Adding a dash of luxe to the city on the Bosphorus, the new Fairmont Quasar in Istanbul is the first of the Canadian brand’s establishment to open in Turkey. Baroque Travel visits the city’s latest five star hotel
Built by Canadian luxury hotel brand Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, the Fairmont Quasar is a beautiful addition to the Istanbul skyline. Its design was inspired by the city’s blend of rich heritage and modern sophistication and the hotel itself is located at a crossroads in the city, where East meets West and modern Western lifestyles come together with centuries of ancient history.
The result is a very beautiful building, its 209 guest rooms including 25 suites are decorated with blue leather-tufted headboards reminiscent of the Bosphorus, and leather-bound and studded mini bars that bring to mind vintage travel trunks. To add a touch of Turkish culture, the showers in the en suite facilities resemble traditional Turkish hammams. All accommodation is designed to maximize comfort and technology.
The most luxurious accommodation of all is the Royal Suite, and there are also 40 exclusive Fairmont Gold guest rooms that offer the brand’s unparalleled service and exclusive facilities. All of the accommodation offers panoramic views of Istanbul, including the Bosphorus and the city’s iconic skyline. In addition to the hotel accommodation, there are also 64 residences.
The hotel is situated on the site of the 1930’s Robert Mallet Stevens-designed Art Deco liquor factory, in two modern, newly built 40-story towers. These towers are part of a complex situated on a four-story podium offering numerous luxury shops and other amenities.
Fairmont Quasar offers a choice of dining opportunities with a selection of restaurants and bars, including one that boasts a live mezze kitchen and a spice library. Pampering is paramount at this exemplary hotel, and guests are offered every possible indulgent treatment available at the Willow Stream Spa, which offers nine different treatment rooms, a traditional Turkish hammam, an indoor swimming pool, yoga studio and high-tech gym.
The Fairmont brand’s first Turkish hotel brings its distinction and style to the country’s capital, which has become one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. This unique hotel provides a startling new landmark for the city’s vibrant Mecidiyeköy district, known for its eclectic bazaars, colorful side streets and modern contemporary shopping malls.