Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences (Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun) aims to meet the needs of all kinds of guests, from business travelers to family visitors and long-term guests.

The hotel, which officially opened Sunday, is situated in Dongdaemun area, a famous shopping district in central Seoul. 

Of the 523 rooms, 331 are classic hotel rooms for business travelers while 192 rooms are residences, much like apartments and studios, equipped with kitchenettes and a washing machine. Reflective of the Airbnb trend, the residences hope to meet the needs of family guests and long-term tourists.

“The hotel industry is rapidly changing,” Mini Cho, the general manager said at a press conference Tuesday.

“Over the years, we saw a nearly 10 percent increase in local guests. More guests are also flocking to residences rather than hotels, or many seek boutique hotels,” she said, adding that the hotel will be “the first hotel-residence complex."

 

Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun aims to be a “smart hotel,” closely collaborating with Korea’s major telco, KT.

“I am sure that Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun can be a breakthrough for the hotel business and telecommunication business, which have arrived at their maturity,” Vincent Lelay, the vice president of AAK (Accor-Ambassador Korea) said.

Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun was built on the old site of KT’s telephone office. Its executive lounge is decorated with vintage telephones, showing the former use of the building.

KT’s voice-activated GiGA Genie speaker will offer AI concierge service to guests. Also, foreign guests who arrive at Incheon Airport can pick up the hotel’s smartphone, fully equipped with navigation and local guide service.

By Im Eun-byel (silverstar@heraldcorp.com)