contributed by Vera (email: vera_siagian@yahoo.com)

"HOTELIER" is not the first Korean drama I have watched. I watched "Endless Love" aka "Autumn In My Heart", and was struck by the scenery, the beauty of Song Hae Gyo and by (who else but..) Won Bin. Despite of all my friends' praises, I didn't like that drama that much...It was so depressing looking at all those, e.g. unrealistic conflicts, etc.

Then, someone lent me 2 k-dramas - "Guardian Angel" and "Hotelier". She recommended "GA", which she felt was very good..so I watched that first but ended up in disappointment.
With "HOTELIER" - once I placed that into my player, I just could not stop! I stayed awake until morning, gone to work late and forgot to "notify" my office ... I was scolded by my boss as I am usually very punctual.

Throughout "HOTELIER", I laughed, I felt somber, etc... and I started to love it ever since. Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect drama. Even Hollywood productions aren't perfect. So, when it became unrealistic, I put it aside because they were not as important.

Back then, I didn't know who is Bae Yong Joon and Song Yun Ah. I didn't have any clue about k-drama and k-actors/actresses. With that, I might be more objective in reviewing it, than for instance: others who had known BYJ and his ardent fans.

I have always hated hyperbolic or overdramatic stories. It makes me feel depressed, which is the last thing I want from a drama.

And hey, I didn't feel depressed after watching "HOTELIER" at all! Sometimes, I even feel like it has been me/my experience that are being plotted there. For example, I might be running aimlessly after having unbearable embarrassment over in Madam Song's Villa. I might hate Yoon Hee for having Tai Jun attention, even when I had Dong Xian with me.

I really like Zhen Yin & Tai Jun's friendship, which I describe as "true love". SYA & KSW did a terrific job in here, as though they aren't "acting" in HOTELIER. I know that most fans prefer BYJ and I respect that. But I just feel that BYJ is not in his best in HOTELIER.

The spoiler is in the ending, for it could have been better. Either the Director wanted to finish it fast for they are running out of time or budget. This, of course, is not acceptable.

After "HOTELIER", I have been looking high and low for another good k-drama available. I have watched "Sunflower", "AAE", "Propose", "Patzzi", "Bright Girl", "Beautiful Days" etc but not even one has come close to "HOTELIER".

I don't really pay attention if someone says "HOTELIER" is not perfect, because "HOTELIER" really makes me happy, that's all that matters...