Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide’s Le Méridien brand has debuted in Turkey with the opening of the Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler.
Owned by Makyol Construction Industry Tourism and Trading Co. Inc., the 34-story hotel overlooks the Bosphorus with panoramic views over two continents. Designed by Turkish architect Emre Arolat, the hotel features three distinct, vertically stacked blocks inspired by the neighboring buildings in Etiler. The building gradually becomes transparent as it rises towards the sky.
The hotel’s interiors were designed by Sinan Kafadar of Istanbul-based Metex. The 259 guestrooms, including 21 long-stay residence suites, all are outfitted with the Le Méridien Bed and amenities such as a docking station, rainforest shower and separate bathtub.
The hotel offers the Le Méridien Hub experience, which reinterprets the traditional lobby into a social gathering place. Dining facilities include an all-day restaurant, Latitude Bar serving coffee and other refreshments and a rooftop bar with 360-degree views of the city. Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler also features more than 21,528 sq ft (2,000 sq m) of meeting space, including a 8,245-sq-ft (766-sq-m) ballroom and nine individual rooms.
Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler’s signature spa is inspired by European spa traditions and features eight treatment rooms, a Turkish hammam, an indoor pool, a heated outdoor pool and a fitness centre.
“Istanbul continues to evolve as a metropolitan center of culture, design and cuisine, making it an ideal match for our Le Méridien brand,” said Roeland Vos, president, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “This flagship hotel will enable us to showcase Le Méridien’s contemporary lifestyle and sophisticated origins in one of the world’s most remarkable destinations.”
