Imperial Palace Seoul Hotel boasts a unique interior reminiscent of a luxurious European boutique hotel. The hotel furnishings are known to impress visitors with numerous antique items and artwork. Foreign tourists wanting to stay at a hotel with a classical European interior can book rooms directly from the overseas travel agency websites. By going against the mainstream trend where many hotels have switched to modern interiors, the Imperial Palace Seoul remains unique in clients’ minds, and garners more attention from female clients.
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As the Imperial Palace Hotel itself serves as a kind of museum with 400 pieces of artwork on display, guests can freely enjoy them during their stay. The list of works includes a French clock made in 1750s and shipped from Italy, and a Greek table clock made in the 1890s. Other items on display include consoles, candlesticks, porcelain, lamps, and clocks all made between the 1700s and 1990s. In addition, at the lobby, one can see artwork by Paik Nam-jun (1932~2006). Titled “More Log-in Less Logging,” Paik Nam-jun’s artwork is a stack of multiple TVs standing 3 m in height. The installation was first exhibited at the Venice Biennale in 1993, and was recently auctioned off. As the art community perceives that Paik Nam-jun’s contribution to the art world is undervalued, Gagosian Gallery recently took the initiative in managing his work and leading various research efforts about the artist. The Gallery chose Paik as one of the representative artists for the Gallery, and launched an exhibition which lasted until March this year. Guests to the hotel can enjoy the unique appeal of Paik’s work and indulge in charms of other antiques and artworks.
Most of the antique items are the personal collection of Shin Cheol-ho, the head of the hotel. The old-fashioned elegance of the interior design is a reflection of the personal interests of Shin, which continued from his time of engaging in the interior design business to the present. The 4th floor features a Roman-style interior with bright-colored marble, whereas the 5th floor has an English décor with floral print wallpaper. As such, each floor has a unique style and ambiance.
If one is bored with a ubiquitous modern style hotel interior, staying at the Imperial Palace can be a chance to experience a unique ambiance. As one steps into the hotel, a break with busy urban life starts, and one will enter a luxurious comfort zone. Staff will offer you valet parking, and the hotel serves an unlimited amount of sangria for free at the lounge. Both the tired body and mind can relax in cozy surroundings.
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Also, one can enjoy a European style breakfast buffet. One of the most sensational features about staying at the Imperial Palace Hotel is the breakfast served at Café Amiga. They serve beef, home-made smoked salmon, soft tofu, healthy natto dishes, and freshly-baked croissants. Staff are tipped off about epicureans who only come to the hotel to enjoy the breakfast buffet.
The Imperial Palace is the only hotel in the Gangnam area that has an outdoor pool, which is reminiscent of an ancient Greek temple with white pillars, wood tables, and Mediterranean palm trees, and tricks one into thinking that they are at a Mediterranean hotel in Europe. On the side, the hotel serves pizza, grilled meats, beer, and cocktails, along with other varieties. Guests on the package deal can get a 50 percent discount on their admission to the outdoor swimming pool.
The Imperial Palace Summer Package Deal has two options: Vintage Summer and Antique Summer. For Vintage Summer, guests will get a one night stay either at a Deluxe Room for 230,000 won (US$196) or a Club Deluxe Room for 270,000 won (US$230). Guests can watch a pop opera performance from a lounge reminiscent of Roman fountains. Guests can choose between fresh fruit smoothies, beer, or coffee, all free of charge. The deal includes an European style breakfast buffet at Café Amiga for two.
Guests on the Antique Summer deal will get a one night stay at a Duplex Suite (380,000 won, or US$324) or Corner Suite (380,000 won, or US$324) featuring a fantastic city view, duplex interior, antique furniture, bed with romantic canopy, and standalone bathtub. Guests can watch a pop opera performance from the lounge and enjoy happy hour with unlimited servings of wine and snacks for two. Guests can also enjoy free access to the Internet, a sauna, breakfast at the club lounge, and happy hour benefits.
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The common benefits between “Vintage Summer” and “Antique Summer” deals are a 50 percent discount on admission to the outdoor pool – the only outdoor pool in the Gangnam area – Diamond Eye Patch and Mask Packs, premium skin care (worth 110,000 won, or US$94); and a valet parking service. Guests can also read free fashion, lifestyle, and cooking magazines in the guest rooms.
If you contemplate making memorable nights with loved ones at the outdoor pool, try the Night Outdoor Full Package. The package includes the Summer Palace Package benefit with two admissions to the outdoor pool (worth 90,000 won, US$77). The Imperial Palace Hotel guarantees an unforgettably romantic night this summer.
For more information, contact the Imperial Palace Hotel at 02.3440.8000, or visit the hotel's web site at www.imperialpalace.co.kr.