Le Meridien Announces Debut in Turkey

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has made another foray into Turkey’s booming hospitality industry with the opening of Le Meridien Istanbul Etiler, marking the debut of the Le Meridien brand in Europe’s South-easternmost nation.

Le Meridien Istanbul Etiler, which is owned by Makyol Construction Industry Tourism and Trading Co. Inc., occupies an enviable spot in one of Istanbul’s most exclusive neighborhoods, overlooking the Bosphorus and enjoying magnificent views of two continents. With iconic architecture designed by leading Turkish architect Emre Arolat and a dedicated art exhibition that showcases the talents of many of the country’s top contemporary artists, the new 34-storey hotel is set to become one of Istanbul’s major landmarks and a favorite destination for visitors and residents alike.

The exterior design of the building is a marvel to behold – with three distinctive, vertical-stacked blocks rising into the sky, gradually becoming transparent as it reaches its peak, offering guests not just fantastic views of the Bosphorus but also a totally unique perspective of Istanbul itself.

Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Middle East, made the following statement at the opening ceremony:

“We are delighted to partner with Makyol as we introduce Starwood’s Le Meridien brand to Turkey. Istanbul continues to evolve as a metropolitan centre of culture, design and cuisine, making it an ideal match for our Le Meridien brand. This flagship hotel will enable us to showcase Le Meridien’s contemporary lifestyle and sophisticated origins in one of the world’s most remarkable destinations.”

Adnan Cebi, Chairman of Makyol, spoke of his excitement at the potential of Le Meridien Istanbul Etiler:

“We are extremely excited to be expanding Makyol’s tourism portfolio with an internationally renowned hotel group such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts and to bring the contemporary Le Meridien brand to Turkey. With the brand’s artistic cosmopolitan touch, we believe Le Meridien Istanbul Etiler will bring a fresh flavour to the city, perfectly suited to the rich and sophisticated cultural blend of East and West.”

Le Meridien Istanbul Etiler is sure to be exactly that, branding itself as the ultimate contemporary lifestyle experience in Istanbul. Its 259 guest rooms, which include 21 residence suites for long-stay guests, incorporate a timeless chic interior design, with floor to ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views of the city. All rooms come complete with luxury fittings including a rainforest shower, separate bathtub, docking station and a Le Meridien Bed, while its state-of-the-art spa offers facilities equal to anything else in Istanbul; Turkish Hammam, eight treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor pools and a hi-tech fitness center.

Further amenities for guests include the innovative Le Meridien Hub, which offers a new take on the traditional hotel lobby, acting as a social gathering place where people can meet up, hang out and take drinks, while dining options extend to the all-day Latitude Bar and Restaurant and a rooftop bar that offers dynamic, 360-degree panoramas of the city.

Le Meridien Istanbul Etiler becomes the seventh hotel to be operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Turkey, alongside W Istanbul, Sheraton Istanbul Maslak Hotel and Sheraton Istanbul Atakoy Hotel in the country’s biggest city, together with the Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Centre, Sheraton Cesme Hotel Resort & Spa, and The Lugal.