Mariott Hotel Asia Kayisdagi

The first international branded hotel to open in the major business district of Kozyatagi, Istanbul Marriott Hotel Asia heralds the arrival of the big chains on the modern and fast-developing Asian side of the city.

With space at a premium on Istanbul’s European side, many international companies have moved their local headquarters across the river, building thriving business communities alongside the residential districts that are home to approximately half of the city’s burgeoning 15-16 million-strong population.

And it is this buzzing business community that persuaded Marriott Hotels & Resorts to open its first Istanbul property in previously unchartered territory. “Marriott signed a deal with local developer Buyukhanli Construction to operate this hotel because of the huge potential presented by business travellers who would prefer to stay in an international chain close to their offices, rather than spend an hour and a half per trip commuting from downtown,” says General Manager Elmar Derkitsch.

Built within a 23-storey tower that rises from a plot of land yet to be fully developed, Istanbul Marriott Hotel Asia opened its doors in August 2007 at a cost of US$35 million and has since achieved an average occupancy rate of 77%. This success, according to Derkitsch, is down to the brand’s pulling power, location, consistency of service and security. Indeed, the first hotel feature to greet guests is an airport-type baggage check, which acts as a selling tool to the likes of BP, Shell and Hewlett-Packard, companies that want secure environments in which to accommodate their visiting staff and business contacts.

While Marriott has been involved with construction standards from the outset of the project, renowned local designer Sinan Kafadar of Metex Design Group was selected to deliver the interior design of the 50,000m2 hotel, with the exception of the Presidential Suite and spa.

“In addition to an essential colour palette of burgundy, green and yellow that we were restricted to using, Marriott wanted a contemporary hotel of international standards that was at the same time somehow eclectic in its design,” Kafadar comments. “It was a pioneering project in a new, modern part of the city so I didn’t look for any specific influences from historical Ottoman styles.”

Instead, Kafadar has succeeded in creating comfortable and welcoming open-plan spaces where guests seem as happy lounging as they are conducting business. The large lobby is supported by four wooden circular pillars, which surround a central area in which an assortment of armchair-type seating is offset by a red geometric-patterned rug. From the mezzanine level above spills a collection of eye-catching white and steel silver chandelier lanterns, designed by Metex. To one side of the lobby, 49 East Lounge provides a bar area in which to meet privately or unwind with a drink. Here, wooden flooring and steel-adorned block lighting features suspended from the ceiling add a modern touch to the heavy burgundy and reds favoured in Marriott’s corporate colour scheme.

Serving as the hotel’s main restaurant, Orange reinforces the feeling of space and light, with its floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto a swimming pool and terrace. Architectural planting, including a bonsai tree at the centre of the restaurant, a gracefully cascading chandelier, mosaic water feature and huge mirrors covering one wall create a tranquil yet sophisticated ambience, which complements the innovative South Mediterranean cuisine on offer.

While Kafadar acknowledges there are no specific local design themes, he has turned to local suppliers and artists to furnish and accentuate the public spaces, which also include three ballrooms, eight meeting rooms, a business centre, executive lounge, pool terraces and the Palestra Spa and Fitness Centre. Speaking of his favourite parts of the hotel, he comments: “On the mezzanine level, where we based the ballrooms and accompanying foyers, I think the textured walls with inset LED lighting work very well. There are also contemporary prints showing Istanbul silhouettes by local artist Devrim Erbil, which we have placed throughout the hotel. Another artist has mixed colours on an aged glass surface to create striking artwork panels behind the reception desk. And we installed a glass-based water feature by the elevator lobbies to provide movement and interest.”

In the 238 rooms, which include one Presidential Suite and 18 Executive Suites, a clean and muted palette of gold, mushroom and burgundy is given a much-needed boost by the addition of wood and leather feature headboards, sliding mirrored partitions between room and bathroom, feather pillows and custom-made, crisp white bed linen. Flat screen TVs, WiFi and marble bathroom with large tub and power shower represent the typical features of a five-star hotel room although, with an average footprint of 35m2, they do feel spacious.

Only in the Presidential Suite has this design template been broken. Here, interior designer Tanya Ildiroglu has drawn influence from a bygone Ottoman Empire to provide the 110m2 space – the only duplex presidential suite in Istanbul – with a sense of drama and luxury. By sticking to modern artwork and furniture, however, the suite remains contemporary in its neo-Ottoman style.

As is to be expected from an international chain, the hotel’s service is first-class. With 75% of its client base drawn from overseas, in particular from the UK, USA, Germany and France, it’s not surprising that the majority of staff speak good English.

While the split between business and leisure guests currently stands at 85% versus 15%, Derkitsch says leisure is developing with individual and corporate travellers extending their stays over the weekend to make use of the facilities. At an average room rate of €229 without taxes and breakfast, this can only mean good news for Marriott and developer Buyukhanli, who expect to see a return on their investment within eight years.

Istanbul Marriott Hotel Asia Kayisdagi
cad. No:1 Kozyatagi
Istanbul, 34752 Turkey
www.marriott.com

Rooms:    238 guestrooms
Food:   Orange Southern Mediterranean Grill, 49 East Lounge
Drinks:    Poolside Bar
Leisure:    Palestra Spa & Fitness Centre
Facilities:    3 ballrooms, 8 meeting rooms. business centre, executive lounge