The first hotel under the brand Aloft, an affiliate of Starwood Hotels, will make its debut in Suwon, the capital of the Gyeonggi-do province and host to Samsung Digital city.
SUWON (South Korea)- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced that it plans to debut the Aloft brand in South Korea in late 2014, signing an agreement with development partner Youngshin HRD. Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of OKHOW Co., Ltd. The hotel, Aloft Suwon, will be the first Aloft hotel in South Korea, adding to the brand’s global expansion plan and growth momentum in Asia Pacific that has been building up in recent years.
“We are pleased to partner with Youngshin Hrd., Ltd. to bring the Aloft brand to South Korea for the first time,” said Stephen Ho, President, Asia Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “While Starwood has maintained a long-standing presence in South Korea since the opening of the Westin Chosun Busan, this signing marks an important milestone in our overall growth strategy to expand the Aloft brand. Aloft Suwon will add to ten existing Aloft hotels in exciting cities throughout the Asia Pacific region.”
A game-changer since its 2008 debut, Aloft Hotels and its vibrant “style at a steal” brand proposition is geared toward the next generation of travellers, pioneering initiatives in music, design, and technology; and providing modern comforts and a fun social guest experience at an affordable price point. The Aloft brand has consistently garnered high guest satisfaction scores since its launch, with select hotels ranking among TripAdvisor’s 2012 “Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in the US and around the world.” In addition to new developments, the Aloft brand’s global growth plans include conversions and adaptive-reuse projects.
“Aloft Hotels has emerged as a popular choice for owners and developers as the hotel brand that fills the void in the mid-market hotel category,” said Matthew Fry, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, Asia Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Because of the brand’s vibrant design and a social guest experience offered at an attractive price point, Aloft properties have quickly grabbed market share wherever they have opened. The next generation of traveller has taken to the Aloft brand, and a broad range of travellers continue to discover what it has to offer.”
Aloft Suwon is located in Yeongtong-dong in the heart of historical Suwon, the provincial capital of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Suwon is a major industrial centre, housing Samsung Electronics’ digital city and a large factory complex; it is also home to 14 university campuses. Located about 60 kilometres from Incheon International Airport and 30 kilometres from Seoul, the hotel is well connected by various modes of transportation. It offers easy access to numerous sights, including the impressive UNESCO World Heritage site of Hwaseong Fortress, the Suwon business district, and local government offices.
“Suwon is known for its living history and dynamic culture, as well as its busy commercial and residential sectors. We are honoured to attract Starwood, owner of premier hotel brands, to the area. It is very special that Aloft Suwon is launched for the first time in South Korea and outside of Seoul, adding spark and character to the Suwon cityscape,” said Kyoung Sub Kwak, CEO of Youngshin Hrd, Ltd., subsidiary company of OKHOW. “We will endeavour to develop the most iconic building and create the most excitement in the hospitality industry, leaving guests amazed.”
Slated to open in October 2014, Aloft Suwon is part of a mixed use development that also consists of retail and residential spaces. The hotel occupies the 4th to 11th floors, featuring 120 guest rooms, including 114 standard rooms and six suites, in a modern, fresh, and fun setting. It also boasts a 404 square meter meeting and function space, and two food and beverage facilities, including the buzzing signature lounge and bar, and an all-day dining restaurant. Other amenities include a 275 square meter recreational facility, with a well equipped gym, and it is situated adjacent to an 854 square meter spa that provides signature rejuvenating treatments.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
