Marriott's Tribute Portfolio Debuts in Korea with The Link S

Marriott's Tribute Portfolio Debuts in Korea with The Link Seoul in Sindorim

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 10, 2024

Marriott Bonvoy's Tribute Portfolio has debuted in South Korea with the launch of The Link Seoul, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, located in Seoul’s Sindorim district. The hotel, marked by unique design elements and vibrant social spaces, celebrates the area’s historical textile background while catering to modern travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences.

The Link Seoul offers 141 guestrooms, including 16 suites and a Presidential Suite, across 19 floors. Each room combines a Scandinavian aesthetic with traditional Korean touches, providing guests with a cozy, visually engaging retreat. Guests are greeted with high ceilings and modular furniture in the hotel’s lobby, creating a warm, welcoming space reflective of Tribute Portfolio’s design philosophy.

In addition to its bold design, The Link Seoul offers a range of dining experiences. The FRAME restaurant on the 12th floor serves both local and international dishes in a Nordic-inspired setting, while the 13th-floor PUNCH pub overlooks the pool with its distinctive glass ceiling. The hotel’s ground floor features DIGM, a lounge bar ideal for socializing, and ZAG, a bakery-café offering quick bites and coffee. To support travelers' fitness needs, the hotel also includes a well-equipped fitness center on the 13th floor.

The Link Seoul's event spaces include The Link Hall, a 760-square-meter ballroom with a 10-meter-high ceiling, accommodating up to 500 guests, equipped with high-end audiovisual systems for conferences, events, and celebrations. Two additional meeting rooms, along with a private boardroom, offer flexibility for gatherings of up to 100 people, outfitted with modern video conferencing and high-speed internet.

“We are thrilled to bring Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio brand into South Korea with the opening of The Link Seoul,” said Duke Nam, Area Vice President for South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines at Marriott International. He highlighted the hotel's appeal for travelers looking to explore unique local experiences.

The hotel’s location is especially appealing for K-pop fans and cultural enthusiasts, given its proximity to the Gocheok Sky Dome, a top concert venue. Sindorim’s vibrant urban landscape, with spots like the NC Department Store Sin-Guro Branch and Mullae Art Village, is easily accessible from The Link Seoul. Conveniently situated between Guro and Sindorim Stations on the Seoul Subway, guests can explore Seoul’s southwestern districts effortlessly. Additionally, Incheon International Airport is about 45 minutes away by car, ensuring easy access for international travelers.

Andrew Jung, General Manager of The Link Seoul, shared his vision for the hotel, stating, “The Link Seoul blends the rich past of the Sindorim district and its history of textile manufacturing with a distinctly modern sensibility. We look forward to creating unforgettable experiences for all our guests as they forge new memories for the future.”

The Link Seoul, with its thoughtfully curated spaces, diverse dining options, and an ambiance that balances contemporary and traditional, is poised to become a popular destination for travelers eager to experience Seoul’s rich culture with a modern twist.

Images Credit: Marriott International

TOKYO SKYTREE Brings Cherry Blossom Season to New Heights with “THE Sakura SKYTREE”

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

As Japan gears up for its much-awaited cherry blossom season, Tobu Tower Skytree Co., Ltd. has announced a special spring programme titled “THE Sakura SKYTREE – Going to Meet the Cherry Blossoms Above the Clouds” at TOKYO SKYTREE. The limited-period experience will run from February 26 to April 14, 2026, offering visitors a fresh way to enjoy sakura from 350 metres above ground.

Designed as an alternative to traditional park hanami, the event brings cherry blossom viewing into an urban, elevated setting. Located on the Tembo Deck at Floors 350 and 340, the experience blends sakura-inspired installations with wide, uninterrupted views of Tokyo, allowing visitors to enjoy spring scenery from above the city skyline.

Built around the theme “Sky × Sakura,” the Tembo Deck will be transformed with cherry blossom décor and Japanese-style photo installations. The setting reflects the fleeting beauty of sakura while creating striking visual moments for visitors. With the Tokyo skyline as a backdrop, the space offers a modern interpretation of spring that combines tradition with a sense of scale and spectacle.

For evening visitors, a key attraction will be the seasonal showcase at the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER® on Floor 350. The observatory’s large windows will turn into a panoramic screen for a three-minute visual presentation capturing the delicate and short-lived nature of cherry blossoms. Using 24 projectors and surround sound from 13 speakers, the experience adds a cinematic layer to hanami, bringing together culture, technology, and storytelling.

Adding to the seasonal feel, the SKYTREE CAFE on Floor 350 will launch a limited-edition cherry blossom-themed menu. The offerings will include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, along with spring-inspired sweets. Highlights include donuts in “Sakura Mochi” and “Sakura Sky Vanilla” flavours, made as 100% plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free options. The menu is designed to be visually appealing and easy to share, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The spring theme will also extend to the W1SH RIBBON monument on the Tembo Deck, where limited-edition pink ribbons will be available during the event period. Visitors can tie their wishes onto the softly lit pink installation, reflecting themes of renewal and fresh beginnings associated with the season. The monument lighting will also shift to pink to match the overall décor.

On selected evenings, TOKYO SKYTREE itself will light up in special spring illumination called “Sakura SKY (Sakura-Sora).” Inspired by cherry blossoms set against a spring sky, gentle pink beams will represent petals floating in the wind, turning the tower into a seasonal highlight visible across the city.

With immersive décor, visual storytelling, seasonal food, and special lighting, “THE Sakura SKYTREE” positions TOKYO SKYTREE as a standout attraction during spring. By presenting the cherry blossom season from 350 metres above ground, the event offers visitors an experience that feels modern, memorable, and uniquely Tokyo.

Chef Bobby Appointed Sous Chef at TIYA in San Francisco

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

TIYA, a Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant, has announced the appointment of Chef Bobby as its new Sous Chef. The move underlines the restaurant’s continued focus on quality, innovation, and refined modern Indian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco.

In his new role, Chef Bobby will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations at TIYA. His responsibilities include ensuring smooth service, refined plating presentation, well-balanced flavours, and consistent portion control. Through his leadership, the restaurant aims to further strengthen its position as a premium modern Indian dining destination known for creativity, precision, and memorable guest experiences.

Before joining TIYA, Chef Bobby worked as Sous Chef at Madras Group Inc., located at 1177 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. There, he supported the Executive Chef in running high-performing kitchen operations. His role included supervising and training culinary teams, maintaining HACCP and ServSafe food safety standards, handling inventory and supplier coordination, and contributing to cost control and menu innovation. His involvement in recipe development and tasting menu execution played a key role in maintaining high dining standards.

Earlier in his career, Chef Bobby gained valuable experience as a Demi Chef de Partie at The Quorum, Two Horizon Center, Golf Course Road, and as a Commi at Hotel Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar. He began his professional journey at Aamod Resorts, Kandaghat, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh, where he built a strong foundation in kitchen operations and hospitality discipline.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Bobby said, “Joining TIYA, a Michelin Guide restaurant, as Sous Chef is an exciting milestone in my culinary journey. The brand’s vision of redefining modern Indian cuisine resonates deeply with my passion for innovation and excellence. I look forward to contributing to TIYA’s continued growth and delivering memorable dining experiences to our guests.”

With experience across well-known hospitality brands in both India and the United States, Chef Bobby’s appointment marks a meaningful step forward for TIYA as it continues to raise the bar for modern Indian fine dining in San Francisco.

Unwind in the Sacred Spirit of Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on February 24, 2026

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, Novotel Cairo Airport welcomes guests to experience the season in an atmosphere defined by serenity, reflection, and heartfelt hospitality. Designed for both Cairo residents seeking a peaceful retreat within the city and travellers exploring Egypt’s capital, the hotel offers a setting where the spirit of togetherness takes centre stage.

Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport focuses on creating meaningful moments. Guests can slow down, reconnect, and embrace the traditions of the holy month while enjoying a comfortable and relaxing stay. The property’s dining venues present thoughtfully curated Iftar and Sohour experiences, blending traditional Ramadan flavours with contemporary touches. Each meal is crafted to bring families, friends, couples, and colleagues together around the table in celebration.

For corporate guests, the hotel provides fully equipped banquet rooms and dedicated facilities suited for Iftars, Sohour gatherings, and Ramadan celebrations. The spaces are designed to encourage connection and appreciation, offering organisations a welcoming environment to host teams and partners during the blessed month.

A highlight of the season is the exclusive Ramadan dessert display, available throughout the day. Guests can indulge in a carefully selected assortment of oriental pastries, featuring both classic favourites and delicately crafted treats that reflect the flavours of Ramadan. Whether enjoyed on-site or taken home to share, the sweet offerings add a festive touch to the experience.

More than a destination to stay or dine, Novotel Cairo Airport positions itself as a place where Cairo’s Ramadan evenings come alive with warmth and community spirit. It is a space to unwind after a long day of fasting, reflect on the blessings of the season, and create lasting memories.

Part of the global Accor portfolio, Novotel operates over 590 hotels across more than 65 countries and participates in the ALL – Accor Live Limitless lifestyle loyalty programme, offering members access to rewards and exclusive experiences worldwide.

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