Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center Blends a Concept in Luxury with the Fabric of Istanbul

Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center blends a concept in luxury with the fabric of Istanbul

As part of the Zorlu Center project aiming to add "value" to Istanbul, Zorlu Property's Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center will epitomize the city with its unique design. Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center preserves the traditional features of the Raffles brand, reflecting Istanbul's historical and quintessential attributes. The interior decor of the hotel is designed by HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates), the same firm that adorned such world-famous hotels as Peninsula NY, The Ritz Carlton Dubai and Mandarin Oriental New York. Great care has been taken to tastefully blend elements of the past with modern concepts, incorporating a range of hues in keeping with the colors of Istanbul.

At Zorlu Center, Turkey's mixed-use project with 5 functions developed by Zorlu Property, Raffles takes pride of place with its "premium luxury" hotel brand, earning accolades including Condé Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure awards. The interior decoration of Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center is the creation of HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates), interior designers of such world-famous hotels as Peninsula NY, The Ritz Carlton Dubai, and Mandarin Oriental New York.

The award-winning HBA, founded in 1964, maintains its leadership of the interior design sector in the field of hospitality. Credited with the interior design of leading hotels around the world, the company develops innovative projects in its 11 offices based in 4 continents. With a 1,000-strong workforce in 54 countries developing hotel designs in the "premium luxury" category, and with an annual turnover of 84 million dollars, for the past ten years HBA has been the leader among the top 100 major architecture and interior architecture firms.

Each room uniquely designed

Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center boasts a total of 184 rooms, each of them with a different design, comprising 136 standard rooms, 47 suites, and one Presidential Suite. The rooms are larger than average, enabling guests to relax and enjoy the unrivalled beauty of Istanbul in comfort and luxury. Standard rooms measure 60 square meters at minimum, while suites measure up to 333 square meters. Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center is designed to ensure room sizes of around 62 square meters in standard rooms, 130 square meters in single suites, 250 square meters in double suites, and 350 square meters in the Presidential Suite.

A concept in luxury blended with the fabric of Istanbul

At Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center "impossible" is nothing thanks to the personalized Butler service. Assistant General Manager of Zorlu Property Mehmet Even noted that the interior decoration will set the hotel apart from its peers, and added, "With an investment of 3 million dollars the design approach at Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center gives attention to even the smallest details in everything the guests see from when they arrive to the moment they leave, blending a concept in luxury with the fabric of Istanbul. With its unique design, views of the Bosporus, and an unrivalled approach to hospitality Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center will bring together the spheres of business, finance, entertainment and the arts, as an important part of the Zorlu Center project adding value to Istanbul."

Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center aims to realize the "Business & Leisure" concept, preserving its traditional characteristics as in other hotels of the brand while reflecting Istanbul's historical and quintessential attributes. For example, the columns in the lobby are detailed with Byzantine-influenced gold mosaics. Only recyclable materials have been used in the environmentally-friendly design, where lighting is provided with 95% energy-saving LED's.

Art a fundamental element of design

HBA draws inspiration for its hotel designs primarily from its local environment. President of HBA Howard Pharr, who has been with the firm for 30 years, emphasized the uniqueness of the design of Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center and added, "We are using art as the main element in presenting the brand, drawing on Turkish designs, detailing, works of art and handicrafts. We are bringing international and Turkish artists together to create 'the Istanbul of their dreams.' Both guest rooms and common areas such as the hotel lobby and restaurants will feature works bearing the signatures of international artists."

There are 10 HBA employees, 7 in Atlanta and 3 in London, dedicated to developing on Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center. Figuring in employees working on lighting, art consultancy, and signage makes for a total of 35.

Unique worlds of East and West united by design The special objects and themes in the interior decoration of Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center are specifically designed for each setting. Special rock crystals and floor panels in the lobby embody a special identity, while the ballroom featuring thousands of hand-made blown glass stars, special restaurants with the ambience of Europe and Istanbul, the 3,000 square meter Spa, and works of art all make the design of Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center truly unique.

The 3,000-square-meter worldwide Spa features private massage rooms, saunas, and steam rooms for individuals or couples, private party Turkish baths, ice fountains, and fitness facilities, along with both male and female hair stylists. Influenced by the rich cultural dimensions of the city's past, its design unites the unique worlds of East and West in a cultural synthesis. The central theme of flowing water in both the discovery areas of Active Zone and Therapy Zone creates a harmonious which nurtures the balance between body and spirit.

Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center will feature a ballroom hosting elite events with a capacity of up to 1,200 people, with an 11-meters-high ceiling. The hotel will feature a further seven halls each accommodating 50. Two gourmet restaurants will add distinction and style to Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center. One of these will include a table with private chef and cooking arrangement. The Long Bar is designed so as to be easily converted into a private venue for 12. The world's premium cuisine&dining concepts and famous names will come together at Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center.