18 Sep 2015
The most exciting hotel to open in Istanbul in the last year celebrates its first anniversary with 20% off during the Biennale
A year since being launched in the fashionable Besiktas district, Raffles Istanbul is the perfect embodiment of the new young face of an ancient city - a beacon above the Bosphorus and an oasis of calm and cool; a transition from traditional to contemporary.
Likewise, over the past few decades, imbued with a new vibrant spirit, full of energy and innovation, the art scene in Istanbul has also shifted from the traditional to the contemporary. Less than a decade ago, the city's museum of modern art - Istanbul Modern - was inaugurated. This was followed by the opening of the contemporary art space SALT. Now the city has truly come into its own as a contemporary art hub.
Until 30 November 2015, visitors to this magical city can take in the 14th Istanbul Biennale which welcomes over 80 artists to be shown in over 30 venues – one of which is the state of the art Performing Arts Centre, just seconds from Raffles Istanbul. As a bonus the Contemporary Istanbul Fair will also take place in November.
Raffles is perfectly placed through metro for guests wanting to explore the new, cutting edge and buzzy neighbourhoods of Istanbul - Beyoglu, Galata and Karakoy. The hotel is also home to an impressive contemporary art collection of its own, with over 200 works by local and international artists inspired by this timeless city. And with the anniversary celebrations offering special room rates, there is no better time to visit Istanbul.
Raffles Istanbul offers a 20% discount on Deluxe, Premier, Signature rooms and Silhouette , Urban and Horizon suites until 25 December 2015. Stays include breakfast, dinner at the Michelin starred chef Sergi Arola's restaurant, 30 minute SPA treatments and cocktails; all for two guests sharing a twin or double room. Minimum 2 night stay.
For reservations: visit www.raffles.com/istanbul/offers/1st-year-anniversary-celebration
call +90 212 924 0200 | email reservation.istanbul@raffles.com
Raffles Istanbul, Zorlu Center, 34340 Istanbul, Turkey | www.raffles.com/istanbul
For Further information: Jane Corbett-Jones JANE CORBETT-JONES COMMUNICATIONS
T +61 (0) 417 772 783 | jane@jcjcommunications.com
Further information on contemporary art in Istanbul:
- http://www.biennialfoundation.org/biennials/istanbul-biennial
- http://www.artinternational-istanbul.com/homepage
- http://contemporaryistanbul.com/
- http://www.istanbulmodern.org/en
Raffles Istanbul (opened 1 September 2014) offers a new perspective on a timeless city, at the heart of the new Zorlu Center, a next-generation bazaar where high fashion, performance, fine food and the arts converge. On the European side of Istanbul, the hotel has sweeping views over the Bosphorus and the Prince Islands. The 185 rooms and suites all have floor to ceiling windows and private balconies. The sleek modern interiors are embellished with a large collection of contemporary art, much of it specially-commissioned from local artists. The authentic Raffles touch is personified by the legendary Raffles Butler Service, which currently extends from Singapore to the company's 11 hotels around the world. The extensive Raffles Spa offers signature treatments by Organic Pharmacy and the rooftop pool has unforgettable views over the Istanbul skyline. The hotel has two fabulous restaurants - Arola by Michelin starred chef Sergi Arola and Rocca with Mediterranean and Turkish influence, three glamorous bars; the Writers Bar, the Champagne Room and a new take on the Long Bar, an Istanbul twist on its Singapore original. This is a new destination overlooking above the Bosphorus, where modern luxury sits alongside heritage and culture. A modern oasis welcoming the well-travelled to the most timeless of cities. www.raffles.com/istanbul
Raffles Istanbul has been featured in Conde Nast Traveler “Hot List 2015”, Travel+Leisure “It List 2015”, Fodors “20 Best New Hotels 2014” and Tatler Travel Guide 2015 “101 Best Hotels.
About Raffles Hotels & Resorts
Raffles Hotels & Resorts is a luxury hotel brand with an illustrious history dating back to 1887 when the world-renowned Raffles opened its doors in Singapore. Today, the remarkable collection includes twelve extraordinary properties in locations as diverse as Paris, Istanbul, and the Seychelles, with many more in development in exciting destinations such as Warsaw and Jeddah. Whether it's a secluded resort or a lively city-center, each Raffles promises an oasis of calm and charm and a compelling mix of cultures and styles, and has its very own story to tell. Part of FRHI Hotels & Resorts, a leading global company that also operates the Fairmont and Swissôtel brands, Raffles is proud to draw on the timeless essence of Raffles – to deliver thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests. For more information or reservations, please visit raffles.com.
