Jose KunnappallyIstanbul: Recently, when the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office in India hosted a travel trade media delegation from India in Istanbul, they chose the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus for our stay. When one learns about the history and legacy of this hospitality property, it comes as no surprise. It is the first international Hilton Hotel outside of the United States; it was also Turkey’s first five-star hotel when it was built in 1955. Facing the Bosphorus Strait that separates Asia from Europe, this iconic hotel has welcomed celebrities and VIPs from around the world visiting the ‘gateway city’.
The longest operating Hilton Hotel internationally, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus offers traditional Turkish hospitality since 1955
Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, with its beautifully landscaped gardens and stunning Bosphorus views, is an oasis of traditional Turkish hospitality and first-class comfort amidst the bustle of one of the world’s most vibrant cities and is the longest operating Hilton Hotel internationally.
The hotel’s location in Istanbul’s city center ensures that it is just a short walking distance to Taksim Square, the upmarket district of Nişantaşı, the Istanbul Congress Center (ICC) and the Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center (ICEC). In addition, this hotel is just 45 km from the new Istanbul International Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
All the 500 rooms including 186 executive rooms, 37 family rooms, 12 spacious suites and two triplex suites ideal for large families and long stay guests, come with balcony. The view of the Bosphorus as you sit down to enjoy the pleasant weather and your drink any time of the day or night is simply stunning. The Presidential Suite is as luxurious as it can get and costs €7000 plus taxes!
“We are eager to grow our business from the India market. Hence we have implemented Hilton’s ‘Namaste’ program which is a tailored business meetings, conventions or wedding experience for our Indian guests at the hotel. Add to that, the exceptional quality, impeccable service and warmest welcome at the iconic Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus and you have a truly memorable event”
Tolga Aytan, Hotel Manager, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus
For discerning business travellers, the Executive Lounge offers a private reception, concierge service and all-day dining. On the top most 9th floor of the hotel, the Executive Lounge is bathed in natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, and offers a view that is impressive, to say the least.
The Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus has extensive food and beverage venues offering sweeping Bosphorus views. The highlight is Dubb Indian Bosphorus Restaurant, serving a range of authentic Indian dishes from the 9th floor during the winter and in the garden during the summer. There are two private VIP rooms that can be used for events too.
The Bosphorus Terrace Restaurant is famous for the Hilton breakfast as well as a wide range of Turkish and international dishes. For fans of Chinese cuisine, there is Dragon Restaurant where one can savour Cantonese and Szechwan flavours during the winter in the restaurant next to the hotel’s own Convention and Exhibition Center, or the garden during the summer.
For guests wanting to discuss work over a drink or enjoy the evening over drinks and conversations, the Hilton has excellent options starting with Lalezar Meyhanesi, the traditional Turkish tavern. At the Verandah Bar and Terrace, with stunning views of the Bosphorus and overlooking the hotel’s lush gardens, enjoy superb Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine options and cocktails.
Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus has ideal venue options including the on-site Convention and Exhibition Center for up to 3000 guests, and open-air venues. The Hilton in Istanbul comes with 27 purpose-based meeting rooms, most of them bathed in natural light, and a fully-equipped Business Center. The pillar-less Ballroom and Şadırvan are ideal for large events with natural light, garden views, and a terrace. The meeting rooms which are perfect for social gatherings and occasions have views overlooking the Bosphorus. The Park floor meeting rooms come with a private terrace, absolute for outdoor breaks. And last but not the least, the private garden areas are available in the summer for weddings, corporate and social events. The hotel’s car park can accommodate 450 vehicles.
April-May and September-November are peak seasons for MICE and the hotel’s convention center sees up to 70 per cent bookings. The Hilton hosts over a 100 international events a year. Since the hotel is close to ICC and ICEC and has its own convention and exhibition center too, its rooms are mostly booked for MICE groups. During the summer, the hotel plays host to many weddings. In 2019, there were no Indian weddings though over 10 Indian MICE groups of 100-350 pax stayed with the hotel.
Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus offers exclusive services exceeding all expectations with outdoor and indoor pools; a fully-equipped 24-hour fitness center; three tennis courts; two squash courts; a Turkish bath, steam room, and sauna; a jogging track; and newly renovated massage rooms featuring unique treatments from all over the world by expert therapists. Experience a fantastic family stay with facilities that include two kids play zones and a special area for kids between the ages of 0-4. The hotel welcomes pets up to 25 kg. Now that’s the best reason to stay with Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus.
Walking Distance
Taksim Square; City’s Nişantaşı Shopping Mall; Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall; Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theater; Istanbul Congress Center; Lütfi Kırdar Congress Center (ICEC)
Easy Access by Metro or Tram
Galata Tower; Topkapı Palace; Hagia Sophia; Blue Mosque; Basilica Cistern; Grand Bazaar; Spice Bazaar; Kidzmondo; Cevahir Shopping Mall
Easy Access by Taxi
Dolmabahçe Palace; Chora Museum; Rahmi Koç Museum
