Live it up at Grand Suite where air is fresh, sky blue

The Grand Suite, since its opening in the Grand Hilton Seoul compound in 1988, has established a reputation as a market leader in serviced residences. Indeed, it was the first brand to introduce the long-term residency concept to Korea.

Residents at the Grand Suite, where the philosophy is to provide a friendly and comfortable retreat for its guests, receive hotel-style service and enjoy a range of social activities, including special holiday events and an opportunity to network with other residents.

Set in the foothills of Mt. Baekryeon, the Grand Suite distinguishes itself from its competitors by its beautiful natural surroundings. Located only about 15 minutes away from the bustling downtown Seoul, the Grand Suite, nestled in a beautiful natural environment where one wakes up to the sound of birds chirping, is a perfect setting for a home away from home.

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Seoul Foreign School and Yonsei University Hospital, which offers medical services for foreign residents, are within close proximity of the Grand Suite. In a community of expatriates from around the globe, residents can raise their children in a comfortable environment. Babysitting services and recreational activities are also available for children, making the Grand Suite an ideal choice for expatriate families. In fact, 60 percent of the residents live with families.

Situated in a separate building adjacent to the Grand Hilton Seoul`s main hotel building, guests at the Grand Suite can choose from 21 different styles of two to five bedroom apartments. Including nine two-storey suites, all 107 apartments are fully furnished and feature maid services and 24-hour security.

Residents are entitled to free membership at the Grand Hilton Seoul`s fitness center, a 20 percent discount at all of the hotel`s eight restaurants and bars, a 50 percent discount on laundry and dry cleaning services, free usage of the hotel`s sauna and complimentary shuttle bus service to Itaewon and the downtown area.

The majority of the Grand Suite`s residents hail from France, Germany and other European countries. British, American, Australian and Japanese nationals also make the Grand Suite their temporary home.

By occupation, embassy personnel, bank and airline employees and executives of foreign companies make up the bulk of the Grand Suite`s residents. There are also many people who are in Korea on project-based work in fields as diverse as petrochemical engineering, construction engineering, electronics and computer industries.

The Grand Suite has 38 two-bedroom suites, 37 three-bedroom suites, 30 four-bedroom suites and two five-bedroom suites. On average, the Grand Suite`s residents rent on a yearly basis but monthly rentals are also available. There are some current residents who have made the Grand Suite their home since its opening.

Among the leisure facilities at the Grand Hilton Seoul that are available to the Grand Suite residents are: swimming pool, fitness center, sauna and jogging track.

Numerous outings are also prepared by the Grand Suite such as those to the Unification Observatory, traditional folk villages, mountain climbing excursions and other recreation and sporting activities.

The Grand Suite also sponsors an annual party to help residents and their guests learn more about Korean culture, and other annual parties including Easter, Halloween, and Christmas parties.

The residence concierge desk, located in the main lobby of the building, is dedicated to taking care of the smallest needs of the Grand Suite`s residents.

Among the services and benefits offered to long-term tenants this year are: housekeeping service twice a week, free installation and usage of high speed Internet line, monthly Grand Hilton Seoul dining vouchers valued at 50,000 won each and a local English language newspaper.

All the apartments are fully furnished, including linen, and feature color television sets with VCR as well as Sky life satellite television. The kitchen comes fully equipped with a refrigerator, dishwasher, kitchen range, microwave oven, crockery and utensils. Washing machines and dryers are also available. All the units have individual air conditioning control.

There is a 24-hour manned security and concierge service. Parking is complimentary. For those with children, there is a children`s play room and basketball court. Baby-sitting services are available at 8,000 won per hour.

For more information on the Grand Suite, call (02) 2287-8481.

(khooran@heraldm.com)