World-Famous Chef Ali Al Hajj and Lebanese Cuisine Shangri-La Bosphorus Comes to Istanbul | HORECA TREND
Follow!

Hotel

World-Famous Chef Ali Al Hajj and Lebanese Cuisine Shangri-La Bosphorus Comes to Istanbul

One of the most prestigious names in the world of gastronomy, Shangri-La Jeddah's award-winning restaurant Niyyali, Executive Chef Ali Al Hajj, will meet with guests for the first time at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul on September 19. Renowned for his creative touches and success at Niyyali, famous Chef Al Hajj will bring the most exquisite flavors of Lebanese cuisine to gastronomy enthusiasts between September 19-30.

It was published

on

Attracting attention with its unique Bosphorus view and superior service quality in the heart of Beşiktaş Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul; Between September 15-30, Shangri-La Jeddah “Awarded Best Lebanese Restaurant of 2024 by TimeOut Jeddah” restaurant Ali Al Hajj, Executive Chef of Niyyaliis preparing to host . The most iconic flavors of Lebanese cuisine, presented by Ali Al Hajj, will take gastronomy lovers on a delicious journey.

Moreover, the third Shang Brunch special event will be held on Sunday, September 29 at IST TOO, where Executive Chef Ali Al Hajj will showcase his signature dishes on his live station. Guests will have the opportunity to taste the chef’s signature Lebanese cuisine and get to meet him and chat about his cuisine.

The Most Exquisite Flavors of Lebanese Tradition Are in Ali Al Hajj's Kitchen

Ali Al Hajj's 19-person set menu, which will be offered to guests exclusively for the launch day on September 4, will include; fattouch, tabouli, classic hummus, truffle hummus, Shanglish salad and kebbeh nayeh in the cold appetizer section. Hot appetizers will include kebab fattah, batata harra (spicy potatoes), lahme ras asfour, fattah kebab and local kibbeh, sembusek cheese and meat pies. In the main course, the chef's mixed grill and Aish Al Saraya, a local dessert with creamy mascarpone cheese and pistachios, will be offered to the guests.

The famous chef’s a la carte menu, which will continue until September 30, will include cold salad and appetizer stations such as fattouch, tabouli, classic hummus, stuffed vine leaves, walnut labneh, smoked eggplant moutabal, walnut mouhamara and kebbeh nayeh. In the hot appetizers and fattah section, spicy potatoes, shrimp fattah, kebab fattah, wagyu ras asfour and provencal shrimp will be served. The main course will include mixed grill and Beirut style spicy sea bass. In desserts, Lebanese pudding with fig jam, the famous Umm Ali “Ali’s Mother” dessert and baklava with mastic gum will be offered to the guests.

An Impressive Career Journey of Over 15 Years

Chef Ali Al Hajj is the Executive Chef of Niyyali, a casual fine dining restaurant in Shangri-La Jeddah. He is an award-winning chef who focuses on ensuring high service and food quality in managing the kitchen team and delivering an unforgettable gastronomic experience at the restaurant.

The chef has been involved in leading Lebanese restaurants in Beirut in his impressive career spanning over 15 years. In January 2023, Ali Al Hajj embarked on a gastronomic journey blending Niyyali with his expertise and innovative creations, quickly transforming Niyyali into a hub that reflects the spirit of Lebanese cuisine and exceeding the expectations of his guests. In addition to his success at Niyyali, he has also significantly improved the gastronomic standards and overall dining experience at other restaurants in Shangri-La Jeddah..

Proven Its Success Worldwide With The Awards It Received

Under Ali Al Hajj’s leadership, Niyyali’s meteoric rise and impact on the gastronomy scene earned it the TimeOut Highly Commended Restaurant Award in 2023. In 2024, Niyyali received the TimeOut Award for Best Lebanese Restaurant in Jeddah, cementing its success as a leading destination for authentic Lebanese cuisine. Chef Ali was also shortlisted as Chef of the Year at the 2024 Caterer Middle East Awards, recognizing him as one of the best hotel chefs in the region. Niyyali was also honored as Jeddah’s FACT Award’s Favourite Restaurant. Chef Al Hajj was selected by Shangri-La Group to implement the Culinary Centre of Excellence, a cross-training programme at Shangri-La properties in Dubai, Istanbul and Shanghai, marking the first step of his global tour of 100 Shangri-La hotels.

Source: HORECA TREND and Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul

Read more
Advertising
Click to Comment

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields * Required fields are marked with

Hotel

Hotels.com 2025 Hotel Price Index Reveals the Most Affordable Accommodations and Budget-Friendly 4-Star Options

The new report analyses hotel pricing trends, revealing that domestic 5-star hotels are 29% cheaper than international accommodation, that star hotels offer the best value both domestically and internationally, and much more.

It was published

on

According to the 2025 Hotel Price Index™ published by Hotels.com, 5-star luxury is more affordable domestically, while 4-star hotels consistently offer the best price-performance ratio. The Hotel Price Index analyzes average daily hotel prices in the most popular international and domestic destinations on a yearly basis, and examines the differences across different star categories.

Here are the key findings from the report:

  • Domestic luxury options provide savings compared to abroad: 5-star hotels in Türkiye’s most popular destinations are on average 29% more affordable than their alternatives abroad. In cities like Istanbul, Izmir, Çanakkale and Adana, you can find some remarkable 200-star deals for under $5.
  • 4 Star hotels have more advantages: While the difference between 3-star and 4-star hotels in Türkiye is 39% more, the cost of moving from a 4-star to a 5-star facility is 61% more.[1]
  • Domestic and international prices are on the rise: International average daily hotel rates increased by 7% to $162 per night. Domestic rates increased by 14% but remained below international rates at $153 per night.[2]
  • VIP access offers additional benefits: Hotels.com's VIP Access Program offers spa benefits, complimentary room upgrades and resort discounts at top-rated properties worldwide including hundreds of dollars worth of offers membership benefits.

Price Analysis: Where Did Hotel Prices Increase? 

“For price-conscious travelers in today’s economy, the Hotel Price Index offers a rare, data-driven look at real value for money. It’s like a travel hack guide, showing you where to splurge, where to save money and where luxury is cheaper,” said Melanie Fish, vice president of public affairs at Hotels.com. “Cities like Patong, Baku and Sharm el-Sheikh stand out with highly rated accommodations across all star levels, proving that a great trip doesn’t have to cost a hefty price tag. For travelers looking to boost their budget, programs like Hotels.com’s VIP Access can add unexpected value, from free upgrades to spa credits, turning a good deal into a great experience.”

  • Some Turkish destinations saw declines in hotel prices, including Marmaris (-24%), Denizli (-3%), Istanbul (-2%) and Bursa (-1%).[3] On the other hand, Kocasinan (36%) and Alanya (34%) districts led the increase in hotel prices.
  • Travelers looking for more affordable, trendy destinations that are becoming increasingly popular may want to consider Pattaya, Thailand, at an average of $58 per night, and Baku, Azerbaijan, at an average of $97 per night. These cities offer highly rated accommodation options at much more affordable prices.

Five Star Luxury for Less

Price analysis shows that Turkish travelers who do not want to give up luxury without straining their budget should consider the following 300-star hotel options with an average price under $5:

  • Sydney, Australia: $282 per night
  • Osaka, Japan: $284 per night
  • Dubai, UAE: $289 per night
  • Athens, Greece: $295 per night
  • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: $298 per night

Meanwhile, the most affordable 5-star accommodations in Türkiye are:

  • Gaziantep: $99 per night
  • Kocasinan, Kayseri: $104 per night
  • Konya: $114 per night
  • Samsun: $115 per night
  • Denizli: $122 per night

The most expensive destinations for 5-star accommodation in Türkiye are:

  • Marmaris, Mugla: $383 per night
  • Serik, Antalya: $373 per night
  • Fethiye, Muğla: $365 per night
  • Bodrum, Mugla: $317 per night
  • Cesme, Izmir: $262 per night

Star Ratings Reveal a 4-Star Attraction[I]  

According to a Hotels.com report, 4-star hotels offer the best options for travelers looking to upgrade their domestic accommodations; their average daily rates are 3% higher than 39-star properties, while 5-star hotels are 4% more expensive on average than 61-star hotels.

  • Destinations that offer the most budget-friendly options for domestic 4-star accommodation: Popular summer destinations such as Marmaris, Manavgat, Kemer and Alanya have 200-star hotels that can be booked for under $4 per night on average.
  • Although 4 stars stand out as the “hotspot”, some destinations like Belgrade and Prague are redefining affordable luxury by offering 5-star accommodation at almost the price of a 3-star hotel.

Ways to Reach Advantages

Getting a great trip at an affordable price tag is not just about price and star rating, but also about the experience. Hotels.com members who stay at VIP Access Hotels, a carefully selected collection of Hotels.com's most popular hotels, benefit from special benefits, discounts and extra perks.

  • In 2024, the top benefits Hotels.com members earned from VIP Access Hotels included food and beverage credits, spa credits, and free drinks.
  • VIP Access benefits can add up to over $250 worth of benefits, which is more than the average cost of a nightly stay at a 4-star hotel. Here are some hotels that offer significant benefits to Hotels.com members:
  1. Equinox Hotel New York: Free Cryotherapy spa treatment for 2 guests
  2. One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos$175 credit for spa and golf course
  3. Gili Lankanfushi Maldives: 20% off airport transportation, $100 resort credit and free welcome drink
  4. The Retreat Collection at 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach: $250 resort credit and free breakfast
  5. Sandblu Resort Santorini: $100 food and beverage credit
  • Plan a trip based on the benefits: From spa credits in Puerto Vallarta to free drinks in Sydney, travelers looking to see what perks await them in popular destinations can check out this new map.

To see the best value accommodations revealed by the Hotel Price Index and book the highest rated VIP Access Hotels Hotels.comYou can visit.

[1] It compares the average daily prices of 1, 01 and 2024 star hotels between 31/12/2024 – 3/4/5.

[2] It compares the annual average daily prices between 1/1/2024 – 31/12/2024 and 1/1/2023 – 31/12/2023.

[3] It compares the annual average daily prices between 1/1/2024 – 31/12/2024 and 1/1/2023 – 31/12/2023.

[I] There is no universal star rating system. As each country has its own system, it is important to be aware of possible differences in standards and facilities when booking rooms with the same star rating in different countries. Generally, these differences are reflected in the degree of luxury, comfort, facilities and service. In some countries, sustainability practices and guest feedback may also be taken into account in star ratings.

Source: HORECA TREND and Hotels.com

Read more

Hotel

A Special Spa Pleasure for Father's Day is Experienced at Cvk Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul 

Offering a perfect accommodation experience with its personalized service approach, CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul celebrates Father's Day with special advantages at Safira Spa & Fitness.

It was published

on

Making a difference with its unique Bosphorus view and central location CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul, Safira Spa & Fitness'is also launching a special campaign for Father's Day. It offers a 10% discount on single massages and daily admission between June 15-20. With this special campaign, fathers will have the opportunity to renew themselves both physically and spiritually by taking advantage of a relaxing massage experience and the unique opportunities of Safira Spa & Fitness.

Safira Spa & Fitness, the largest and most luxurious spa center in Istanbul, offers a unique experience for fathers and their children with its rich relaxation and purification options such as authentic Turkish baths in the traditional Ottoman style designed with the relaxing texture of marble, a glass-roofed pool that can be used in all four seasons, a sauna and a steam room in its huge area of ​​8.500 m².

With its elegant interiors and relaxing atmosphere, Safira Spa & Fitness offers a perfect renewal opportunity in every detail; It promises its guests not only physical but also mental and spiritual relaxation.

CVK Park Bosphorus Istanbul invites you to a personalized service experience with its outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, Turkish bath, relaxation areas, fitness areas and VIP massage rooms at Safira Spa & Fitness, which provides service with its expert staff.

Source: HORECA TREND and CVK Park Bosphorus Istanbul

Read more

Hotel

A Delicious and Enjoyable Celebration for Father's Day from Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus

Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul offers a special brunch experience for families who want to celebrate Father's Day with a unique view of the Bosphorus. In this special event to be held on Sunday, June 15, 2025, families will have a pleasant time while fathers will have an unforgettable day.

It was published

on

Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul, transforms Father's Day into a true celebration with its luxurious atmosphere designed against the enchanting view of the Bosphorus in the heart of the city, its award-winning spa, gastronomic restaurants and green areas. The brunch menu, enriched with selections from traditional Turkish cuisine, seafood, meat stations, flavors from world cuisine and special desserts from The Mandarin Cake Shop, is prepared to appeal to all family members.

This special day, which is enlivened with fun activities for children, also offers fathers the opportunity to experience the privileges of Mandarin Oriental Spa with special discounts. Brunch, which is free for ages 0-5 and 6% off for ages 12-50, is offered with a 20% discount for reservations for eight people or more.

All families who want to spend a Father's Day filled with love and taste in the elegant atmosphere of Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul are invited to this special experience.

Source: HORECA TREND and Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Read more

Popular News

Copyright © 2025 Orbis Media Information and Communication Technologies Ltd. Sti. All rights reserved. All rights of news, articles and content on our website are reserved.
Legal action will be taken in case of unauthorized use of our content.