DoubleTree by Hilton is planning to open its first hotel in Turkey’s largest city, the DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul-Old Town.

The 171-bedroom hotel is set in the heart of Istanbul’s old town on the Golden Horn peninsula, within walking distance of famous sights including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet and Topkapi Palace – all of which provide a glimpse into the fascinating history of a city which spans two continents. It is also the nearest hotel to the intriguing Grand Bazaar, where visitors can purchase exotic goods from Persian rugs and magical spices to leather products and Turkish coffee. The hotel is easily accessible from Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport (IST) just a 30-minute drive, as well as the city’s tram network and embarkation points for Bosphorus boat tours.

Rob Palleschi, global head for DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “We are delighted to be opening our first hotel in Istanbul and our third DoubleTree by Hilton in Turkey, an exciting country for our fast-growing, full-service hotel brand. With international visitors coming to Istanbul for its wealth of historic and cultural attractions, our guests will be able to enjoy our upscale and full-service accommodations with easy access to the city’s wonders from this unrivalled location.”

The DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul-Old Town will feature the traditional characteristics of the worldwide brand including the warm welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; comfortable, stylish accommodations and full-service amenities; along with a unique and caring commitment to the communities in which they operate. The upscale, full-service hotel brand has seen remarkable growth since its European introduction in the spring of 2008 with 18 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels now open in eight countries across Europe.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul-Old Town features four meetings and events rooms, which are ideal for business meetings, residential conferences, social events, wedding and cocktail parties. The largest ‘Fatih’ meeting room is 1,836 square foot in size, seating up to 200 guests, and the hotel’s expert banquet staff are on hand to deliver creative menus, for any type of event. For business needs, the hotel’s 24-hour, on-site business centre provides a variety of essential support services and each meeting room features the latest in audio/visual equipment and communications technology.

For guests to relax after a busy day visiting the attractions of Istanbul or conducting business in the thriving commercial district, DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul-Old Town offers two restaurants; The Terrace serves a la carte international cuisine with traditional Turkish favourites - the perfect spot to enjoy a chic cocktail in the contemporary yet locally inspired interior. Alternatively, the hotel’s Old Town restaurant offers casual dining, located conveniently on the lobby level, and presents a delicious DoubleTree Breakfast service each morning. Guests also have access to in-room dining 24-hours a day.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul-Old Town allows guests to keep fit while they travel, courtesy of the hotel’s complimentary Fitness Centre by Precor®. The Fitness Centre features the very latest in cardio and resistance equipment, or guests can stretch their legs with a stroll around Istanbul’s winding streets and exercise along the Bosphurus sidewalks. In the hotel’s spa, guests can enjoy facilities such as a whirlpool, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a steam bath.