A while ago, when I stayed at one of the Marriott properties in Seoul: The Aloft Seoul Myeongdong, I mentioned that there will be new dual-brand Marriott hotels opening in November. Well, the opening date for these two hotels: Le Méridien and Moxy Seoul Myeongdong is finally confirmed for November 25, 2022, so let’s take a look at it below.
What Are Dual-Brand Hotels
The dual-brand concept hotels are hotel properties that comprise two similar hotels from the same brand family – such as a Sheraton and Marriott – in a single building. They can both be brands from the same group, but they can also come from two different groups, in which case the concept is known as a combo-hotel.
A good example I can tell you is Sheraton-Marriott hotels at Frankfurt Airport. This hotel has different hallways that lead to check-in counters but both hotels are residing in one long building.
Le Méridien & Moxy Seoul Myeongdong Location
Both hotels will be located in one building in the heart of Seoul. It is less than a mile from Seoul station with a walking distance of 18 minutes or 5 minutes by car/taxi. The greatest advantage of this location is that both hotels are in the vicinity of malls and restaurants.
Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong
This is not the first time Le Méridien Seoul is opening in Seoul. In fact, there is a long history of Le Méridien hotel in Seoul.
In 1995, Ritz Carlton Seoul first opened in Seoul’s upscale and modern center, the Gangnam area. But at the end of December 2016, the hotel’s contract ended and the hotel went into remodeling before eventually reopening as Le Méridien Seoul.
But four years after its reopening, due to a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and a controversial scandal that involved several celebrities, including Korean idols of popular K-pop groups, and police officials, the hotel decided to close its doors.
Thankfully, it did not take long before another Le Méridien hotel was planned to open, this time in the tourist area, near Seoul station. The new hotel will feature 192 rooms and 8 suites that span 7 floors. There will be 9 types of rooms under 7 different categories and the hotel will have two restaurants and a deli:
- La Palette Paris
- Lumière
- Le Moulin
Interestingly, the property has set its check-in time to 4 PM which is relatively late, and the check-out time to 12 PM. This is probably due to the number of rooms in the hotel but I will review how early and late elite members can check in on my stay.
Moxy Seoul Myeongdong
Next, the Moxy Seoul Myeong will be the second Moxy property in Seoul. Back in late 2019, Moxy opened its first hotel in Seoul and I have visited numerous times as it offered one of the cheapest rates in Seoul to rack up my Bonvoy elite nights.
In parallel to Le Méridien Seoul, the new Moxy will be located on the opposite side of Le Méridien. The hotel features 204 rooms and 1 suite that spans 4 floors. I am still not sure how exactly how the rooms will be positioned until I actually stay and find out.
At the Moxy, there will be only one restaurant called Bar Moxy. Similar to the Moxy Seoul Insadong, the restaurant will be a combination of bar and dining.
The Moxy Myeongdong has also set its check-in time similar to Le Méridien: 4 PM check-in and 12 PM check-out. I am also not sure about the Bonvoy elite benefits given that there is only one suite here. Maybe a room upgrade to a better view and late check-out will be offered.
The room photos are still not shown except for Moxy’s standard room on the website so I think we should wait until the opening day for them to reflect.
Le Méridien & Moxy Seoul Myeongdong Rates
The most important thing about these two properties arguably will be their rates. Le Méridien has set its base rate to 361,000KRW or US$273 before taxes while Moxy Seoul Myeongdong costs 190,000KRW or US$144 before taxes.
The rates are particularly high because of the hotels’ location and attractions nearby. The lowest rate I have found for now is 291,000KRW(US$220) for Le Méridien and 141,000KRW(US$106) for Moxy.
South Korea is quite notorious for overprized Marriott properties compared to other Asian countries and I was expecting the price range to be like the above rates. What catches my eye is the price of the suite rooms at each property.
The only suite at Moxy costs 20 times more than the standard room (I have to find out how great the “Suite” is at the Moxy). On the other hand, the standard suite at Le Méridien starts from US$600 up to an unbelievable tag of US$91,000 per night. I guess this suite is equivalent to the presidential suite.
Summary
In two weeks’ time, there will be the first dual-brand Marriott hotel coming to Seoul, Korea. The two hotels opening each other will be Le Méridien and Moxy Seoul Myeongdong.
Le Méridien will once again be reopening its doors after its closure in 2020. While it will be the second Moxy property in Seoul after Moxy Seoul Insadong which is located 10 minutes away from the Myeongdong area.
As a Marriott Bonvoy member, I am excited to see new hotels opening but in terms of pricing, it is still disappointing to see such high rates compared to other countries. I am planning to stay at both hotels on their opening day on November 25, 2022 and I will get back on more details on my reviews.
