Marriott opens new AC Hotel in Gunpo for high-quality business stays

Business travel to southern Gyeonggi just got fancier with a new Marriott hotel that opened in Gunpo city.

Infinity pool at AC Hotel by Marriott Seoul Geumjeong in Gunpo, Gyeonggi [AC HOTEL BY MARRIOTT SEOUL GEUMJEONG]

Business travel to southern Gyeonggi just got more plush with a new Marriott hotel that opened in Gunpo city on Friday.

AC Hotel by Marriott Seoul Geumjeong is the first international stay to open in Gunpo, also servicing its surrounding cities Anyang and Uiwang. Located near some 400 industrial companies in complexes such as the Pyeongchon Smart Square, Anyang IT Valley and Gunpo High-tech Industrial Complex, the hotel is expected to significantly level up the quality of the business transient travel in the area.

“This region gets many business travelers, including those from abroad, but up until now, there has not been a lodging with sufficient enough quality here," General Manager of AC Hotel by Marriott Seoul Geumjeong Derik Lee told reporters during a press conference at the hotel on Friday. “Marriott has recognized the potential of this region and we plan to work closely with the related agencies and private sector to further examine their needs and sufficiently cater to them.”

Exterior of AC Hotel by Marriott Seoul Geumjeong in Gunpo, Gyeonggi [AC HOTEL BY MARRIOTT SEOUL GEUMJEONG]

The hotel is in Gunpo's Geumjeong neighborhood, some five-minute walk from Geumjeong subway station. It is about an hour drive from Gangnam District in Seoul and neighbors bigger Gyeonggi cities Suwon and Seongnam.

A mid-tier brand under the leading global hotel chain Marriott, this is the second AC property to open in Korea, following the one in Gangnam District that has been in business since 2022. AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam is rated four stars and the Geumjeong hotel aims to receive the same grade in the coming days.

The new AC Hotel by Marriott Seoul Geumjeong is 23 stories high with 191 rooms, including 20 suites. The largest penthouse suite is 132 square meters in area (1,421 square feet) and is equipped with a spacious living room and two bathrooms, which make it suitable for intimate gatherings as well as stays.

All rooms accommodate up to two guests. Most have a bathtub and offer open city views.

Inside is bright and modern, with wood-tone interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring ample natural light to the entire building.

Facilities include an all-day dining venue, a fitness center and a meeting room with a 100-person capacity.

The hotel is also equipped with a rooftop infinity pool and bar, intending to attract leisure travelers in addition to business.

Lavender sachet at AC Hotel by Marriott Seoul Geumjeong [LEE JIAN]

One of its unique services include a “lavender turndown,” which are complementary lavender sachets available at the lobby during the day to ensure guests have a good night's sleep. The hotel also crafted its own gin and tonic drink, incorporating citrus peels and star anise in Hendrick’s Gin.

"We are looking to create a memorable experience for our guests beyond just the rooms, with excellent tastes and fragrances," said General Manager Lee. "We have really put in a lot of thought into what will stick with our guests after their stays here with us."

“Being the only international hotel brand in the area, it is anticipated to become a new place for travelers and residents to relax and meet,” said Duke Nam, area vice president for Korea, Philippines and Vietnam at Marriott International, through a press release on Friday. “At AC Hotels, every moment is designed, refined, crafted and considered to create a seamless guest experience, and we’re excited to deliver these to both business and leisure guests at AC Hotel By Marriott Seoul Geumjeong.”

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]