Accor, the leading international operator of hotels in Asia Pacific, announces the development of 3 hotels in South Korea Mercure Ambassador Gangnam, Novotel Ambassador Seongbuk, and ibis Ambassador Insadong.  

"Accor is proud to sign three new hotels adding to our South Korean hotel network and beginning 2012 with a bang. This will extend the brand portfolio in the country and provide guests with a more comprehensive hotel selection to choose from," says Patrick Basset, Vice President of Operations for Vietnam, the Philippines, South Korea and Japan. "Accor hotels in Korea have performed exceptionally well these past 3 years, running at over 90% occupancy rate annually in the Seoul market. Accor sees South Korea as a country full of potential and looks forward to continue its hotel expansion to meet the increasing demand for international brands in the country."

Mercure Ambassador Gangnam will be the first Mercure brand hotel in South Korea. This hotel will be designed with a contemporary style that will reflect the local environment and surroundings, while providing international-standard quality and services that promise true relaxation and comfort. Once complete in 2012, Mercure Ambassador Gangnam will consist of 288 rooms, a restaurant and a bar, four meeting rooms, fitness centre, and spa facilities. The hotel is located in Seoul's prime location in Gangnam area, a convenient location for both business and leisure travellers visiting the city.

"Mercure is a strong worldwide brand with authentic personality and distinctive styles. All Mercure hotels are committed to comfort and quality, offering a hotel experience shaped by their strong roots in the local environment," Mr. Basset elaborates on the brand.

Novotel Ambassador Seongbuk will be a 300-room hotel with state-of-the-art Novotel facilities and F&B venues. Located near Seongbuk Metro Station and a direct link to the centre of Seoul, this hotel will be part of a multi-complex development which includes a department store, movie theatre, and an ice skating rink amongst other top of the line entertainment venues. The hotel is scheduled to be opened in 2016.

With spacious, comfortable rooms and state-of-the-art facilities, all Novotel hotels are designed to respond to the needs of both business and leisure travellers alike.

Ibis Ambassador Insadong, a newly-built economy hotel scheduled to open in 2013, will have 360 rooms and is located near Anguk Station and Insadong Street. This hotel will become the 5th ibis hotel joining the network, following ibis Ambassador Seoul, ibis Ambassador Suwon, ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeong-dong, and ibis Ambassador Busan City Centre. With over 920 ibis hotels worldwide, the ibis brand is identified as a quality and consistent international product with services designed to ensure customer satisfaction, a pleasant stay and value for money.  "Ibis brand has taken the Korean market by storm and has help established a whole new hotel segment for affordable travel in the Korean market," Mr. Basset comments.

Accor in Korea

Accor first entered into South Korea with the establishment of a partnership with Ambassador Group 25 years ago. Accor is currently the largest international operator of hotels in South Korea, operating 10 hotels with over 2,800 rooms, and cover all segments from upscale Pullman, mid-scale Novotel, and ecnomoy ibis.

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About Novotel

As the mid-scale hotel brand within the Accor group portfolio, Novotel offers close to 400 hotels and resorts in 60 countries, situated in the centre of major international cities from business districts to tourist destinations. Novotel's consistently high standard of service contributes to the wellbeing of both business and leisure travellers: think spacious, modular-design guestrooms, balanced cuisine available 24/7, excellent meeting facilities, attentive staff, dedicated children's areas and rejuvenating wellness facilities. The Novotel group is a pioneer in sustainable development and all Novotel hotels participate in the EarthCheck worldwide environmental certification programme.

More information at Novotel.com.

About Mercure

For more than 35 years, within the Accor Group, Mercure has exemplified expert hospitality and personalised service. Operating in more than 50 countries around the world, Mercure boasts hotels with distinctive personalities carefully preserved through the type of services offered and the decor, both of which vary from one hotel to the next. The hotel managers and staff of the 700 Mercure hotels are hospitality professionals. Attentive and available, they are ready to listen and make sure their guests enjoy a stay full of genuine moments of pleasure and relaxation in a truly warm and comfortable setting. More information on Mercure hotels is available on mercure.com

About ibis 

ibis, the worldwide economy hotel brand of the Accor group, offers consistent quality accommodation and services in all its hotels, for the best local value: a well-designed and fully-equipped bedroom, major hotel services available 24/7 and a wide choice of on-site food and beverage options. The quality of the ibis standard has been recognised by the International Organization for Standardization certification ISO 9001 since 1997. ibis is also the world's first hotel chain to demonstrate its environmental commitment through securing the ISO 14001 certification, which has already been awarded to one third of its hotels.

Established in 1974, ibis is the European leader and one of the first economy hotel chains in the world, with more than 107,000 rooms and 900 hotels in 48 countries, including 4 hotels in South Korea.

For additional information, please visit www.ibishotel.com

Press Contacts

Regional Media Contact                                   

Evan Lewis                                             

VP Communications - Asia Pacific                

T: +65 64 08 8888                                 

E: Evan.LEWIS@accor.com                      

Country Contact
Natalie Kim
PR Manager
T: +82 2 2531 6495
E: Natalie@ambatel.com