Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that it will open the first Le Méridien hotel in the sophisticated and vibrant European city of Istanbul.

Scheduled to open in the autumn of 2011, the new 260-room Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler marks the brand’s debut in Turkey.

Ideally located in the prestigious area of Etiler, just one kilometre from the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge connecting Europe and Asia, Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler will be tailored to both business and leisure travellers. The 32-story hotel will provide a fully integrated contemporary lifestyle experience featuring 206 guest rooms, 26 suites and 28 serviced apartments, a Creative Hub (Le Méridien’s new lobby concept), destination bar, signature restaurant and rooftop lounge with stunning views of the city. Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler will also offer 1,700 square metres of hi-tech meeting and event space, a spacious wellness area including a gym, spa and both indoor and outdoor pools.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts currently operates six hotels throughout Turkey, including three in Istanbul – W Istanbul, Sheraton Istanbul Maslak Hotel and Sheraton Istanbul Atakoy Hotel, Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Centre, Sheraton Voyager Antalya Hotel and Sheraton Cesme Hotel Resort and Spa. In addition to Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler, Starwood will also open a Luxury Collection Hotel in Ankara next year.