Mondrian Seoul Itaewon Brings the Brand to Asia
The first Mondrian in Asia Pacific opens in Itaewon through Accor and sbe, with 296 rooms, the region's first Cleo and a rooftop bar called Privilege.
Photo: Mondrian Seoul Itaewon Official sourceAccor and sbe unveiled Mondrian Seoul Itaewon on 18 August 2020, the first Mondrian hotel in Asia Pacific and the fifth in the brand’s global portfolio. The 296-room hotel stands in Itaewon, the Seoul district long associated with international dining, nightlife and shopping.
The partners presented the opening as a first step into Asian markets, with Singapore, Vietnam and Australia named as further targets for sbe brands. “Seoul is one of Asia’s most dynamic cities,” said Michael Issenberg, chairman and CEO of Accor Asia Pacific, adding that the hotel would “provide a complete lifestyle hotel experience.”
Rooms and suites were designed by Singapore studio Asylum, which the hotel describes as “striking, modern and sculptural.” The project was developed with Yojin Construction & Engineering, whose vice chairman Eunsang Choi noted that Itaewon is known as a “special tourism district” in Seoul for its cultural diversity, shopping and dining.
Food and drink lean heavily on sbe’s nightlife pedigree. Cleo, the Mediterranean restaurant with Miami influences, made its first appearance in Asia here. Altitude serves cocktails, mocktails and wine beside the outdoor pool and city viewing deck, while Privilege, on the rooftop, focuses on whisky, wine and live performances. Rumpus Room offers a more intimate lounge, and Blind Spot is set up for after-work drinks with an in-house DJ.
For events, an 867-square-metre ballroom with an integrated LED screen is joined by five meeting rooms. The hotel’s official site also lists an indoor pool among its facilities.
