safe, secure stay is fundamental to deliver true hospitality, and that will never change,” IHG CEO Keith Barr said. “By combining IHG's world-class knowledge and processes, with cutting-edge expertise from Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab and Diversey, we can reassure guests and colleagues that we're focused on protecting their health and wellbeing.”
IHG has a longstanding commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures. Launched in 2015, the IHG “Way of Clean” program was developed with Ecolab and Diversey, both world leaders in hygiene and cleaning technologies and services.
This program is now being expanded with additional COVID-19 protocols and best practices to reflect the advice of public health authorities around the world.
IHG “Way of Clean” already includes deep cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants and, going forward, guests can expect to see evolved procedures in every area of the hotel.
IHG is also working closely with a team of medical experts at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic to develop guidance and resources for hotel teams on returning to work and keeping guests safe in this new environment, which may include social distancing operating procedures and signage.
Leading this work is IHG's new global cleanliness board, a group of IHG experts in operations, health, safety and guest experience working with new external specialists, including James Merlino, chief clinical transformation officer at Cleveland Clinic.
Hotel teams will also appoint clean champions to continue building the culture of clean instilled in IHG hotels around the world.
These champions of hygiene will focus on guests and colleagues as they navigate the new environment and help on-premises teams to consistently deliver these elevated cleanliness standards.