The
210-room hotel, scheduled to open in 2016, will be joined by branded
residences and is part of the Quasar Istanbul complex, a new
mixed-use development in the Sisli district, a vibrant neighborhood
blending commercial, residential and retail yet situated close to
major attractions in the city. The project is being developed through
a joint venture between Viatrans - Meydanbey. Viatrans is a
Geneva-based company specializing in shipping logistics and insurance
as well as commercial real estate.
The
Quasar Istanbul complex is in the central business district whose
showpiece is the former Mecidiyekoy Liqueur and Cognac Factory. Built
in the 1930's on then undeveloped land, the factory was designed by
Robert Mallet-Stevens, who with Le Corbusier was among the most
influential modern French architects of that era.
Two
41-story towers will sit above a 4-story office podium with fitness
facilities and luxury retail stores. The towers will house a Fairmont
Hotel and Fairmont Residences as well as Quasar Residences and
offices which will be managed by Fairmont. The hotel will feature
Fairmont Gold, the brand's hotel within a hotel lifestyle offering, a
number of lounges and several restaurants, 2,000 square meters of
function space, and a Willow Stream Spa.
The
two residences are whole-ownership, private homes and will offer
studios, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments and 3-bedroom duplexes. While in
residence, owners will have access to a private lounge and a number
of services and amenities such as 24-hour concierge, wine cellar,
preferred pricing for various hotel offerings including dining, spa
and fitness, meeting facilities, hotel guestrooms and more. Owners
will also be awarded VIP status and privileges when they travel to
any Fairmont hotels or resorts worldwide.
The
former distillery, located adjacent to the hotel will undergo a
thoughtful restoration echoing the Modern style of its French
designer to become a culture, fashion and arts center for special
events and exhibits. A verdant urban open space is also planned for
the development of a city park and recreation area.
"Istanbul
is an exciting, dynamic city that will appeal to our business and
leisure guests," said Jennifer Fox, President, Fairmont Hotels &
Resorts. "As well as complementing our other developments in the
region, it is very exciting to be partnering with Viatrans on this
amazing project blending hotel, residential and community space."
Turkey's
largest city straddles the Bosphorus one of the world's busiest
waterways, and is the country's economic, cultural, and historical
heart. Istanbul served as the capital of three distinct empires,
including Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, and is located at the edge of
Europe and Asia, with one-third of its population living in Asia and
its commercial and historical center in Europe. Today it is a
thriving tourist and business destination rich with history and
natural beauty, home to 13.5 million people in the second-largest
metropolitan area in Europe.
Fairmont
Quasar, Istanbul is the most recent project to be announced by the
brand in the region and joins Fairmont Kyiv, Ukraine; Fairmont Baku,
Azerbaijan (2013) and Fairmont Pekin, Moscow (2016).
