Istanbul is the heart of Turkey. It's a transcontinental city with one third of its population living in Asia. Asya Yakas? is a region in Istanbul that resides on the Asian side. It is also referred to as the Anatolian side; this part of Istanbul has a population of about 4.4 million people. Seven million foreign visitors visited Istanbul in 2010 and it was named a European Capital of Culture, making it the world's tenth-most popular tourist destination. Building on the trade district, the Asian side of Istanbul prepares itself to garner most business and trade conventions in the city. While in Istanbul, a luxurious accommodation that is conveniently closer to all major tourist attractions and corporate syndicates, Istanbul Marriott Hotel Asia is the place to stay. Overlooking the Princess Islands, the Marriott Hotel is situated on the Asian side of Istanbul. The location in Atasehir is the center of the booming business district. Peter Reischl, the general manager of the hotel, told Saudi Gazette that the location of the hotel is convenient for businessmen and also for those on leisure trips, as it has shopping malls, excursions, cruises, sporting activities and cultural places of interest in close proximity. The hotel has a total of 238 rooms, including 18 suites and a presidential suite. When asked about the traditional setting of the hotel and whether it lacks the contemporary feel, Reischl said the most important facet of Marriott is quality rather than any other medium. “We offer quality for everyone who appreciates it.” The executive rooms and suites offer free Wi-Fi, minibar and access to their Executive Lounge. The high ceiling standard rooms of the hotel are spacious with windows touching the ceiling. Each room has fixed LCD TV screens and prompt 24-hour room service. Their Marriott Revive bedding has custom duvets and cotton-rich linens, comfortable enough to make you feel at home. Executive rooms and suites offer free minibar, high speed Internet and access to the Executive Lounge. The advanced in-room technology with a work station, I-pod speakers make a corporate travel accommodating and convenient. Sinan Icten, a sales representative at the Marriott, recommended Bagdat Caddesi, also known as Ba?dat Avenue , a 14 km long high street running parallel to the coastline of the Sea of Marmara. Flanked with high-end fashion stores, restaurants, cafes, departmental stores, jewelry outlets and even luxury car dealers, it is every Arab fashionista's dream come true. According to writer Helen Simpson, “Ba?dat Avenue on the Asian side continues to defy stereotypes about itself and the city. While the Bosphorus Bridge may be the classic symbolic link between the two continents, this historic thoroughfare has been a vital part of the city's history for centuries, connecting Baghdad in Iraq with Istanbul. Once a popular spot for summer residences during Ottoman times, Ba?dat Avenue maintains an element of old style grandeur, even if the hemlines seem to get shorter, the heels higher and the hair blonder with each passing day.” Once you are back at the hotel, you must indulge in a fine affair with their dining restaurant at Orange Southern Mediterranean Grill, which is a great Turkish delight. With the finest selection of Adana kebabs to mocktails by the pool side offer an exciting dining experience. Authentic Turkish flavors from the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts combine the traditional and contemporary feel for a unique experience. The 49 East Lounge is a zone for private moments, social business and afterwork hours. You can soak up the sun and enjoy barbecue by the pool lounge on the terrace. The hotel also has fitness classes and exotic spa services for their guests. Palestra Fitness & Spa offers pilates, studio reformer, trapeze table, combo chair, yoga and VIP training. Families can enjoy nearby facilities and activities for children. Palladium Mall, known for its top notch designer retails, is a great venue for shopping. The only drawback is traffic on the European side of Istanbul, which also holds most of the history. Children can engage in numerous fun activities nearby at Bostanci Funfair park and Bosphorus Ferry Tours. The concierge is kind enough to offer their help on just about anything you ask them for. Activities include biking, bowling, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, jet-skiing, jogging/fitness trail, kayaking, miniature golf, mountain biking, river rafting, rock climbing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, squash, surfing, water-skiing, and lots more. Istanbul Marriott Hotel Asia serves as a beacon of hope on the coast of Princess Islands. Come, enjoy the flavors of life.
