Since 1955: Where everything begins
Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus is no ordinary hotel. It opened its doors on 10 June 1955, becoming the very first Hilton hotel outside the United States and Turkey’s first international hotel. The opening day itself became legendary: Conrad Hilton flew in 106 guests, including Hollywood stars Olivia de Havilland and Ann Miller, aboard two private aircraft named ‘The Flying Carpet’ and ‘The Magic Carpet’. Istanbul had never seen so many stars arrive at once.
Since then, the hotel has repeatedly played a part in the city’s history, hosting some of Istanbul’s first major weddings, balls and beauty pageants.
Fascinating stories from the hotel’s past
Here are a few anecdotes you are unlikely to forget:
- The coffee tradition. When Conrad Hilton was told on opening day that Turkish culture traditionally paired coffee with a liqueur, he decided that every new guest should be welcomed with a ‘Welcome Coffee’ and ‘Welcome Cocktail’, served by ‘coffee beauties’ dressed in traditional costumes. A tradition that can still be found at Hilton hotels around the world today.
- Marlon Brando and the coffee reading. In 1967, Brando came to Istanbul and stayed in the Black Sea Suite, where one of the hotel’s ‘coffee beauties’ read his fortune from the coffee grounds.
- ‘I am quitting boxing.’ In 1976, Muhammad Ali stayed at the hotel during a visit to Istanbul and chose the city as the place to announce his temporary retirement from boxing.
- James Bond checked in here. In the Bond film From Russia with Love (1963), Sean Connery’s adventure as 007 begins at this hotel. Istanbul in the 1960s was a true meeting point between East and West, which is precisely why the hotel has been welcoming business travelers from all over the world for decades.
- A swimming pool shaped like a footprint. When the pool opened in 1956, it was revealed to have been designed in the shape of Conrad Hilton’s own footprint. At the time, it was considered Istanbul’s largest swimming pool and quickly became a popular setting for parties and business gatherings among the international jet set.
An Icon Reimagined
The hotel recently underwent an extensive renovation under the banner of icon reimagined. This was far more than a refurbishment: it was a reinterpretation of the elegance of the 1950s, inspired by iconic guests such as Sophia Loren and translated into a beautiful contemporary interior.
Historic details, including the original 1955 logo, have been carefully incorporated into the new design. This can be seen in the new Lalou Lounge & Terrace, with its impressive open fireplace and views across the Bosphorus, and the intimate Sazzou jazz bar, inspired by the many jazz musicians who performed at the hotel, including Louis Armstrong. The hotel’s restaurants include Arlo, with its garden terrace, and Malva, serving contemporary Turkish cuisine accompa
Why Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus works so well for business travellers
- Location. The hotel is centrally located on Istanbul’s European side, close to Taksim and Nişantaşı. Its proximity to the Istanbul Congress Center and several key business districts makes it an excellent base for business travellers.
- Spacious, modern rooms and suites. The hotel offers a wide range of accommodation, from standard rooms to the Bosphorus Suite and Ambassador Suite. Perhaps the most impressive is the spectacular Imperial Suite, with its iconic dome, paying tribute to Istanbul’s first nightclub, Cloud 9. Every room is stylishly designed, combining historic elegance with modern functionality and views of the Bosphorus.
- 23 private poolside cabanas, ideal for unwinding after a long day of meetings and enjoying a touch of Riviera atmosphere in the heart of the city.
- Several restaurants and bars under one roof, providing plenty of choice for informal business lunches, dinners or post-event drinks.
An outstanding venue for corporate events
For companies looking for a venue for conferences, incentives or large-scale corporate events, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus offers an impressive range of possibilities:
- Ballroom & Conference Center, spread across two floors with five flexible function spaces accommodating up to 2,500 guests and equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities.
- Ambassador Ballroom and Connie Ballroom, both offering natural daylight and the flexibility to be divided into smaller rooms, making them ideal for plenary sessions as well as breakout meetings.
- Multifunctional event and meeting spaces throughout the hotel for smaller gatherings.
- Lush gardens for outdoor events, including the Alfresco Garden and Şadırvan Terrace, both able to accommodate hundreds of guests and ideal for gala dinners or summer receptions.
In short
Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus is much more than a hotel with a fascinating story. It is a place where history, glamour and business functionality come together. For business travellers looking for something a little more special, and for organisations seeking a venue that combines character with the infrastructure required for major events, we consider it one of Istanbul’s standout choices.
Curious to find out what Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus (or one of the other Hilton hotels) could offer for your next business trip or corporate event? Contact e-Business Travel to discuss the possibilities.