SK Networks, a trading and retail arm of SK Group, will run its flagship hotels Sheraton Grande Walkerhill and W Seoul Walkerhill under its own brand Walkerhill from Jan. 1 2017, the firm announced Monday.

SK Networks has decided to stop using the brand names Sheraton and W as of Dec. 31 this year, and go ahead as an independent brand highlighting on its 53 years of experience in hotel management, the company said.

Sheraton Grande Walkerhill has been moving to position itself as a family friendly hotel, equipped with the Walkerhill Kids Club and an indoor kids pool. The hotel will temporarily be closed from January to March next year while renovations for suites on the Sheraton Club floor take place.

W Seoul Walkerhill will also be closed for the first three months of 2017 to undergo renovation, and re-open in April under the new Walkerhill brand.

Meanwhile, Walkerhill plans to construct the Walkerhill Resort Spa in accordance to its business plan to regain license for a duty free store.

Walkerhill is expected to invest 120 billion won ($107 million) into the project and finish building the facility that will span over 39,670 square meters by 2018. 

By Kim Bo-gyung (lisakim425@heraldcorp.com)