Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts has marked a new milestone with the grand opening of Le Méridien Seoul, the brand’s first hotel in Korea. Following a multi-million-dollar transformation, Le Méridien Seoul debuts at the centre of the Gangnam district with a contemporary art collection, distinct approach to design and bold ‘Destination Unlocked’ positioning.
“Seoul continuously charms global travellers with its sophisticated style, thriving culinary culture and dynamic design,” said George Fleck, vice president, brand marketing & management, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts. “With a similar sensibility, we are delighted to debut Le Méridien in the heart of the city ahead of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, inviting guests to savour the journey of discovering Seoul – whether visiting for business or leisure.”
Le Méridien Seoul draws inspiration from both the brand – born in Paris during an era of glamorous travel – and the traditional and modern aesthetic of Korean design. Designed by architectural and interior design firm David Collins Studio, the hotel features 336 guest rooms and suites, the interiors layering natural materials, textiles and rich patterns. Its architecture boasts a reimagined colonnade that connects the public spaces of the hotel and anchors an atrium accentuated by a geometric grid pattern.
The signature Le Méridien Hub
Large-scale local artwork created from traditional Korean Hanji paper complements the contemporary design inspired by traditional Korean heritage throughout the public spaces. Decorative woven and knotted thread (an ancient technique known as maedeup) becomes woven metal; hammered metal tableware (Bangjja) becomes hammered metal door handles; and hand-stitched intricately patterned fabrics are reinterpreted for window treatments.
Le Méridien Seoul has transformed the traditional lobby space into the brand’s signature Le Méridien Hub, which evolves from a bright and fresh coffee house by day, to a sophisticated cocktail bar by night. At Latitude 37, guests can savour signature éclairs, light bites and illy coffee. Set amid this design-forward space, guests enjoy music from French Bossa Nova band Nouvelle Vague, who curated the soundtrack for the hotel and all Le Méridien hotels across the world.
Guest rooms and suites
Each of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites features a colour palette incorporating hues of green, blue and lavender into its finishes and furnishings. The open layout of each room reflects a refined ambience through its finishes – dark eucalyptus timber, custom oak flooring, velvet upholstery, and rich fabrics – along with local artwork, books and low-level lighting.
Each of the hotel’s 29 suites offers views from bay window seating areas as well as a private terrace. Designed as a duplex, the Presidential Suite features a high-level screen inspired by the work of French architect and mid-century designer Pierre Chareau, realised with eucalyptus and antique brass trims. The suite boats six rooms, including a show kitchen; living and dining spaces; and a spiral staircase that leads to an upper terrace and outdoor dining area.
Unlocking art through the M Contemporary Art Centre
Inviting guests and locals to unlock the destination through the lens of Le Méridien, M Contemporary Art Centre at Le Méridien Seoul is the largest cultural and artistic space among hotels in Korea, with a total of 1157 square metres throughout the first floor. M Contemporary comprises three exhibition venues, M Lounge, and Mid-Century Bistro & Café.
Seoul: cuisine, culture and history
Le Méridien Seoul offers innovative flavours and creative presentations through four culinary venues. Café Mid-Century and Chef’s Palette are all-day dining restaurants designed with Korean influences, while Elements & Lab24 – helmed by Chef Edward Kwon – feature his diverse Asian cuisine and reinterpretation of Korean classics.
“Le Méridien Seoul provides a creative platform for our travellers in a cosmopolitan setting that speaks to the culture seekers, art lovers and culinary enthusiasts,” said Martijn Sax, GM, Le Méridien Seoul. “Accentuated by unique features throughout the hotel and paired with our unrivaled service, we are confident that guests will revel in all that Seoul has to offer.”
Other creative sites and an immersion into local culture are only a short distance from the hotel. Guests can explore the city’s nearby historical sites, including Seonjeongneung, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Bongeunsa Temple. Just a short walk away from main subway stations and 60 minutes by car from Incheon International Airport, Le Méridien Seoul is an ideal location for discovering Seoul’s rich culture and historic sites.
