Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus is being redesigned…

Istanbul's first 5-star hotel, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, has become much more than a hotel since 1955, and has become a meeting point that shapes not only the city's but also Turkey's social and cultural life.

With its 69-year presence, internal development and transformation, and innovative and pioneering approach, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus is one of Istanbul's important symbols . Since its opening, it has hosted many prominent figures, including Hollywood stars, world-renowned artists, business people, and heads of state, as well as millions of guests, in high standards and with the comfort of home.

Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus is more than just a hotel providing accommodation services; It shows that a hotel can be the center of art, architecture, fashion and culture, and that it can be positioned at the center of people's lives and direct their lifestyles, rather than being a part of their lives.

Pioneer of firsts; Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus

Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, which has broken many important firsts in its many years of history, not only attracted attention with its architectural features when it was opened, but also makes a difference by being Turkey's first 5-star hotel. Known for its bold and original structure, the hotel has pioneered many exciting innovations since its opening.

• It is the first and longest-serving Hilton hotel opened in Europe outside the American continent.
• It is Turkey's first 5-star international chain hotel.
• It is a pioneering and iconic symbol that has influenced the hospitality industry in Türkiye and Istanbul and brought a new standard of service.
• Hilton's "five o'clock tea" has become one of Istanbul's social traditions.
• It hosted the first big weddings, balls, round table meetings, fairs and fashion shows.
• The first bar is where disco opened, and the first "Happy Hour" concept also started at Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus.
• In addition to the automatic telephone switchboard, card key system, rooms with televisions and fax, Hilton is one of the first hotels in the world to switch to a computerized system.

Over time, the word "Hilton" has become established as a word representing comfort, quality and high standards.

Icon… In its 70th Anniversary… Again… 

Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus is being "redesigned" by the internationally renowned design studio Autoban to meet the growing demands of the city and the needs of the day . Turkey's first five-star hotel, with its renovation reflecting both the city and its many past guests, aims to carry its iconic story into the future in its 70th year.

Armin Zerunyan, Country Manager for Upscale and Luxury Hotels at Hilton Turkey, and Seyhan Özdemir , Founding Partner of Autoban, met at the hotel's Garden to share details of the planned renovation process and design of Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, scheduled for completion in 2025.

The process of renovation of all areas of the hotel started in 2018-19 with the renovation of all 102 rooms with garden terraces, called "Park Floors" in the annex building. It then continued in 2022 with the renovation of the Ballroom and Conference Center. In 2023, the major renovation process, which includes the interior design of the entire main building, all rooms and common areas, outdoor pool and Health Club, multi-purpose meeting rooms, the main restaurant and the signature restaurant project next to it, and the jazz bar project, is still continuing to create enjoyable spaces for its guests. . All renovations are carried out to accommodate guests before the hotel closes.

It is designed with inspiration from the extraordinary heritage of the past…

Inspired by the famous names that the hotel has hosted since its opening, especially the main figures of the period such as the actors, artists and writers of the 1950s, the design adopts an approach that conveys both a contemporary new era and the unique heritage and history of the hotel to future generations. With this approach, an effect is created where the influences and cultures of modernism, art and poetry of the 1950s merge. Existing local design references are used in the new layout and blended with inspiration from Turkish culture and contemporary interpretation.

The interior architecture project of the hotel aims to redesign it to meet the needs of the guests at the highest level, create an environment where they can enjoy their time and use the existing areas in the hotel in the most efficient way.

Designed by the important architect of the period, Sedat Hakkı Eldem, the hotel is an iconic building that reflects the cultural heritage of the city and Hilton. For this reason, an approach that brings together the historical and contemporary texture of Istanbul has been adopted in interior design.

The layers of Istanbul are one of the points of inspiration in the design. Inspiration from Turkish culture and contemporary interpretation go together. In this way, the existing Hilton culture is approached with a new design language. Another point of inspiration for ceramics and separation elements was the seven hills of Istanbul. While the domes and foil coverings in Istanbul are the main elements reflecting the diversity of east and west, they are being reconsidered with a contemporary approach. The round-shaped Istanbul windows found in monumental buildings inspired the divider panels.

Among the features of the project are special design areas inspired by the accommodation of important people. For example, designs were inspired by famous names such as Italian actress Sophia Loren, Turkish writer and poet Cemal Süreyya, and modern sculptor Kuzgun Acar. The Blue Sapphire necklace worn by Sophia Loren, one of the important actresses of the period, at the reception was the inspiration for the floor coverings and lighting. In the Lobby Lounge section on the ground floor, the flamboyance of the 1950s creates a warm atmosphere with the furniture used, and the necklace details are reflected in the lighting elements. The iconic pool, which represents Conrad Hilton's footprint in Istanbul; It welcomes its guests in the summer of 2024 with its renewed appearance while preserving its unique cabanas and mushroom bar.

Design references to the period when the hotel was opened are also included in the project. By reinterpreting the historical texture and design approach with a modern perspective, specially designed furniture and fine details were used in line with the hotel's identity. While modernizing Hilton's historical design, emphasis was also placed on influences from Turkish culture. In this way, the atmosphere of the hotel both reflects the past and offers a contemporary appearance.

In the Imperial Suite, attention was paid to the grand entrance, the inclusion of works of art, handcrafted details and the use of unique objects. The rich details of the 1950s are blended with the identity of the Hilton brand. Marble, wood or metal works add an original and magnificent atmosphere to the space. The use of leather handcrafted details in fixed furniture creates a warm home feeling.

Fine details and careful choices in furniture and lighting elements give the spaces a warm and elegant atmosphere. These details aim to make guests feel the comfort and elegance offered by the hotel, while also providing an unforgettable accommodation experience.

Inspired by the seven hills of Istanbul in the ceramics and separation elements used in the project, it emphasizes the local ties of the hotel and offers guests the opportunity to experience the symbolic meaning of the city. These details strengthen the character of the hotel and help guests connect with the rich cultural past. Fine details in the furniture and meticulous designs in the lighting elements create an elegant and warm atmosphere in the hotel and offer guests a comfortable and inviting environment.

Hilton

It is a leading global hospitality company with 126 world-class brands comprising more than 7.500 properties and approximately 1,2 million rooms in 22 countries and territories. Committed to its founding vision of filling the world with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has hosted more than 100 billion guests in its more than 3-year history, has been named the "#1 Best Workplace in the World" by Great Place to Work and Fortune, and has been ranked globally in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. He was recognized as a leader. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology advancements to enhance the guest experience, including Digital Key Sharing, automatic complimentary room upgrades, and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program, more than 180 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and money-can't-buy experiences. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can make reservations, choose their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key, and check out from their smartphones. For more information, you can visit stories.hilton.com and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube channels.

Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus

Since 1955, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, an ambassador of Turkish hospitality, has been the first and longest-serving Hilton hotel outside the Americas. As Turkey's first five-star international hotel, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus pioneered many of today's essential practices, from televisions in guest rooms and air conditioning in public areas to afternoon tea and computerized systems. For more information, please visit Hilton.com or call 0 212 315 60 14 / 0 534 505 08 11 .

Source: HORECA Trend and Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus