Introducing InterContinental Grand Ankara – Heritage meets modern luxury in the heart of Türkiye | News

InterContinental Grand Ankara – part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio – has opened its doors following an extensive transformation of one of the city’s most iconic addresses. Marking a new era for luxury hospitality in the capital of Türkiye, InterContinental Grand Ankara joins the world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand, continuing the brand’s legacy of pioneering new destinations in every corner of the globe.

Originally opened as The Grand Ankara Hotel in 1966, the redesigned property is a testament to the global evolution of InterContinental, which defines the luxury travel experience for today’s modern luxury traveler. The aim is to find a harmonious balance between freedom and familiarity, based on the belief that travel broadens the mind and connects cultures.

Ufuk Demir, General Manager of InterContinental Grand Ankara, said: “For me, luxury is not just a physical product; it is an experience that understands the guest’s needs even before they are expressed, creates distinction through details and builds a strong connection. With the global perspective and cultural richness of the InterContinental brand, we want to position InterContinental Grand Ankara not only as a place to stay, but also as a destination that captures the rhythm of the city and becomes a reference. point for gastronomy and social life.”

For the modern luxury traveler

Located in the heart of Ankara’s diplomatic, business and social precincts, directly opposite the Turkish Grand National Assembly, InterContinental Grand Ankara offers an attractive gateway to an increasingly unique capital. With seamless access to major cultural institutions such as Anıtkabir Monument and Kale (Ankara Castle), in addition to shopping districts and government centers, and Esenboğa Airport less than a 40-minute drive away, the hotel provides a central base from which to experience the city.

The transformation of the former Grand Ankara Hotel introduces 342 rooms in various luxury room categories. Many are designed to support a more restorative approach to stay aligned with InterContinental’s brand values. Interiors are defined by a sense of tranquility and balance, where contemporary design is layered with subtle local influences. Each space is designed to respond to the shape-shifting needs of today’s traveler – a guest who can balance leisure, work commitments and a desire to connect with culture while exploring the world.

Tahir Çelik, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Çelikler Holding, the owner of the property, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership: “We are pleased to announce the arrival of InterContinental Grand Ankara to the capital. InterContinental is one of the world’s most iconic luxury hotel brands, with decades of expertise in global hospitality. With IHG’s proven knowledge, respect for local cultures and deep understanding of community dynamics, we believe that InterContinental Grand Ankara This luxury brand will not only meet but exceed our guests’ expectations.”

Insider access: connected to culture

At the center of the experience is InterContinental’s signature concierge, a cornerstone of the brand for more than 80 years who brings to life the philosophy of the ‘world of fascination’. The concierge team acts as cultural connectors, curating personalized experiences and insider itineraries that invite guests to discover Ankara beyond the expected, from discovering lesser-known neighborhoods to accessing the city’s evolving cultural and social scene, from classic Turkish restaurants to the best underground bars for a truly local experience.

Under the leadership of Chef Emre İnanır, a Gault & Millau award winner with Michelin Guide experience, the hotel’s main restaurant LOQQANTA 06 has been developed as a must-visit culinary destination in the city. Global influences meet Anatolian ingredients and flair, resulting in a dining experience that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in local culture. Guests looking for a more relaxed experience can also enjoy The Lobby Bar, which offers a selection of handcrafted cocktails, premium wines and light snacks, ready for daytime meetings and evening unwinding.

Wellness also unfolds at InterContinental Grand Ankara, anchored by a 1,500 square meter spa. The experience moves between indoor and outdoor pools and a curated selection of treatments inspired by wellness traditions from Türkiye and beyond. Designed to restore balance and encourage relaxation, the spa offers guests a moment of pause from the rhythm of the city.

The hotel is also introducing a collection of luxury apartment suites designed for extended stays. With large living areas, fully equipped kitchens and a residential style, the suites combine the convenience of home with the high-quality service of a luxury hotel.

Incredible Occasions: A Background to Life’s Milestones

Complementing the leisure offering, InterContinental Grand Ankara introduces a versatile collection of event spaces, including three ballrooms that can accommodate up to 1,200 guests and 15 multi-functional meeting rooms. Designed to host everything from international conferences to embassy events and social functions, the hotel is emerging as a new hub for Ankara’s diplomatic community and guests seeking exceptional celebrations. InterContinental’s legacy in hosting also comes to fruition at InterContinental Grand Ankara with the brand’s Incredible Occasions program, which leverages the expertise of InterContinental events teams around the world to curate moments of wonder for events united by the programs’ guiding principles: cultural connections, remarkable institutions and thoughtful gestures.

The world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand

InterContinental Grand Ankara joins a global portfolio of more than 240 InterContinental hotels in nearly 70 countries around the world. For more information or to book a stay, visit the hotel’s website here. IHG One Rewards members can also book directly through the IHG One Rewards mobile app.

This opening represents a cornerstone of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ accelerated expansion across Europe, where IHG has more than 1,240 open and pipeline hotels, delivering exceptional hospitality experiences through its diverse portfolio of brands.

By integrating this iconic Ankara address into such an extensive network, the hotel offers guests seamless access to the IHG One Rewards ecosystem – one of the world’s largest loyalty programs – connecting to a global community of travelers.