Sofitel Hotels and Resorts, a leading luxury brand within the Accor group, has announced the opening of its first hotel in Turkey, Sofitel Istanbul Taksim.

The hotel officially opened in early November in Taksim Square, known as the heart of modern Istanbul, where both locals and visitors shop, dine and spend time taking in the sights and sounds of the city. The hotel, developed in collaboration with Turkey-based Tuna Group, is a luxury haven offering an impeccable blend of Sofitel’s inspired mix of French modern elegance with the cosmopolitan style of Istanbul.

“We are excited to introduce the Sofitel brand to Turkey, a market where we want to drive further growth over the next three to five years,” said Alexis Delaroff, COO of Accor New East Europe. “We believe that the addition of new luxury product into the city will serve as a key tourism driver, enticing travelers to explore one of Turkey’s most dynamic cities, while also delighting locals as a sophisticated and stylish destination for dining and entertainment.”

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim is infused with the soul and character of the historic site where it resides. The location has been a famous hotspot within the bustling Taksim neighborhood for over a century. Originally home to the grand Magic Cinema, the property went on to become one of the most famous nightclubs in Istanbul. Maxim opened in 1921, and reigned at the top of Istanbul’s nightlife for several decades. Today, Sofitel Istanbul Taksim is the newest and most anticipated luxury hotel in the Taksim neighborhood.

Guests of Sofitel Istanbul Taksim will revel in the luxury of 202 chic guestrooms including 33 suites, each suite outfitted with Hermés products while all other guestrooms will feature Atelier Cologne bathroom amenities for guests to delight in. Guestrooms offer expansive views of Taksim Square or the nearby Bosphorus strait, one of the world’s most strategic waterways and a popular Istanbul landmark. Club and suite guests have exclusive access to the property’s Club Millésime, with special services such as private check-in, personalized service, afternoon tea and treats, and more. The hotel is equipped to host business and social events of all kinds, with two elegant ballrooms and three well outfitted meeting rooms.

Helping travelers maintain their health away from home, the wellness facilities impress at the Sofitel Istanbul Taksim. A rare find in Istanbul, the hotel’s outdoor rooftop swimming pool is the ideal spot for guests to unwind and take in panoramic views of the captivating city. The hotel’s state-of-the-art Sofitel Spa promises exhilarating and rejuvenating treatments inspired by traditional Turkish rituals with the delicacy of French cosmetology, featuring products from French luxury skincare brand Sothys. Outfitted with an indoor pool, seven treatment rooms, a traditional Turkish Hammam, steam room, sauna, and fully equipped fitness center, the Sofitel Spa is a haven within the energetic city.

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim delights with its enticing dining options. Featuring a beautiful outdoor terrace fit with its own gazebo, The Oven is a European brasserie that takes its name from the wood fired oven it uses to create its signature Turkish and French inspired dishes. On the hotel’s ground floor sits a charming patisserie, Cake Box, which artistically serves authentic French sweets and traditional Turkish classics. A must see is the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant, which serves up modern Turkish mezze, tasty bites and chic cocktails, not to mention striking views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. While La Table, a breakfast and buffet venue, and The Lobby Bar, a perfect place to enjoy a cocktail, coffee or light bite after an exciting day of exploring Istanbul, round out the dining options at the hotel.