The Art of Accomodation: Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler

As the culture and arts started to reshape people's lifestyle and choices, the demand brought about the idea of a creative accomodation. Starwood's lifestyle brand, Le Méridien wanted to be a part of these worldwide change by hiring a full-time curator and redesigning the hotel accomodation. The youngest member of the chain, Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler, suited perfectly the sophisticated and vibrant European capital of culture. The hotel remarks the company’s passion for contemporary arts and inspring guest experience.

The Story

Originally founded by Air France in Paris in 1972, Le Meridien was first thought "to provide a home away from home for its customers." The brand was acquired in November 2005 by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, and the brand vision is redesigned by mixing contemporary culture with its European heritage, Le Méridien creates a culturally refined, meaningful and stimulating atmosphere.

LM 01 Candles, Photo by Ryan Rothman

The Perspective

Mixing contemporary culture with European heritage, Le Méridien is committed to providing an interactive and culturally enriching experience to its guests.Through an array of partnerships with leading-edge artists and cultural institutions, Le Méridien provides a platform for discovery for guests interested in exploring the modern culture of each destination.

Arrival Experience

Le Méridien reinterprets 'arrival' as an experience for the guests, which is creating long-lasting memories. The hotel intends to transform the currently functional and transactional experience into an emotional connection. Upon entering the hotel, a visual and audio effect -a “wall” of sound and art- engulfs each guest. Also, a scent called LM 01 created by Fabrice Penot and Eddie Roschi, which  wellcomes the guest in all Le Méridien Hotels.

Arrival Art work by :mentalKLINIK, Photo by Emre Basak

Unlock Art

At check-in, guests receive a room key that unlocks more than just a room – it is supposed to "open the guest’s mind". The key is a work of art itself, which is launched in several limited editions within a year and is intended to be become a collector’s item over the years.

The artist-designed keycard unlocks a local contemporary cultural experience and becomes part of the curated collection of works that Le Méridien features throughout the guest experience. This innovative program provides guests with direct access to a variety of progressive, modern and independent cultural centers including Tate Modern in London and İstanbul Modern in İstanbul.

Le Méridien İstanbul Etiler is the brand’s first hotel to be built from the scratch in Europe. What makes this flagship hotel different is that it adopts the creativity and arts to its signature experiences. 

CREDITS

Teaser Bild, Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler, photo by Emre Basak

LM 01 Scented Candles, photo by Ryan Rothman 

The Arrival art work by :mentalKLINIK, photo by Emre Basak