Starwood Debuts Le Meridien Istanbul Etiler, First Hotel in Turkey

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(Istanbul, TURKEY) -- Starwood Hotels just announced the debut of the first Le Méridien hotel presence in Turkey with the opening of the highly anticipated Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler. Owned by Makyol Construction Industry Tourism and Trading Co. Inc. and designed by leading Turkish architect Emre Arolat, the hotel is situated in Istanbul s most exclusive neighborhood and overlooks the Bosphorus with panoramic views over two continents.

"We are delighted to partner with Makyol as we introduce Starwood's Le Méridien brand to Turkey," said Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa, and Middle East "Istanbul continues to evolve as a metropolitan centre of culture, design and cuisine, making it an ideal match for our Le Méridien brand. 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.

Set to become a landmark in the city, the 34-storey hotel features iconic architecture and a dedicated curated art program showcasing Turkish contemporary artists, reflecting Istanbul's inspiring and culturally diverse atmosphere. Designed by award-winning 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, providing guests with impressive views of the Bosphorus and a new perspective of Istanbul. The hotel s interiors were designed by renowned Turkish designer Sinan Kafadar of Istanbul-based Metex.

"Le Méridien has undergone a comprehensive brand relaunch in the past six years since it was acquired by Starwood," said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien and W Hotels Worldwide. "In this new era for Le Méridien, we are proud to celebrate Le Méridien brand's best portfolio ever with the grand opening of the flagship Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler, which marks the first new build Le Méridien to open in a primary European city."

The hotel provides a comprehensive contemporary lifestyle experience, featuring 259 guest rooms, including 21 long-stay residence suites all with floor-to-ceiling windows providing inspiring views of the Bosphorus and the city. Le Méridien Istanbul Etile' s signature spa offers visitors a new perspective inspired by European spa traditions and features eight treatment rooms, a Turkish Hammam, an indoor pool, an outdoor heated pool, and a state-of-the art fitness center.

"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 Méridien brand to Turkey," Makyol chairman Adnan Çebi says. "With the brand's artistic cosmopolitan touch, we believe Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler will bring a fresh flavor to the city, perfectly suited to the rich and sophisticated cultural blend of East and West.

Acquired by Starwood in November 2005, Le Méridien has undergone a full brand relaunch to transform into a contemporary, design-led lifestyle brand that seeks to provide a new perspective through a curated approach to culture.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts currently operates six hotels throughout Turkey, including three in Istanbul   W Istanbul, Sheraton Istanbul Maslak Hotel and Sheraton Istanbul Atakoy Hotel, as well as Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Centre, Sheraton Cesme Hotel Resort & Spa, and The Lugal, a Luxury Collection hotel. The company is set to open three new hotels in Turkey in the next few years: Sheraton Adana Hotel, Sheraton Bursa Hotel, and Aloft Bursa.