Renaissance Seoul : Refurbished, Revitalized, Re-energized
- Renovation complete on Oct. 1

Renaissance Seoul has undergone a transformation with a major lobby refurbishment and three new innovative restaurant concepts.

Along with the refurbishment, Renaissance Seoul is also spearheading the latest corporate brand standard for Renaissance Hotels and Resorts.  These include savvy service, expressive design giving a sense of place, offering an imaginative dining experience as well as the comfort and function that enable the guest to experience the unique ambiance of Renaissance.

"We enjoy strong loyalty from our discerning clientele including corporate clients traveling both regionally and internationally, as well as a very strong local market and the weekend family business," said Nicholas Tse, the hotel's director of marketing. for "We are very excited about the refurbishment which now enables us to further enhance our guests experience and reawaken the sensibilities of our proud cultural heritage and combine it with the vibrancy of a rapidly growing Metropolis," he said.

Located in the heart of Teheran Street, the thriving business and commerce district, the hotel was awarded the "Best Food and Beverage Hotel Award" by an English-language daily in both 2003 and 2004.

The Lobby and Trevi Lounge

The warm, gracious Korean welcome on entering the hotel's lobby has not changed and remains part of the all-important first impression for arriving guests and visitors.

Natural daylight gives a fresh and inviting addition to the ambiance of the Lobby's new design which is upscale, modern and cosmopolitan.  It entices guests to linger and relax in comfort while meeting friends or business associates, or waiting for their guests.  Flexible free seating areas allow guests the opportunity to interact, or simply appreciate the ambiance of a world-class lounge.

Within the Lobby, the Trevi Lounge offers an exquisite range of refreshments.  Whether it be gourmet coffees and teas, high tea, or whetting the appetite with pre-dinner cocktails or an after dinner nightcap (or two) through to the small hours, the Trevi Lounge is the place to meet.  Live entertainment sets the scene as day goes to evening and evening to night with changes of pace from acoustic piano and flute to jazz to a three piece band in the evenings.

Don't even try resisting the delicious home made cakes and pastries baked which are baked daily on the premises ? or the sinful chocolates which are simply to die for.

Manhattan  Grill

A classic cozy, sophisticated American steakhouse with rich mahogany and aged leather interiors and high backed chairs, Manhattan Steakhouse is THE place for a memorable experience.  THIS is where clients are impressed during power lunches and dinners are held and lucrative deals are sealed.  Engaging bartenders jostle cocktails as soothing jazz sets the scene.

It's also the perfect new place in town for romantic and intimate dinners, complete with four private dining rooms.

The open kitchen takes centre stage at Manhattan Grill, with magnificent marine aquariums on either side.  The subtle aroma of the charcoal grill permeates through the air as towering plates of prime steaks and seafood accompanied by garlic mushrooms, crispy onion rings are served on oversized mahogany platters with Long-Horn handles.  Main courses are accompanied by traditional Caesar salads, steamed asparagus with herb hollandaise sauce.

The wine list is impressive and extensive with high end American reds and whites, as well as a great selection of New-World wines, champagnes and sparkling wines, all beautifully presented and artfully incorporated into the design with "wine walls," an intimate wine room ad a tasting table at the restaurant entrance.

"We can't even talk about the wicked desserts on offer… Be sure to book in advance for this great experience which is to be truly savored it's simply the best!"

Cafe Elysee

Definitely the place to be see and be seen, Cafe Elysee offers all day dining with a choice of exquisite buffet presentations for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hardest part is choosing from the extensive array of local and regional dishes, catering to a truly international clientele. The sumptuous Sunday Brunch is an absolute must!

Inter-active live cooking stations give the restaurant a dramatic and exotic marketplace buzz, while rich aromas and the sizzling sounds of freshly cooked cuisine build diners' anticipation of a memorable meal to follow.  

The Bakery

A very stylish and trendy new addition to the Renaissance Seoul - The Bakery is easily found - literally by following ones nose.  Guests are drawn by the irresistible aromas of freshly ground coffee and 'just-baked, straight from the oven' breads, pastries and cookies.

Open daily from breakfast through to dinner, The Bakery is ideal for breakfast on the go, freshly baked cheesecake, to linger with friends, or just relax with a magazine or good book, while enjoying all that is on offer.  Items can also be packed to enjoy at in guest's rooms, in the office or at home.   nw