The Rezidor Hotel Group announces the Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Şişli. The new built 305-room property is scheduled to welcome the first guests in Q3 2012.

“This business & leisure hotel is our 4th property in operation and under development in greater Istanbul and brings our total number of rooms to almost 1,000. This clearly underlines how strategically important the Istanbul market is for our company”, said Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor. Rezidor already operates the Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel in the city centre and the Radisson Blu Conference & Airport Hotel near Istanbul, and has the Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Asia under development.

Dilek Holding, the owner of the new hotel, is planning to actively expand its business within the 5-star hotel sector – the company also plans to develop a 130-room hotel in Istanbul’s Pera district.

Istanbul is a true cultural capital: In its long and illustrious history, it has served as the capital city of the Roman Empire, the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, the Latin Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. The architectural and cultural legacies of these fallen empires remain, as the city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The upmarket Şişli district is known for its grand avenues and modern commercial offices. It is also home to Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre, which is the largest shopping centre in Europe and among the largest in the world.

A future landmark, the Radisson Blu Istanbul Şişli will offer 305 spacious and contemporary guest rooms featuring signature services such as free high speed internet access. Food and beverage facilities will be extensive and include 2 restaurants, a ballroom, and 20 meeting rooms with a total meeting space of around 2,000 square meters. For recreation, an outdoor swimming pool and a luxurious spa are planned.