Scheduled to open in late 2011, the new 260-room Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler marks the brand’s debut in Turkey. Owned by Makyol Construction Industry Tourism and Trading, the hotel overlooks the blue waters of the Bosphorus offering panoramic views over two continents and is anticipated to become a landmark in Turkey’s rapidly developing cultural, economic and financial centre.
The 32-storey hotel will provide a fully integrated contemporary lifestyle experience featuring 206 guest rooms, 26 suites and 28 serviced apartments, a Creative Hub – the Le Méridien’s new lobby concept, destination bar, signature restaurant and rooftop lounge with stunning views of the city. Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler will also offer 1,700 square metres of hi-tech meeting and event space, a spacious wellness area including a gym, spa and both indoor and outdoor pools.
Designed by award-winning Turkish architect Emre Arolat, the unique, modern structure rises high above the buildings in the local area. Arolat placed great importance on finding the right source of inspiration for the structure. In his design, he refers to the pre-existing neighbourhood buildings as building blocks arranged on top of one another to create a skyscraper that blends in harmoniously with its environment. Between these three blocks, patches of natural greenery were added to further enhance this balance between structure and surroundings. Each single block gradually becomes transparent as it moves up the levels of the buildings so as to allow the guests to fully immerse themselves in the sky and atmosphere of the Bosphorus.
Interiors have been designed by Istanbul-based Metex in conjunction with Le Méridien brand design management.
