Raffles Hotels and Resorts will open its first property in Turkey on September 1, it has been announced.
Raffles Istanbul will be located in the cutting-edge Zorlu Center development in Besiktas, on the shores of the European side of the Bosphorus.
In what has been described as "Turkey's first and only mixed-use project with five functions", the complex will, in addition to the hotel, feature a performing arts centre, office space, residences and designer shops.
Guests staying in any of the hotel's 132 rooms or 49 suites will each be assigned a butler, a standard service from Raffles, but one it claims is a first for Istanbul.
Rooms start from 62 sqm and will all have large terraces with Bosphorus views. Prices will start from €600 per night.
The interiors are described as "subtle, yet glamorous, [a] contemporary interpretation of traditional design; modern elements united by a common thread of Turkish influences — glass and crystal, set against subtle mosaics and muted tones".
As well as a ballroom for 1,200 people, there will be two restaurants and bars, indoor and outdoor pools, and a rooftop heliport.
The signature Raffles spa, which is tipped to be one of the largest in the city at 3,000 sqm, will feature London's Organic Pharmacy products and hammams, including one for parties.
Both local and international art will feature prominently throughout the hotel, with specially commissioned paintings, sculpture, video installations and photography.
As in the Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris, there will also be an on-site "art concierge" to advise on the latest exhibitions, shows and concerts taking place around the city.
Raffles is also planning to open hotels in Jakarta, Saudi Arabia and Egypt over the next two years.
Jenny Southan
