Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce that Fairmont Quasar Istanbul will open its doors on 16 January 2017. Rising above the slopes of The Bosphorus, Fairmont Quasar will serve as a hub for the well-travelled, uniting the sophistication of modern Istanbul with the unique lineage of its location, steeped in centuries of sacred history.
Fairmont Quasar, the first hotel for Fairmont in Turkey, will be the fifth property of parent company AccorHotel’s luxury brand portfolio within Istanbul, joining sister properties Raffles Istanbul, Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Pullman Istanbul Airport and Convention Center and The Elysium Istanbul MGallery by Sofitel. AccorHotels presently has 32 hotel and resort properties across Turkey, with an additional three hotels slated for opening in Istanbul in 2017, including Galata Hotel Istanbul MGallery by Sofitel.
A new icon for the vibrant Mecidiyeköy district, Fairmont Quasar sits at a crossroads in Istanbul – where eclectic neighbourhood bazaars and colorful side streets meet modern shopping centers and commercial properties. Set on the site of the 1930’s Robert Mallet Stevens’ designed Art Deco liquor factory, Fairmont Quasar will blend a sense of urban culture and industrial flair with the city’s storied traditions and a strong sense of place.
According to Chris Cahill, CEO, AccorHotels Luxury Brands, “Fairmont Quasar Istanbul will be a landmark hotel for Fairmont – bringing the company’s history of hospitality to the heart of one of the world’s most compelling cities. Istanbul is a city that has fascinated travellers for millennia; a meeting point between East and West, Asia and Europe, old and new. We plan to become an intrinsic part of Istanbul’s dynamic future, with timeless style, unrivalled service and an incredibly personal experience for every guest, whether travelling for business or leisure.”
Fairmont Quasar Istanbul will provide 209 guestrooms including 25 suites. Each has a wide panoramic view overlooking either the serene Bosphorus or the city skyline. Rooms are designed to maximize comfort and technology, with stylishly industrial touches, plenty of space and natural light.
The design details at Fairmont Quasar smartly mix glamour with culture. Blue leather-tufted headboards call to mind The Bosphorus; mini-bars are inspired by vintage travel trunks, leather-bound and studded; ensuite showers resemble traditional Turkish hammams. The Royal Suite is the star of accommodation, with numerous one-of-a-kind luxuries, while 40 Fairmont Gold rooms create a hotel within the hotel, where service and experience surpass all expectations.
Fairmont Quasar Istanbul aims to be a destination for world-class dining, offering an array of food and beverage outlets, including:
• Aila – A Turkish-style “ocakbaşı” grill and live mezze kitchen, with a spice library and bar for a modern spin on classic cuisine;
• Stations – An atmospheric restaurant, capturing the legacy of the old liquor factory and providing casual dining throughout the day;
• Demlique – An exquisite café with dark-wood herringbone floor and distinctive geometric ceiling, celebrating the Turkish tradition of tea and coffee with sweet pastries and freshly baked bread;
• The Marble Bar – At the heart of the hotel, a legendary lobby bar where guests can partake in the art of the perfect cocktail;
• Ukiyo – Located on the terrace, with Asian-inspired cuisine and inspiring Bosphorus views – the pinnacle of summer style.
Guests can relax during their stay in the Willow Stream Spa – a wonderfully serene escape from the bustle of the city. Nine treatment rooms, traditional hammam, an indoor pool, yoga room and state-of-the-art gym provide ample space to replenish the mind, body and spirit. Fairmont Fit, available to Fairmont President’s Club members, delivers Reebok fitness apparel and footwear to guestrooms upon request.
The hotel offers a choice of spaces for private and business events, from a large scale launch or a society wedding in the Ballroom, to a small dinner in one of nine private rooms or high-level board meeting in one of two dedicated boardrooms.
Positioned within walking distance of Istanbul’s most important cultural landmarks – Taksim Square, the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque – as well as the financial district, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul offers an authentic experience of the city for leisure and business travelers. Access from Istanbul’s two airports is easy and efficient, while guests travelling on a tight schedule have access to a private helipad.
Kai Winkler joins Fairmont Quasar Istanbul as the general manager, bringing more than 20 years of luxury hospitality experience in Turkey and abroad, including most recently with Kempinski in China.
Mr. Winkler says: “I am truly happy to be back in Turkey to launch the first Fairmont hotel in the country. My team and I consider ourselves to be artisans of hospitality, reshaping the traditions of our industry with a contemporary approach. Our utmost aim is to create long lasting memories for our guests through genuine hospitality, unique services and a locally connected venue, designed with an innovative concept and a strong identity to differentiate us and make Fairmont Quasar the happening place in Istanbul. With this great team, which I am excited to lead, we very much look forward to opening our doors and becoming the talk of the town.”
