The Fairmont Istanbul is a dream: inspired by a rich past that is strongly rooted in the present
– Joanne Young, Wilson Associates principal and design director

Canadian hospitality group Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is continuing its global expansion strategy with the opening of a hotel in Istanbul, Turkey.

The 209-room Fairmont Quasar is located in Mecidiyeköy, one of Istanbul’s business quarters on the western side of city. It is housed in the wider Quasar Istanbul complex, which occupies a site once home to a liquor factory designed by the French architect Robert Mallet Stevens – parts of which have been restored to be used as a museum and recreation centre.

This development, designed by Emre Arolat Architects and Arup, features two 40-storey towers that sit atop a four-storey office podium comprised of fitness facilities and luxury retail. A city garden will be turned into a new international cultural, art and fashion centre, complete with statues and historical sycamores.

The Fairmont's rooms, designed by Wilson Associates, combine contemporary design flourishes with bespoke Turkish elements and industrial references to the former factory. "Contemporary classicism" is created by merging "a polished Parisian sensibility with an eclectic, contemporary New York flair", with Istanbul "straddling these two worlds providing a third component."

The hotel’s USP is the Turkish-themed, 2,000 sq m (21,527sq ft) Willow Stream Spa, which pays homage to local traditions by offering a Turkish bath and authentic hammam treatments.

Managed by Fairmont’s in-house team, the spa houses seven treatment rooms and two couples’ VIP suites, a yoga room and an indoor pool with a retractable glass separator which opens up in spring and summer. There is also a separate outdoor pool.

Wet areas include an authentic, Turkish hammam and a wide range of saunas, steamrooms, ice fountains and relaxation areas.

Aysegul Sungur, Promet’s general manager, said: “The design is based on clean and minimal forms, inspired by natural organic shapes and materials. The soothing concept has been enriched with Turkish patterns and luxury touches.”

Joanne Yong, principal and design director at Wilson Associates, added: “The Fairmont Istanbul is a dream: inspired by a rich past that is strongly rooted in the present. The design weaves both heritage and stylish modernity; where the guest experience subliminally mirrors the ageless Turkish concept of journey and welcome.”

Fairmont is in the middle of an expansion push and is set to open the 134-room Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech resort in Morocco this month.

Fairmont was acquired by French hotel giant Accor in June 2016 in a deal worth US$2.7bn.