2022.11.24 Hotel Events

JW Marriott Hotel Seoul celebrates the approach of Christmas with a selection of 2022 limited-edition Christmas cakes crafted by the hotel pastry team. This year’s selection includes a variety of themed cakes includes creations in white, evoking...

JW Marriott Hotel Seoul

JW Marriott Hotel Seoul in Seocho District, southern Seoul, celebrates the approach of Christmas with a selection of the 2022 limited-edition Christmas cakes crafted by the hotel pastry team. [JW MARRIOTT HOTEL SEOUL]

From Dec. 1 to 25:JW Marriott Hotel Seoul celebrates the approach of Christmas with a selection of 2022 limited-edition Christmas cakes crafted by the hotel pastry team. This year’s selection includes a variety of themed cakes includes creations in white, evoking freshly fallen snow, and in Christmas-inspired green and red shades, complemented by a range of traditional Christmas bread from around the world.

Five seasonal cakes include the signature Winter Atelier, chocolate cake sheets sandwiching chocolate balls and soft vanilla mascarpone cream and decorated with white chocolate teddy bears and chocolate balls. The Evergreen Christmas is a mousse cake crafted in the shape of a Christmas wreath adorned with leaf-shaped chocolates, boasting a rich texture combining tangy cassis jelly, crunch pistachio feuilletines, and dacquoise. The White Chocolate Berry Box, an annual favorite, features three layers of white sponge spread with strawberry jam and filled with strawberries and whipped cream, then enveloped in chocolate, perfectly balanced with the aromas of fresh seasonal fruit. The Bûche de Noël, reinterpreted in JW Marriott Hotel Seoul’s unique style, is decorated with teddy bear figures with a blend of blackberry chocolate mousse filled with Early Grey and cherry jelly, white crunch, and chocolate sponge. Finally, the Ginger Santa is topped with vanilla cream and caramelized apple, and garnished with colorful sugar balls.

This year’s festive selection also includes Stollen, an aromatic German-style Christmas bread, traditional Italian Christmas bread Panettone and Pandoro, and a variety of Christmas Bell Sand Cookies.

The 2022 limited-edition Christmas cakes are available from Dec. 1 to 25 from Patisserie on the second floor of the hotel, while Christmas bread can be purchased from Cafe One on the first floor. Ten percent savings are available with bookings placed in advance via Naver, for pick-up at any time until Dec. 25. Cakes and breads are priced from 4,500 won ($3) to 130,000 won.

(02) 6282-6262 www.marriott.co.kr/hotels/travel/seljw-jw-marriott-hotel-seoul

Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas

The Christmas Tree of Hope campaign held until Dec. 30 is conducted through the sale of InterContinental’s signature bear-shaped toy I-Bear. [GRAND INTERCONTINENTAL SEOUL PARNAS]

Through Dec. 30: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and economic recession, the public interest in donations has been scarce in the past few years. According to a survey by market research organization Embrain Trend Monitor, the percentage of respondents with donation experience has continuously decreased from 84.7 percent in 2018 to 77.1 percent in 2019, 78.6 percent in 2020, and 76.3 percent in 2021. Donation organizations, including Babsang and Foodbank, also reported that the number of donation items has dramatically decreased this year compared to the previous year.

While the donation community is experiencing a slump, Parnas Hotel’s CEO Yeo In-chang has consistently carried out a year-end charity campaign for 20 years in a row. The “Christmas Tree of Hope” campaign by Parnas Hotel is part of the “Hopeful Ondol Project for Warm Winter” organized by Gangnam District and the Community Chest of Korea, and this year’s target is achieving 140 percent of last year’s total donations in celebration of the campaign's 20th year.

The Christmas Tree of Hope campaign held until Dec. 30 is conducted through the sale of InterContinental’s signature bear-shaped toy I-Bear. Sponsors can purchase I-Bear of different sizes available for either 100,000 won or 1,000,000 won. Each I-Bear purchased as a corporate or individual donation is to be exhibited at the lobby of Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas with the company logo or the “Card of Love” filled out by the sponsor.

The number of sponsors participating in the Christmas Tree of Hope Campaign is growing each year at a steady pace. In 2020, the number of individual sponsors exceeded that of corporate sponsors for the first time. As a result, I-Bear was completely sold out last year for the first time, and the donation target was surpassed by 10 percent. Donations can be made through the QR code in the notice placed at the lobby of InterContinental Parnas.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Christmas Tree of Hope this year, the “I-Bear Igloo Cake” inspired by I-Bear will be showcased for the first time, and part of the sales revenue will be added to the Christmas Tree of Hope donation fund. The year-end cake lineup by InterContinental Parnas always garners a great deal of attention as best-selling items, and there are high expectations for this year’s donations. The cake available during the year-end season can be purchased at the Grand Deli located on the ground floor of InterContinental Parnas from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31.

“Everyone is struggling with inflation these days, but we believe it is our shared social responsibility to care for those in need. We hope we can warm the hearts of our neighbors who are experiencing difficulties through Christmas Tree of Hope despite the cold weather,” said a Parnas Hotel representative.

Through Dec. 31:Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas showcased a new look for the hotel’s signature space, “Lobby Lounge & Bar,” following the renovation.

The renovation of InterContinental Parnas’s core space has realized its design visions, “Return to Nature,” “Aesthetic of Balance,” and “Exquisiteness,” all at once. With the backdrop of a spacious atmosphere maximized by a high ceiling, curves inspired by nature are found in the furniture and partition design. The furniture accentuated by ocean-inspired deep blue as well as the yellowish-brown reminiscent of the earthen ground creates a mood that is both natural and modern.

The Lobby Lounge & Bar is expected to become a must-visit venue for guests looking for a photogenic spot with a festive year-end atmosphere. Here, visitors can enjoy the Christmas tree which stands seven meters tall, set up in the shape of a waterfall cascading from the ceiling.

InterContinental Parnas presents Lumière Royal High Tea jointly with Trudon, a French luxury candle brand with 400 years of history, to celebrate the reopening of Lobby Lounge & Bar. Lumière Royal High Tea, a name inspired by the French word for “light,” comprises top-quality items from French cuisine. It includes cannele in the shape of the candle from scented candle brand Trudon, which lighted up the Palace of Versailles for the French royal family in the past, chocolate, Mont Blanc, croissant sandwich, and escargot a la provence.

Also, Trudon’s scented cameo, which creates fragrant memories, and perfume Sofistics are included as gifts. Lumière Royal High Tea is available at 100,000 won for two in a limited quantity per day at Lobby Lounge & Bar until Dec. 31.

“Newly refurbished Lobby Lounge & Bar will become a popular venue that satisfies people's needs for a luxurious lifestyle space. We hope that guests looking for a festive year-end atmosphere could create unforgettable memories at Lobby Lounge & Bar,” said a representative from Parnas Hotel.

(02) 555-5656 www.grandicparnas.com

Fairmont Ambassador Seoul

Blanc de Blancs Champagne High Tea at Fairmont, served at The Atrium Lounge until Dec. 25 and featuring a selection of Christmas-themed desserts [FAIRMONT AMBASSADOR HOTEL]

Through Dec. 25: Fairmont Ambassador Seoul celebrates the excitement of the festive season with Blanc de Blancs Champagne High Tea at Fairmont, served at The Atrium Lounge until Dec. 25 and featuring a selection of Christmas-themed desserts.

Dessert menu highlights include Paris-brest, a Christmas wreath-shaped indulgence filled with hazelnut cream; Christmas tree cupcakes, rich chocolate muffins topped with green tea cream; white Mont-Blancs infused with fresh lime and yuja aromas; Christmas ornament-shaped mousse cakes filled with chocolate mousse and mixed berry monté cream; chocolate ganache cookies crafted with Valrhona cocoa powder; and soft cranberry scones and cheese scones. The savory menu features tuna spheres, homemade crackers topped with premium tuna and caviar; beetroot pillows, filled with white balsamic pearls and goat cheese for an irresistible blend of flavors; green pea choux, freshly-baked choux filled with organic peas and homemade wasabi mayonnaise; and savory bites, homemade brioche topped with caramelized apples and blueberries and Camembert cheese.

High tea sets for two are accompanied by a choice of one cup or glass of tea, coffee, or a limited-edition seasonal beverage. In celebration of the festive season, one glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs champagne per person is also served. Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is a non-vintage champagne crafted from Chardonnay grapes harvested over multiple years by Ruinart, the world’s oldest traditional champagne house. Blending citrus notes and uplifting floral aromas for a soft, charismatic drinking experience, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is ideal for enjoying with afternoon high tea.

Blanc de Blancs Champagne High Tea is served at The Atrium Lounge on the hotel’s first floor, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., by advance reservation. It is priced at 85,000 won per person, with a minimum order of two guests.

(02) 3395-6000 www.fairmont.com