Accor has signed to take over management of an Istanbul landmark, the Grand Tarabya hotel. Following a substantial refurbishment, the property will relaunch under the group’s Fairmont banner.
The Grand Tarabya has a special place in the hearts of Istanbul’s residents, having been part of the landscape since it opened in 1966 as one of Turkey’s first five star hotels. The expansive property features 248 guest rooms and suites, no less than seven food and beverage outlets and a wellness centre, along with 29 residences. Situated on a prominent site overlooking the Bosphorus, it occupies a tranquil location with stunning waterfront views.
Building on a legacy
“The Grand Tarabya has an esteemed legacy, which we are honoured to carry forward. With the proposed transformation of this landmark property,”said Omer Acar, CEO, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Raffles Hotels & Resorts. “Our vision is to preserve the property’s rich history and heritage while enhancing its appeal for today’s luxury travellers.”
Accor has taken over management of the hotel immediately, and will run the property for the duration of its extensive refurbishment. The final element of that makeover will be to finish and redecorate the hotel as a Fairmont, seeing it joining a global collection of distinguished luxury hotels.
The Grand Tarabya will become Accor’s 38th hotel in the Istanbul region, and one of more than 70 hotels the group operates across Turkey, representing many of the Accor brand stable.
Since 2006, the hotel has been owned by automotive group Bayraktarlar Holding. It reopened following refurbishment in 2013, joining the Leading Hotels of the World and winning several awards for its transformation and its interiors. By partnering with Accor, the group is now writing the next chapter of the landmark building. “This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to invest in distinguished destinations that offer a unique blend of historical charm with modern luxury,” said Ahmet Bayraktar, the chairman of Bayraktarlar Holding. “The Grand Tarabya offers a prestigious setting that aligns with both Accor and Fairmont’s ethos, and we are confident under the new stewardship, the hotel will continue to thrive.”
Fairmont brand builds traction
For Accor, the addition of another landmark property helps further build the value of the Fairmont brand. Currently there are 88 Fairmonts spread around the world, with brand flagship properties including the Savoy in London, Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Chateau Frontenac in Canada, Fairmont San Francisco and Fairmont Century Plaza in the USA, and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai.
Upcoming additions to the brand include Fairmont Xiamen and Fairmont Dalian in China, and Fairmont Southampton Hotel in Bermuda. In the Middle East, Fairmont Residences Solara Tower Dubai and Fairmont Rua Al Madinah are under construction. Asian developments include Fairmont Mumbai and Fairmont Phu Quoc Resorts & Residences in Vietnam.
