Hilton Worldwide today announced that it has reached an important milestone in Turkey with 5,000 rooms now operating.  Hilton Garden Inn Mardin becomes the 19th Hilton Worldwide-branded hotel and the fifth Hilton Garden Inn in Turkey.

The company opened its first hotel, Hilton Istanbul, in 1955 which is now the longest serving Hilton Hotel outside of the Americas.  Most recently Hilton Worldwide has welcomed Hilton Garden Inn Istanbul Golden Horn and Hilton Garden Inn Sanliurfa to its growing portfolio.  In the coming months the company will welcome Hilton Bursa, Hampton by Hilton Bursa and Hampton by Hilton Ordu.

“Turkey is an incredible destination and growth market for Hilton Worldwide. Having opened seven hotels in the country this year, I am delighted that we now operate more than 5,000 rooms and in wonderful locations such as Mardin,” said Simon Vincent, area president, Europe, Hilton Worldwide. “In the last few years we have seen our Turkish portfolio almost double with 10 hotels currently under development, demonstrating the popularity of our brands in the international marketplace.”

Situated in the city centre, Hilton Garden Inn Mardin joins a growing portfolio of locations for the mid-market hotel brand across Turkey. Hilton Garden Inn only recently celebrated a top ranking in the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 European Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index StudySM, in the first year the brand qualified for the index.

The historic city of Mardin is recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site owing to the ancient architecture in the old town and its surroundings areas.  Some of the most significant sites include the Church of the Forties which dates back to the 10th century and Zinciriye Medresesi an Islamic school built in 1385.  Hilton Garden Inn Mardin overlooks the Mesopatamian Plain and is located approximately 17 kilometers from Mardin airport and approximately four kilometers from the centre of the city.

“I am thrilled to see our fifth property open in Turkey, which has fast become one of Hilton Garden Inn’s most exciting and relevant destinations outside of the U.S.,” said Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn. “With an array of wonderful destinations for our loyal guests to visit across the country we look forward to showcasing our latest opening Hilton Garden Inn Mardin.”

The hotel features 162 bedrooms, providing guests with the brand’s signature features, including the Garden Sleep System bed, ergonomic Mirra chair by Herman Miller, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi internet access.  Guests will also be able to enjoy a contemporary dining experience at the Sumac Grill restaurant and a range of snacks from the Pavilion Pantry, open 24-hours.

To help guests relax, Hilton Garden Inn Mardin offers a 24 hour fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, children’s pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath and rain-shower.  Additionally, a 24-hour business centre is equipped with printing and copying facilities and fast wireless internet access for all business requirements.

General Manager of the newly opened Hilton Garden Inn Mardin, Murat Yetişgen, said, “We are looking forward to welcoming guests and showcasing our mid-market hotel to visitors to Mardin and local residents.  Our guests will experience the best in Turkish hospitality, with all of the hallmarks of world-renowned Hilton Garden Inn.”

City.Mobi

Also in Turkey today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Ankara.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Ankara.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.