WYNDHAM ISTANBUL KALAMIS MARINA
WYNDHAM ISTANBUL KALAMIS MARINA
OPENING DATE : December 17 , 2012
GUESTROOMS : 210
LOCATION : The Asian side of Istanbul next to the Kalamis Marina and the Sea of Marmara and within walking distance of Bagdat Street , one of the city ’ s most elegant shopping areas
GENERAL MANAGER : Alper Can Bulçum
OWNER : Reisler Deri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi
LEAD ARCHITECT : Ali Çicek biggest in Turkey , is also very popular due to the restaurants based there .”
The marina and the sea play a prominent role in much of the hotel ’ s design . Many of the guestrooms offer marina views , and Yorulmazer aimed to bring the area ’ s abundant natural light inside the property via design strategies such as metallic color tones in all-day-dining restaurant Remina and extensive mirrors in the lobby . “ I wanted to take the light of the sun and the sea inside the lobby ,” Yorulmazer explains . “ Also , the lobby is not as big as I would want . With the mirrors and the light effects , I want to make it seem larger .”
Bulçum says Wyndham Istanbul Kalamis Marina ’ s guest mix so far includes both businesspeople and vacationers , with corporate clients and group business dominating during the week and leisure guests more prominent on the weekends . He says occupancy has been approximately 70 % during the hotel ’ s first year , with average rate between € 150 and € 175 ( US $ 207-US $ 242 ). Bulçum adds the hotel was named Turkey ’ s Leading Business Hotel for 2013 at the World Travel Awards and Hotel of the Year for the EMEA region by Wyndham Hotel Group , accolades he characterizes as “ an indication we are moving in the right direction .”
From a design standpoint , Yorulmazer has lofty goals as well — namely that the hotel makes a lasting impression on all its guests . “ My philosophy is always that I am trying to give people a chance to see things they have not seen before ,” he says . “ When they return back to their home , they can remember this hotel and its special design . I don ’ t copy anyone or any other hotels — this is a unique , special place .”
LEAD INTERIOR DESIGNER : Eren Yorulmazer , Mazeron Architect
DESIGN AESTHETIC : Timeless design characterized by both luxury and comfort
NOTABLE AMENITIES : Multiple restaurants and cafes , including Remina for all-day dining and the Lobby Lounge for light fare and cocktails ; 14 meeting rooms including the 7,567-sq-ft ( 703-sq-m ) Kalamis Grand Ballroom ; indoor and outdoor pools ; the Blue Harmony Spa in addition to a separate gym and play area designed especially for children
www . hotelsmag . com December 2013 HOTELS 33