Hilton Worldwide Opens Conrad Seoul

Seoul (Korea) – November 11, 2012 – Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of Conrad Seoul in South Korea. Strategically located in Seoul’s financial district in Yeouido, the five-star luxury hotel will open its doors on November 12, 2012 and features 434 spacious, designer rooms that provide guests with a contemporary and exotic experience by delivering modern sophistication and smart luxury.

“Conrad Hotels & Resorts offers today’s affluent travellers a world of style, service, and connection with the luxury of being themselves,” said John T.A. Vanderslice, global head of luxury and lifestyle brands for Hilton Worldwide. “Through Conrad Seoul, the brand’s presence in global gateway cities and most sought-after resort destinations is strengthened. Guests will experience the Conrad spirit of individuality and commitment to service synonymous with the brand.”

“Hilton Worldwide continues to expand our presence in Korea and the Conrad Seoul is an outstanding addition to our growing portfolio of Conrad Hotels in Asia Pacific and to our expanding footprint in Korea,” said Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.

“We are extremely pleased to be working closely with AIG Global Real Estate in adding this luxurious property to the Conrad Hotels & Resorts family. Backed by the industry knowledge and strong local expertise of AIG Global Real Estate, we are confident that this stunning property will be a great fit for the sophisticated and design-focused International Finance Centre Seoul (IFC Seoul) and will successfully cater to the ever increasing number of global, affluent travellers to this popular city destination,” added Rinck.

Conrad Seoul occupies one of four towers in the IFC Seoul, the first large-scale multipurpose commercial venue in Yeouido, placing the hotel immediately adjacent to a world-class luxury shopping mall with a cineplex theater and direct access to the Yeouido subway station. Conrad Seoul will provide a luxurious and practical experience for every guest to rest, shop, experience culture and conduct business all under the same roof.

“Hotels have stayed more or less the same in the past decade, but people have not. It is time for a change, and we will unveil a new kind of hotel that Korea has never seen,” said Nils-Arne Schroeder, general manager of Conrad Seoul. “This change is highlighted by our core value of Smart Luxury that permeates our facility for an outstanding experience.”

A key design highlight at the stylish 38-story Conrad Seoul is a 40-meter spiral staircase which connects floors one through five and seamlessly integrates into its surrounding environment while establishing a symbolic aesthetic tone that reaches throughout the entire hotel.

Exemplifying the hotel’s Smart Luxury concept, Conrad Seoul will be the first hotel in Korea to implement a Smart In-room Multimedia Technology. Using Apple-based technology and offering an all-in-one multimedia hub and a Mac computer, guests will be able to surf the Internet, access Facebook and Wi-Fi access points or play personal content from his or her own iPad, iPhone, smartphone or laptop. Conrad Seoul’s digital rooms will also allow for a customizable and personal space.

Creating intuitively comfortable environments, Conrad Seoul boasts super spacious rooms starting at a minimum floor space of 48 square meters – one of the largest in Seoul.

Conrad Seoul features three floors or 2608 sqm of meeting and banquet space, including two ballrooms with private foyer and the whole floor to themselves. The Park Ballroom which can seat up to a 400 guests; and the Grand Ballroom with a capacity of 800 guests banquet style. In addition Conrad Seoul offers an exclusive venue for Executive meetings “The Studio”, with 11 elegantly appointed meeting rooms flooded with natural day light and surrounding residential style kitchens for unique food & beverage offerings.

The Wellness Zone features a state-of-the-art fitness club, Pulse8, on the 8th floor, and the Conrad Spa on the 9th floor. Providing 24-hour gym service all year, the fitness club includes a swimming pool flooded with natural day light, a golf driving range and a high quality spa facility for the convenience of hotel guests and office workers nearby.

Creating memorable experiences, 37 Grill and Bar restaurant and the Executive Lounge on the 37th floor will captivate guests and Seoulites with a breathtaking 360-degree visual of Seoul, including a panoramic view of the Han River. Conrad Seoul also features an Italian restaurant, Atrio, with a 28-meter high ceiling adorned with designer lighting sculpture. The hotel’s exquisite dining options also include Zest, a three meal restaurant with trendy show-cooking stations and buffet islands Conrad Seoul has implemented a variety or eco-friendly initiatives consistent with the hotel’s value of Smart Luxury:

Rainwater harvesting for use in irrigation
Grey water usage in toilets and public spaces
Solar panels to assist heating water, lighting and emergency power
Transparent dual-sheet glass to efficiently control temperature indoors
Ice thermal storage system utilizing late-night surplus electricity

About Conrad Seoul
Conrad Seoul defines a whole new world of luxury, sophistication and service in Korea. Strategically located, Conrad Seoul occupies one of the four towers of the renowned International Finance Centre (IFC) in Yeouido Business District. Conveniently attached to Seoul’s subway system, an upmarket International lifestyle Mall with 9 CGV Theaters and the closest luxury hotel to both International Airports. A landmark in more ways than one, Conrad Seoul offers stunning 434 super spacious guest rooms with views to match and a real first apple based in-room technology. With banquet facilities that will stimulate and inspire, exotic dining options and a luxurious wellness center for Smart balanced lifestyle, Conrad Seoul will be the place that is as unique as you.

About IFC Seoul
The International Finance Centre Seoul (IFC Seoul) is a landmark 5.4 million square foot world-class mixed-use project that includes three premium office towers, Conrad Seoul hotel and a retail mall with CGV multiplex movie theater, fine dining and significant new public outdoor spaces. The project is located in the heart of Yeouido, with immediate access to major transportation systems. Upon completion, IFC Seoul will be one of the largest commercial mixed-use developments in Korea as well as one of the only projects of such scope and scale pursuing certification as a green building. More information on the project can be found at www.ifcseoul.com

About Conrad Hotels & Resorts
CONRAD® HOTELS & RESORTS is Hilton Worldwide’s global luxury brand and the choice for today’s modern, sophisticated traveler. By focusing on the individual, Conrad offers guests genuine and personalized experience and a world of style, service and connection. Each Conrad is a dynamic reflection of its city and culture, as well as a showcase for striking design and distinct surroundings. Across five continents, in the world’s gateway cities and most sought-after resort destinations, Conrad invites each guest to enjoy The Luxury Of Being Yourself®. For information on Conrad, please visit http://www.conradhotels.com/ . Conrad Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 640,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®.

Media Contact:
Audrey Wong
Hilton Worldwide, Asia Pacific
+65 6833 9763
audrey.wong@hilton.com