Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Turkish developer Garanti Koza to manage Swissôtel KozaPark Istanbul, a new property being developed in the city’s fast-growing Esenyurt district.
Scheduled to open in 2019, the project will grow Swissôtel’s footprint in one of Europe’s leading travel markets while also strengthening parent FRHI’s presence in Istanbul; a city that includes the renovated Swissôtel The Bosphorus, newly opened Raffles Istanbul and the upcoming Fairmont Quasar, Istanbul, which is currently in development and expected to open in late 2016.
“Istanbul is one of the financial capitals of the world, a top destination for global travellers and a very important market for Swissôtel,” said Lilian Roten, vice president, Swissôtel Brand. “With the addition of a spectacular new hotel in the city and our planned opening in Bodrum later this summer, Turkey offers great potential for our hotel group and we are delighted with this opportunity to build on our existing presence in the market. This development also strengthens our ongoing relationship with Garanti Koza, our partner on a fashionable new Swissôtel being built in Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, and we look forward to bringing our combined experience and expertise to this exciting project.”
Swissôtel KozaPark Istanbul will feature 160 guestrooms, and guests will enjoy an array of inviting food and beverage options, highlighting local, flavourful fare, as well as access to generous meeting space, including a spacious ballroom. In addition to an indoor and outdoor rooftop pool, a notable leisure offering will be the hotel’s extensive spa facility. The brand’s signature Pürovel Spa & Sport will feature invigorating Alpine-inspired treatments, exercise classes and leading-edge fitness equipment.
The project will also introduce the first branded Swissôtel Residences in Istanbul, offering 450 contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury residences, all benefiting from Swissôtel’s genuine and reliable service.
The Swissôtel will be part of KozaPark, a new residential, retail, and entertainment destination at the north border of the Esenyurt district. This innovative mixed-use development is home to the world’s largest tennis academy, a draw for international professional players and tennis enthusiasts alike. Of note, the Koza World of Sports complex will host the first-ever ATP Istanbul Open in 2015 and the WTA Istanbul Cup, as well as sports competitions and entertainment events at its 8,000 seat stadium. Other highlights include a 32,000 square metre biological lagoon and extensive outdoor landscaped gardens as well as the Akbati Shopping Mall and several residence towers.
“We are extremely happy to be partnering with FRHI and their Swissôtel brand on what promises to be a truly amazing hotel in one of Europe’s top cities,” said Garanti Koza chairman Şükrü İlkel. “Istanbul is a remarkable destination, admired around the globe for its culturally rich sites and attractions. Esenyurt is one of the fastest growing districts of our beautiful city, and will become an exciting locale in its own right thus enhancing the overall Istanbul market. We look forward to adding an outstanding new hotel worthy of the city’s world-renowned status.”
Istanbul is the economic, cultural and historic heart of Turkey, and has been named a European Capital of Culture, with its historic centre being deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors from around the globe flock to experience its vibrant energy and stunning architecture, as well as attractions like the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, among countless others. Esenyurt is located on the European side of the city, and has recently undergone major development and impressive growth, making it one of the most populated districts in the area. It is home to numerous universities, as well as the headquarters for Mercedes-Benz, and local industries include facilities for technology, plastics, textiles and pharmaceuticals. The area also offers direct motorway access to Ataturk International Airport.
