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In September 2010, a South Korean premium hotel chain Lotte Hotels&Resorts launched a five-star Lotte Hotel Moscow representing an amazing disclaimer of a widely spread opinion about Russian hospitality market increased saturation level. With its USD 350 million investment and an exquisite alliance of the world’s top luxurious brands, Lotte Hotel Moscow stands for the most expensive, and thus most ambitious project on the Russian market. It is now a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, a highly reputed association uniting world best properties where first class service is a rule, not an exception.
‘We never tried to retrench, either on construction materials, or on the workforce. That would be unacceptable for a truly luxurious project, which Lotte Hotel Moscow undoubtedly is. We have done our utmost to find best possible partners and managers to ensure the opening of a hotel that could be simply called the best’, says Arie Aizenshtat, Lotte Hotel Moscow General Manager introducing the prospective market leader. In fact, Lotte’s 35-year experience in establishment of six de luxe properties in Korea and profound international research resulted into a new hotel complex boasting lavish comfort and stylish settings of its 304 rooms. Graced with creative touches of world-renowned interior designers from the USA’s prominent Wilson & Associates and Hirsch Bedner Associates, the hotel’s rooms and suites are notable for exquisite ambience of space and chic. Meeting state-of-the-art global design standards and reflecting best classic traditions of the Eastern world, the general atmosphere supports a peaceful feeling of being home away from home. One of its main gems is a unique and unprecedented Royal Suite occupying 490 sq.m on the top floor to welcome VIP guests of the Russian capital. ‘International jet set visiting Korea is well acquainted with Lotte’s apartments for royalties. Lotte Hotel in Seoul was the first to introduce this type of suites and attracted attention of American and European political and government leaders, and show business stars. As for Moscow, this is a completely new product. We will continue creating and introducing novelties, so this much talked-about market oversaturation seems slightly exaggerated’, continues Mr. Aizenshtat.
With a strong belief that a good sleep should go along with good dining opportunities, Lotte Hotel Moscow proudly invites its guests to join a delightful gourmet voyage through a vast variety of cuisines. Gourmands of signature French cuisine will find it artistically transformed into culinary masterpieces with a modern touch executed by a Michelin three-star chef Pierre Gagnaire in Les Menus. An exciting blend of western and eastern cultures is fully realized in the American MEGU serving trendy Japanese dishes, favored by New York celebrities. The two worldwide recognized restaurants are available for the Russian public adoring international novelties marked with a star attention.
Leisure facilities in Lotte Hotel Moscow comprise a number of specialties among which the famous Mandara Spa. Cooperating solely with top international hotels and resorts in 17 regions of the world, the Moscow spa represents a luxurious urban retreat and caters for most sophisticated relaxation. A special menu will include traditional Balinese treatments and classic medical procedures effective in combination with elite Elemis Spa cosmetics. Healthy lifestyle followers will have an opportunity to take a timeout in a 1 500 sq.m fitness center and the longest swimming pool among Moscow hotels equal to 21 meter water fitness.
As Lotte Hotel Moscow mostly targets business audience, it has a full range of services to meet their needs. The hotel has previewed a whole Club Floor comprising a Club Lounge, library, workstations, meeting rooms etc. for their comfort and ultimate concentration, not to mention VIP services and privileges for Club Floor guests. ‘We are proud to announce that Lotte Hotel Moscow is equipped with the latest and most cutting-edge technologies and equipment. It is generally known that Korea is ahead of the pack as to technological and manufacturing development. We are able to provide our guests not just with state-of-the-art computers and other office appliances, but also with digital touch panels installed at the bed-side in every room. The panels are multifunctional devices which feature functionality of a telephone, a message transmitter, an alarm, a city & hotel guide. It controls lighting, air-conditioning and temperature in the room, as well as serves as a TV remote control, a curtain manager and much more. Lotte Hotel Moscow is a 100% hi-tech project which will suit the taste of tourists and traveling businessmen, comments Yong-Dok Song, Executive Managing Director.
Whatever the reason of stay, Lotte Hotel Moscow ensures the highest level of service, traditional for each and every hotel of the chain. Cherishing young professionals, the experienced hotel management provides employees with all the necessary to best perform their duties. ‘Our line employees are our main treasure, as they communicate directly with the guests. They build this first impression which is so important for the company’s positive image and sustainable reputation. Therefore, we encourage their professional development within the company, hold special trainings for the personnel held by invited experts from Korea. The core concept to be grasped during a three-month instruction process is the hotel’s brand new vision of hospitality’, comments Arie Aizenshtat.
According to the hotel management, the client relations policy consists of two components: the hardware part dealing with technical services and the software part, the so called human factor, something that can’t be touched, but can be easily and clearly perceived. ‘Lotte Hotel Moscow is an entirely international hotel; it is based on hospitality business classic standards. At the same time, due to its oriental origin it delivers the Asian approach to hospitality. At Lotte, we do not simply respond to the guest’s requests, we anticipate their wishes. To ensure those pretensions are put into practice we effectuate profound investigation and in-depth research of international experience and cultural particularities of each guest’s native country. This is one of the main principles of Lotte Hotels&Resorts policy and the Moscow hotel’s advantageous distinction point’, continues the General Manager.
‘The customer is always right’ guideline is the key not only for Lotte Hotel Moscow, but also for all Lotte companies. All of them are run by Lotte Group, a large multi-branch conglomerate founded in 1967, managing such activities as foods, retail, tourism and entertainment, petrochemicals, construction and manufacturing, finance, service and R&D support. Lotte affiliate companies operate in the USA, Japan, China, Russia, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines and other countries of the Asia-Pacific region. In 2009, Lotte Group announced a global long-term development strategy involving entry to the top 10 most successful Asian companies by the year 2018. Continuing to enforce its positions in regional markets, Lotte Group is planning to expand its business in Europe. In the meantime, Russia has been chosen as the first step to the West. Lotte Plaza shopping mall and Lotte Hotel Moscow are already operating in the Russian capital. In the closest perspective, Lotte is preparing to establish one more first-class trade center and world-class hotel in Saint Petersburg, and a confectionery plant in Kaluga city located in central Russia, 190 km to the south-west of Moscow.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
