Swiss™tel Hotels & Resorts is set to open its latest property in Ankara, Turkey in May 2006.  Located in Cankaya, an exclusive area of the capital city, Swiss™tel Ankara assumes a prime location within the vicinity of the presidential palace and international embassies. 

The hotel offers easy access to the city centre, with all major shopping streets, cafes and restaurants within short distance.  Swiss™tel Ankara is approximately 45 minutes from Esenboga Airport.

The hotel will have 150 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology and featuring an extensive range of amenities and services.

Swiss™tel Ankara will also sport the largest Presidential Suite in the city to date and an exclusive Executive Lounge for business travellers.

Mr Michel Van der Elst has been appointed as the General Manager of Swiss™tel Ankara.  Mr Van der Elst, who is originally from Belgium, has been with Swiss™tel Hotels & Resorts for many years and was formerly the Resident Manager of Swiss™tel The Bosphorus in Istanbul and the Area Controller in the Middle East. 

Hotel facilities include three food and beverage outlets, offering a wide range of international and local specialities.  For the growing MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) market, the property features a meeting and conference area, with a 900sqm grand ballroom, eight meeting rooms and a spacious foyer with a capacity of up to 1500 persons. 

The conference and meeting areas will be equipped with the latest audiovisual systems, including simultaneous translation booths, 24-hour technical support on site, and a business centre with full secretarial services.
For total relaxation and recreation, the Amrita Spa & Wellness Centre offers a range of rejuvenating spa treatments and a traditional Turkish bath.  The Wellness Centre also features a half Olympic size indoor swimming pool and a well-equipped gym.
The hotel will also offer an underground parking garage, accommodating up to 200 cars, with a valet parking service available.
Following the signing of the management contract with Gulsan Insaat, Sanayi, Turizm, Nakliyat ve Ticaret A.S., the opening of Swiss™tel Ankara marks Raffles International’s further expansion into Turkey.  The group already operates Swiss™tel The Bosphorus in Istanbul and Swiss™tel Göcek Marina & Spa Resort, with two additional projects currently under development in Bursa and Izmir.  With the signing of Swiss™tel Ankara, Raffles International’s worldwide portfolio grows to 40 hotels and resorts in 35 destinations. 
——-