Hotel Cappuccino
why

Icon of the Millennial Lifestyle

Millennials are leading consumerism in the midst of long-term sluggish economic growth. Millennials usually refer to the demographic cohort and children of Baby Boomers that were born between the early 1980s and 2000s. Their childhood was relatively abundant with resources, but they started their career in the era of the post-2008 financial crisis. While a high rate of unemployment and diminished job quality left them nervous and unconfident about their financial stability, their optimism and digital-friendly nature that distinguishes them from other generations is forming new consumer trends.

In particular, the electronics-filled and increasingly online world Millennials are living in brought a lot of change to consumer behavior. Expressing oneself on social media comes natural to them, while prioritizing the present over a daunting future. To them, being able to “experience” things became a way to accentuate their identity. A trend to seek cost-effective items and go on a trip to nice places based on customized and personal information can be understood in the same context.

This trend is also witnessed in the hotel market. Millennials who lead the shared economy gave rise to Airbnb and rental houses allowing them to experience the taste of others. Boutique hotels are increasing in numbers, bringing a breath of fresh air to their needs at a reasonable price. Hotel Cappuccino, to be introduced today is an exemplary case to show how the hotel business sharply caught on a recent trend and is proactively reflected in Millennials’ needs.

Hotel Cappuccino was launched with the concept “the first Korean lifestyle hotel.” As interesting as it appears, Cappuccino broke through conventions and placed itself as a “socializing and sharing place” in a short period of time, bringing an innovative change in the B&B market. Creating shared value to embrace the community motivated the hotel space expansion. The place proves itself to be the icon of integrating space and lifestyle.
people

Designing a Brand Philosophy that Catches the Heart

In the last month of 2014, Kolon Group’s Hotel Cappuccino opened. When I first heard the news, I thought it would be another franchise hotel or the second brand of a conglomerate. To my surprise, it actually turned out to be the first independent branded hotel in Korea. In 2017, Cappuccino has become one of the few most prominent hotels in hotel market in Korea. Furthermore, its focus on “shared value” and “lifestyle hotel” over size or fancy features was never tried before, which is quite impressive. This was enough reason for me to know more about Lee So-jeong, the general manager of the hotel, and her team who established Hotel Cappuccino.

“Hotel Cappuccino is the first independent branded hotel in Korea.” The worldwide trend utilizes old run-down buildings to build boutique hotels, so it’s rare to see a brand new building like Hotel Cappuccino. To add more, in the category of boutique hotels, Cappuccino’s identity stands firm in terms as a lifestyle hotel.” While a lifestyle hotel encompasses all the elements of a boutique hotel, comprised of local-based design, storytelling, and unique concept, it rules out one aspect: luxury. In other words, lifestyle hotels introduce a new lifestyle and a different experience.

What lifestyle does Cappuccino suggest as a space? The answer is “the life that acts out shared value.” Cappuccino’s top priority philosophy lied within creating shared value since the planning stage. They spent almost a year studying social values with Impact Square, and explored ideas from hotels like Mama Shelter, Ovolo, and Ace Hotel that seek different approaches in the conventional hotel market. While staying here, the concept of “sharing” is organically delivered in a rather witty and timely manner. Elaborate planning supports authenticity of this brand image without making a shallow marketing strategy.

The initial plan as a business hotel was developed to a new concept of lifestyle hotel as the discussion progressed. UDS Ltd., the company under the spotlight for its outstanding work, was responsible for the overall architecture from the exterior to overall structure. As planning took a turn into another direction Lee So-jeong and the art directing team Kidea Partners continued the work. The concept of socializing and sharing space was brought into every detail from an E&G box and denim kit to a Bark Room and Social Lobby. Kelita&Co. was in charge of a cute mascot and BI work, which represents the hotel.
Hotel Cappuccino
location

Hotel Cappuccino Stands Unchallenged in the Midst of a Forest of Buildings

To cope with the increasing demands for foreign tourists and international events, government has slashed regulations since 2012, which resulted in a great number of new hotels and eventually a supply glut in Seoul. Despite the criticism of many hotels’ cost-ineffective practices and ruining the urbanscape, hotels positively serve as a member of society, which necessitates them to pay attention to a new role and responsibility. Boutique hotels in Seoul including Small House Big Door, Glad Hotel, and Handpicked Hotel show a sensitive response to tourists’ needs and add more colors to the city as a cultural platform.

Located in Nonhyeon-dong in Gangnam, Hotel Cappuccino is also involved in keen competition. It’s in the heart of Gangnam where anyone can easily notice a huge number of hotels just by looking around the area. Between Eonju and Sinnonhyeon station, mega hotel chains –Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Novotel, and Best Western—are lined up on both sides of the streets, with small and medium sized business hotels that accommodate business trips densely sprinkled through skyscrapers. This double-edged location could turn out to benefit Cappuccino as a prime location but also could blur its identity with other hotels.

A saturated hotel market didn’t frustrate Hotel Cappuccino with its clear vision. Beyond a place to consume a simple commodity, Cappuccino branded itself as a cultural place to accomplish the concept of socializing and sharing space. Social Lobby of the hotel is a great example to show how the presence of the hotel embraces the community. Social Lobby still plays an essential role as a lobby, just like any other hotels, while providing a platform for co-working, meeting, or partying. This shows how Hotel Cappuccino lets go of authority as a hotel, and instead stays practical, which is the secret to its popularity.

One of the biggest advantages as a skyscraper in Gangnam is its bird’s eye view. Food and beverage space offers a panoramic view as well as trendy design at a reasonable price—reflection of Millennial-minded consumer trends. The hotel restaurant Hot Eatsue, with simple and comfort food and the first Korean Gintoneria rooftop bar that specializes in gin and tonic cater to the taste of people in their 20s and 30s, who prioritizes self-expression and new experiences. Beyond their essential function as a hotel restaurant and bar, they are the iconic place to draw young people.
MAKING STORY

Hotel Cappuccino located in the heart of the city, is filled with practical elements without any extra on the exterior of the building, touched with simplicity. To maximize the Gangnam experience, the restaurant is not big but located on the top floor to offer a view of the building forests of Gangnam. Cappuccino put a lot of effort to fill up the space with charming features that are contrary to what is seen outside. Hundreds of thoughts went into construction, from the size of beds to bathtub ideas in rooms. When considering the concept of the hotel had changed three times, ideas inside the building are countless.

To highlight the concept of a lifestyle hotel, Cappuccino reflected the needs for Millennials, with its simple and stylish café and lobby, extremely comfortable guest rooms, and a restaurant and bar with a panoramic view, all of which works together to present the best experience to customers. The exterior and solid interior design was recognized and awarded a silver prize from the Commercial Environmental Design Association, and a bronze at the Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards 2016 in Hong Kong.#
Hotel Cappuccino was initially planned as a business hotel. With expansion of the inbound market, Korea saw a rapid increase in foreign tourists and their needs for accommodations. In this situation, Gangnam was a promising market to fulfill the needs for business and individual tourists. Equally important, as Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s “Plan to Vitalize Tourist Accommodation Business” slashed regulations for hotel constructions, conglomerate’s five-star major hotels also dived into the business. With its initial direction to business hotels, Japanese UDS Ltd. took part in the project as a partner. UDS is well known for their successful projects such as Claska, Hotel Anteroom Kyoto, and Bunka Hostel.

“Creating Shared Value,” Kolon Group’s core interest, turned the plan around from business hotel to a self-planned independent brand. As the construction goes on, the team was made around the manager Lee So-jeong, and elaborate plans were set with Impact Square to accomplish the innovation in a market and society based on cultural value. A year of preparation was dedicated to understanding the fundamentals of the brand and generating ideas by visiting the leading hotels like Mama Shelter, Ovolo, and Ace Hotel.#
SPACE

The Space for Those Who Seek a Trip of Value

Entering the 4-meter gate of Hotel Cappuccino, the lobby welcomes visitors, which seems quite contrary to the ever crowded city of Seoul. As mentioned above, the hotel was intended to create a “Social Lobby.” The core elements of Social Lobby consist of large-sized tables that gather people, internet quality for online connection, and a soft first impression of the front desk and staff. In the heart of the lobby, Café Cappuccino fills the air with aroma and comfort. The café sources their coffee beans from Anthracite Coffee, and a selection shop displays distinctive Korean brands such as Tom & Pol and Walwari. The pleasure is doubled when tourists experience the authenticity of the local city.

Cappuccino has 141 guest rooms that come in 6 different types. The small size standard room focuses on maximizing the efficient function of the room, letting guests fully rest. Though the room might feel a bit crowded compared to conventional hotels, guests are mostly happy with their stay since shared spaces and private guest rooms perform different functions. This shows how the hotel diversifies the way users engage in each space. Inside, the delicate touch of a customized oversized mattress and topper, cozy lighting, and efficient storage for travelers is the highlight. The interior and info system is designed with the friendly Cappuccino cartoon character and fonts.

One of the most highly sought after rooms includes Bark Rooms where pets are allowed to stay with guests, which can’t be found elsewhere in Korea. Targeting young professionals with pets in the city, a Bark Room is prepared with pet items for dogs making the room comfortable for both dogs and their owners. Experimental executions to foster healthy pet culture the hotel tries to seek in collaboration with a variety of brands are drawing attention. Quad Room also breaks from the conventional framework, which makes it all the more special. Offered for business groups, or small groups of tourists, a Quad Room houses bunk beds for 4 people, a community table and a locker—perfect for workshops and parties.

Free Cycle Room “Studio 1607” and Up Cycle Room “Studio 1608,” both of which minimized trash from the production stage, are the premium rooms at Cappuccino that set their clear identity as attractive and sophisticated. The unique experience at Cappuccino extends to the core of the hotel, a restaurant and a bar. Shedding the stereotype of regular hotel’s formal and upscale restaurants, Cappuccino’s restaurant Hot Eatsue provides comfort foods like Hamburg steak, and the first Korean Gintoneria rooftop bar offers a variety of gin and tonic drinks. These experiences show new possibilities of hotel restaurants and bars.
INTERVIEW

Interview with Lee So-jeong, the general manager of Hotel Cappuccino

stayfolio
Hotel Cappuccino
How did you name Hotel Cappuccino?
I didn’t want to be trapped in the rigid image of conventional hotels when I redirected the concept of the hotel from business to an independent Korean brand. There’s no hidden story behind the name to be honest. I wanted the name to sound fun and easy to remember. I liked the sound of “Cappuccino.” It sounds refreshing and it gives an unexpected feeling.
What characteristics do Cappuccino’s customers have?
Cappuccino’s target customers are Millennials. Our target customers and in their 20’s to 30’s and are likely to be flexible, open-minded, and willing to invest in travel and cultural experiences. They are proactive in looking for good deals for their trips like low-budget flights or Airbnb. They are also wired to online services and social media. With all that being said, I realized from my experience in managing the hotel that age doesn’t mean too much. The actual statistics tells that we have high rate of middle-aged customers who are satisfied with their stay. This concluded that age doesn’t differentiate their view or consuming patterns. I think the newly coined term “Young Forty” reflects what we found. Age doesn’t matter.
What are the usual patterns of visits?
Hotel Cappuccino has a much higher rate of direct reservation in comparison with other hotels, which means our customers already knew the hotel and expected Cappuccino experience. Another difference is we have a lot of long-term stay guests and proportionate numbers between Koreans and non-Koreans. We think all of this is a good sign.
Is there any specific customer you remember?
I can’t specify one memorable customer since a lot of customers come and go, but a good portion of them are by themselves. When the new trend “Staycation (Stay+Vacation)” is rising, we’re grateful that they choose Hotel Cappuccino for their personal rest. We also offer promotions in collaboration with a variety of brands, which are expected to bring more pleasant experiences to our guests.
Describe the cartoon Cappuccino’s character.
BI work and Kelita&Co. gave birth to Cappuccino’s cartoon character. It reminds people of all kinds of animals but it’s actually a cute little devil. The story goes staying at Hotel Cappuccino turns a devil into an angel. We made him look more round and soft to get rid of the negative image of a devil and bring out a friendly image. This little character takes care of all communication at Hotel Cappuccino.
Was there any inspirational brand when you launched the hotel?
Our core foundation is “Creating Shared Value.” Therefore, we wanted to explore local-base boutique hotels. We visited Mama Shelter in France, Ovolo and Penta in Hong Kong, and ACE in America to look into their branding and find what they have in common. We’ve conducted research with Impact Square to accomplish our vision of Creating Shared Value.
It’s impressive that the lobby feels lively.
Our staff’s positive energy is contagious. They are also Millennials. It seems that they can catch each other’s demands without any troubles. Cappuccino aims to deliver a casual yet genuine service to customers. Therefore, I want the hotel to be free of pretentiousness and full of bright energy. Staff members from all walks of life, with different ages, career paths, personalities, contribute to the unique organizational structure of Hotel Cappuccino.
What is the most popular room in Cappuccino?
While all rooms are beloved by our guests, I would like to introduce the Bark Room. The room allows pet dogs to stay with their owners. It appears that as family becomes more dissolved and one-person households are increasing in a great number, pet cultures have grown. It’s a trend. Cappuccino was the first case that brought pets to a hotel in Korea. We see many of our customers content with their stay because we are the only place where pets can stay with them in Seoul. We hope to lead and cultivate a healthy pet culture with other supportive brands.

STAY’s recommended
Local Destination

Gangnam Station

A shopping street representing Gangnam

Sinsadong Garosu-gil Road (Sinsadong Boulevard)

The center with hip restaurants, cafés, and shops

STAY’s recommended
Local Restaurant

Ililhyang

A popular Chinese restaurant with savory dishes every day as its name stands for

Brick Oven New York

Where classic American style pizza is available

Toggijeong

Japanese home-cooking style meal prepared with care

STAY

A Special Time, Even When I’m Solo

I didn’t even know where my days went. I was swamped all week. I was desperate for a getaway, but a long trip was overwhelming. That’s when I got to understand what “Staycation” meant and why people seek it out as a new trendy alternative for traveling. All I wanted was to turn off the alarm clock and bury myself in a comfortable bed. I chose Cappuccino for a simple reason: I wanted to experience it, something attracted me there.

When I saw Cappuccino online its name and design impressed me. On the top of that, it’s a Korean brand. I was excited to explore Cappuccino. Entering the lobby, it surely didn’t disappoint me. The lobby had a relaxing vibe that offset the hectic city. It looked more like a café than a hotel. I filled up some form at the front desk, and chose Cappuccino’s King Room. I traveled light by subway, but my excitement for my trip was not light.

Cappuccino King Room that takes up most of rooms in Cappuccino boasts a huge bed that almost fills up the entire room. It was definitely the biggest I’ve seen. With this 2-meter size bed, they didn’t cram a desk but instead skipped it, which I think was a smart decision. This bold statement would not have been possible without a pleasant lobby that accommodates working space with great internet quality. I appreciated my time alone, enjoying books and music in my private space.

The hotel’s belief in shared value turned out to be an unexpected pleasure while I stayed. Donated clothes at the box in the lobby are recycled at the non-profit organization Otcan. Inside the room, an E&G box with spare amenities can also be donated or exchanged for a beverage ticket.

Even in the elevator or when ordering food, there are even more ways to donate, which makes the place much more interesting. The easy and accessible sharing program Cappuccino runs was such a great experience that helped me get closer to the spirit of donation. It’s meaningful to know that part of what I do here contributes to a great cause.

Shared spaces including a lobby, restaurant and rooftop bar continue to present a pleasant experience at Cappuccino. Using each space for a specific purpose was quite entertaining. The rooftop bar, particularly, is a must-visit place that offers a panoramic view of Seoul, bringing me tranquility for the day. The day was special without anyone else. I appreciated that I could enjoy this in the middle of the city.
4 POINT OF VIEW

ORIGINALITY

Initiating the First Lifestyle Hotel in Korea

Hotel Cappuccino is the first urban lifestyle hotel that was never tried before in Korea. The low-to-medium budget hotel market including major franchise hotels, business hotels, motels, guesthouses, and shared accommodations, Cappuccino distinguishes itself by providing an alternative platform where guests can experience a unique space and local culture at a reasonable price. This strategy fulfilled what lacked in the conventional hotel market and positioned Cappuccino as a leader. As Cappuccino embraced and meets the needs of Millennials who value direct participation and experience, the future of Cappuccino looks ever more promising. They are making a new path in the market.

DESIGN

Socializing & Sharing Space

Building the brand of Hotel Cappuccino involved experts from each field: UDS in architecture, Kidea Partners in art directing, and Kelita&Co. in BI work. The concept of socializing and sharing space is reflected not only in a bold and well-executed space but also in intangible service design. A cartoon character giving a sentimental approach to communication, the idea of Social Lobby, and ways to encourage participation from customers all represent this new chapter of hotel business.

Hospitality

Anyone, Anytime, Easily—Cappuccino’s Sharing Program

Whether it’s intended or not, everyone at Cappuccino contributes to creating shared value. Cappuccino utilizes playful tools for those who are not familiar with the concept of sharing or donation from a user-friendly perspective. From ordering food to giving away what’s not needed anymore, the idea helps minimize the waste in the hotel as well as present the experience of shared value. Everyone wants to donate and be more charitable. However, they only can when the opportunity is presented in a way where they feel comfortable doing so.

PRICE

Millennials’ Choice

Hotel Cappuccino targeted Millennials in their early 20s to late 30s and reduced the formality and extravagance of conventional hotels while offering a trendy experience at a reasonable price. This strategy perfectly worked for Millennials who are curious to try new experiences and are willing to participate. Cappuccino definitely stands as a charming option for those who are looking at the current trend of cost-effective, minimal luxury, one-person consumption experiences.

Stay Name
Hotel Cappuccino

Stay Type
Hotel

Contact information

Address
155, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Guests / No. of Room
2~4 / 141

Price
US$ 95.57 ~ US$ 173.76

Check-in / out
15:00 / 11:00

Feature
Breakfast, Projector or TV, Pets allowed

PHOTO BY PARK KIHUN(@arc_factory) | www.arcfactory.net
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