A new mid-range "business hotel brand" named Nine Tree Hotel has made its debut in Seoul's major commercial and business district of Myeong-dong.
The property is run by the 25-year-old Parnas Hotel Company, the Korean group that manages both the InterContinental Seoul Parnas and the InterContinental Seoul COEX.
"Some of the features we provide that will particularly appeal to business travellers include language and relaxation services," says In-cheol Jin, general manager at Nine Tree Hotel. "We expect most of our customers to be from Japan, China and English-speaking countries, and they will most likely be in need of quality sleep," he continues.
For this reason, all employees are fluent in English, 70 per cent of them speak Japanese and 30 per cent are proficient in Putonghua. The languages that each employee can speak are indicated by flags on the uniform. "They can help you navigate the city, recommend places to eat, or help you find your way to your meeting," Jin explains.
Each room is kitted out with free wifi, an air purifier, foot massager, massage pack and traditional tea set. The top-quality pocket spring beds also come with nine different therapeutic pillow options, including: phytoncide pillows, buckwheat pillows and C-curve pillows that relieve shoulder tension.
Other facilities in the 15-floor building include Lounge Nine seating area and a coin laundry, both located on the 11th floor, a currency exchange booth and Bon Appetite restaurant on the third floor, as well as Coffee Bean on the second floor.
The property is located close to Exit 8 of Myeong-dong Station of Subway Line 4.
Jin says the sub-brand is hoping to expand in the future "into the business hotel brand representing Korea”, but there are no specific destinations planned as yet.
For more information, visit www.ninetreehotel.com
For more on the vibrant and growing capital of South Korea, read "Seoul ascending" in the December issue of Business Traveller Asia-Pacific. Click here.
Alex Andersson
