International: Flagship Hotel Debuts in Istanbul

By Balazs Szekely, Associate Editor

Starwood Hotels & Resorts unveiled the latest addition to its international St. Regis Hotels & Resorts portfolio. The new hotel located in Istanbul is owned by Demsa Group and it marks the debut of the luxury brand in Turkey as well as the 34^th hotel in the global St. Regis collection.

Designed by award-winning Turkish architect Emre Arolat the 118-room St. Regis Istanbul is nestled in the Nişantaşı neighborhood, surrounded by chic designer boutiques and boutique art galleries. The design is a modern interpretation of Istanbul’s Art Deco era, featuring a variety of contemporary art installations – some of which are custom pieces specially created for the hotel. Each of the guestrooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Bosphorus. The range includes eight different room classes from Superior and Deluxe Rooms all the way to the exquisitely designed Bentley Suite which was inspired by the well-known British automaker’s grand tourer, the Continental GT. The St. Regis Istanbul is also home to the first international outpost of Spago, celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant. Located on the hotel’s rooftop, the eatery showcases contemporary design and offers views of the city.

Starwood currently has 11 hotels in Turkey including four in Istanbul – The St. Regis Istanbul, Sheraton Istanbul Ataköy Hotel, W Istanbul and Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler. The hospitality company’s Turkish portfolio also includes Aloft, Sheraton and Le Méridien branded properties in Ankara, Cesme, Adana, Izmir, Bursa and Samsun. Starwood will open three more hotels this year in Turkey: two Four Points by Sheratons in the Batisehir and Dudullu districts of Istanbul, and Sheraton Istanbul Atasehir on the Asian side of the city.