Imperial Palace Seoul, with a 35-year history, wore the clothes of ‘Grand Mercure’, a premium brand of French hotel chain Accor Group. With the new name Grand Mercure Imperial Palace seoul Gangnam, the plan is to attract domestic and foreign tourists and business customers.
Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam first opened in 1989 as Hotel Amiga. Afterwards, with expansion in 2005, the name was changed to Imperial Palace Seoul. The hotel,which was certified as a 5-star hotel,was closed and renovated in January 2022 while the pandemic situation continued.
Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam held a press conference on the 10th and announced the official reopening of the hotel. It is indeed the third Grand Mercure hotel in Korea,following Yongsan in Seoul and Changwon in Gyeongnam.
The motto of the hotel, located in the heart of Gangnam, is ‘Timeless Elegance, Endless Comfort’. The goal is to provide both unchanging elegance and endless comfort.
The hotel offers two types of accommodation services to satisfy both short-term travelers and long-term stays. First of all, the hotel service has 224 rooms and suites, including a royal suite measuring 61 pyeong (about 202 m2).Each space features a meticulous interior that reflects Korean craftsmanship, and modern conveniences are added.
The serviced residence offers 90 apartments. Designed for long-term guests, it provides both the comfort of staying at home and premium service. The most basic deluxe room was also expanded to 16 pyeong by combining two existing 8 pyeong rooms.
In addition, it offers a dining experience that is like a piece of art through four food and beverage establishments, including Buffet Familia, chinese fine dining Tianshan, Café Del Mar, and The Bar.In addition, it is indeed equipped with auxiliary facilities such as ‘Club Imperial Lounge’, a business meeting space inspired by conventional Korean houses, and a fitness club with an exotic outdoor swimming pool reminiscent of ancient Greek architecture.
In addition to Grand Mercure, Accor, which operates about 30 hotel brands including Sofitel, Banyan Tree, Fairmont, Pullman, Novotel, and Ibis in Korea, plans to expand its influence in the country by opening additional hotels next year.
“As the group moves into the future with the opening of a new hotel scheduled for next year, this hotel opening plays a very critically important role in the group’s growth journey,” said Vincent LeRay, General Manager of Operations at Accor Ambassador Korea. “We will target the recently increasing demand for business trips to Korea.” “It will also contribute to the growth of Korean tourism,” he said.
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What strategies did the Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam implement during its rebranding and reopening?
Time.news Interview: The Reimagining of Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to Time.news! Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Jane Thompson, an expert in hospitality management and a consultant for luxury hotels. We’re discussing the exciting reopening of the Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam, a important milestone in the South Korean hospitality scene. Welcome, Jane!
Jane Thompson: Thank you! it’s great to be here, and I’m thrilled to discuss the Grand Mercure Imperial Palace.
Editor: Let’s start with some context. The hotel was originally established in 1989 as Hotel Amiga and underwent a significant rebranding with a closure for renovations during the pandemic. How crucial do you think rebranding is for hotels, especially during such uncertain times?
Jane: Rebranding can be a transformative strategy, especially in a post-pandemic environment where travelers have shifted their preferences and expectations. It’s not just about a new name; it’s about reinvention. The new branding as Grand Mercure reflects a premium identity that appeals to both domestic and international markets, particularly in a competitive area like Gangnam.
Editor: Absolutely, and Gangnam is known for its luxury appeal.With the motto “Timeless Elegance, Endless comfort,” how do you see these principles reflected in the hotel’s offerings?
Jane: This motto is beautifully integrated into every aspect of the hotel. From the design to the service, it conveys a sense of sophistication while ensuring guest comfort. For example, the meticulous interior design, which showcases Korean craftsmanship, adds a unique cultural touch that enriches the guest experience. At the same time, the modern amenities cater to contemporary travelers’ expectations.
Editor: Speaking of amenities, the hotel features 224 rooms and suites, and also 90 serviced apartments.What are the trends you’re observing in accommodation preferences nowadays?
Jane: We’re seeing a clear shift towards versatility in accommodations. Guests appreciate not just luxury, but options that cater to different lengths of stay. The addition of serviced apartments is a smart move for attracting long-term guests,particularly business travelers who might want a ‘home away from home’ while still enjoying hotel services.
Editor: the hotel’s dining experience is saeid to be “like a piece of art,” featuring diverse options from fine dining to casual cafes.How crucial is a culinary offering in elevating a hotel’s overall experience?
Jane: culinary offerings can absolutely enhance a hotel’s reputation and guest satisfaction. It’s an extension of the hospitality experience. restaurants like Tianshan and Café Del Mar elevate the stay, making it memorable. When guests can enjoy high-quality meals on-site,it can be a major draw,especially in urban settings where competition is fierce.
editor: Let’s not forget about the facilities! The Club Imperial Lounge and the fitness club with an exotic outdoor pool sound extraordinary.How do these amenities play into the overall guest experience?
Jane: They are essential! These spaces not only provide additional services but also create social and relaxation opportunities for guests. The Club Lounge can serve as a business hub, while the fitness club and pool offer a retreat from the bustling city. A well-rounded experience is what today’s traveler looks for, and these amenities certainly contribute to that.
Editor: Before we wrap up, what do you think is the future for hotels like Grand Mercure Imperial Palace, especially in light of recent trends in travel and hospitality?
Jane: Hotels will need to continue to innovate and be responsive to the evolving needs of guests. Sustainability, technology integration, and authentic local experiences are becoming increasingly important. Provided that hotels can maintain a balance between luxury and the comforts of home,while also embracing these trends,they will thrive in today’s market.
Editor: Thank you, Jane! It’s been a engaging discussion, and it certainly seems like the Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam is poised to make a big splash in the hospitality scene!
Jane: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how this hotel shapes the future of luxury hospitality in Korea.