Yoo Hotels has opened the first property of its Yoo2 line, positioned as a more playful and accessible brand, in Istanbul.
Yoo2 Taksim Square is located on the steps of Gezi Park, overlooking the Bosphorus. Locally inspired design details include glass separators that depict historical scenes of the neighborhood and city. The building uses recycled materials, such as walnut tree casings, and stone flooring. The company has deliberately positioned the hotel’s lobby as a buzzy “showcase” and a suitable backdrop for Instagram shots by its target clientele.
Yoo2 Taksim Square has also announced a partnership with WorldHotels, and a second Yoo2 property plans a 2016 opening in Sinopati, Jakarta.
At Yoo2 Taksim Square, the 59 guestrooms and suites have contemporary, lacquered furniture for a comfortable and vibrant feel. The textile wallpaper evokes the Levant with warm colors.
A combined restaurant, lounge and bar serves international and Turkish fare made with local produce.
Turkish entrepreneur Naim Gencoglu owns Yoo2 Taksim Square. Yoo Hotels is part of Yoo Ltd., a design brand owned by Philippe Starck and John Hitchcox and led by Marco Nijhof. Yoo Hotels is also working on the Yoo Collection at The Lakes in the Cotwolds, U.K.; the Yoo Collection Bali, by Jade Jagger of Yoo; and a refresh of the J Plus by Yoo in Hong Kong.
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