Starwood Hotels & Resorts signs deal with Demsa Group to debut st. Regis in Turkey

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., has signed an agreement with Nisantasi Konaklama ve Otel Hizmetleri A.S. (Demsa Group) to open aSt. Regis hotel in Istanbul. Set to open in the first half of 2014, The St. Regis Istanbul will mark the debut of the luxury brand in Turkey and extend Starwood’s presence in the country. 

“We look forward to a long-term collaboration with Demsa Group starting with the launch of our St. Regis brand in Istanbul, a thriving historical city that is becoming a major player in global travel,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “As a truly cosmopolitan city, Istanbul provides the perfect setting for the bespoke service and refined elegance defined by the legacy of the St. Regis brand.” 

“Demsa Group continues to contribute significantly to the increase of the confidence of global brands in Turkey’s economy through initiatives and investments,” said Cengiz Çetindoğan, Chairman, Demsa Group. “For the Maçka hotel project, located in the distinguished Nişantaşi neighbourhood, we want to collaborate with St. Regis, a global brand that has remained committed to high standards and exceptional service for over a century.” 

Located in the sophisticated Nişantaşi neighbourhood in the Sisli district on the European side of the city, The St. Regis Istanbul will offer easy access to chic boutiques, restaurants and cafes, and important landmarks including the Istanbul Congress Centre and Taksim Square. Designed by award-winning Turkish architect, Emre Arolat, the new-build hotel will overlook Maçka Park and the Bosphorus. The St. Regis Istanbul will have 118 rooms, of which four suites will feature custom interiors by world-renowned designers, as well as an exceptional presidential suite spanning approximately 2,000 square feet (more than 180 square metres). 

Renowned hallmarks of the St. Regis brand that will be available at the hotel include the signature St. Regis Butler Service, providing anticipatory service and customising each stay according to specific tastes and preferences. Culinary offerings will provide a sophisticated ambiance, including brasserie-style cafe which is set to become the new social and meeting address in Nişantaşı. The rooftop restaurant will provide an unforgettable experience, while the lobby bar will be ideal for intimate lounging. The hotel will feature a spa, a fitness centre, as well as a business centre, meeting rooms and a ballroom. 

Starwood in Turkey

“Owner and developer interest across our nine lifestyle brands is fueling Starwood's global growth both in primary and secondary markets,” added Bart Carnahan, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “The addition of St. Regis to our brand portfolio in Turkey is further proof of the exceptional opportunities for both leisure and business development in the country across all sectors of the hospitality industry.” 

Starwood currently operates nine hotels in Turkey under five of its distinct lifestyle brands, including four hotels in Istanbul – Sheraton Istanbul Maslak Hotel, Sheraton Istanbul Atakoy Hotel, W Istanbul and Le Méridien İstanbul Etiler. Outside of the city, Starwood’s portfolio includes the Sheraton Cesme Hotel, Resort and Spa, Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Centre, and The Lugal, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Ankara, while earlier this year, Starwood entered Bursa with the Sheraton Bursa Hotel and Aloft Bursa Hotel, marking the launch of the company’s fast-growing Aloft Hotels brand into Turkey. 

Later in 2013, Starwood will open its 10^th hotel in Turkey with the Sheraton Adana Hotel, making Turkey one of the largest markets in Europe for the Sheraton brand. Scheduled openings in 2014 include The St. Regis Istanbul and the Sheraton Samsun Hotel. Starwood’s expanding footprint in Turkey is in tandem with the country’s continued growth as a tourist magnet and also as an event, business and financial centre.  

The Turkish economy is booming with GDP doubling during the last decade, while new projects underway in Istanbul include the world’s largest airport, with six runways and annual capacity of 150 million, as well as the new Istanbul International Financial Center and the recently-opened 600,000 square meter Vialand, with a theme park, aquapark and retail park.