As the longest operating Hilton Hotel internationally, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus has been offering traditional Turkish hospitality, comfort, consistency and timeless elegance since 1955. The hotel was a part of Conrad Hilton’s plans to expand throughout Europe. Following a tour near the end of 1950, Hilton returned home with a definite decision regarding Rome and Istanbul.
Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus was very important for Conrad Hilton. The ‘Emperor of Hotels’ regarded Istanbul as a crucial link in his chain of hotels as it spread across the world. He demonstrated this with a resplendent ceremony that began on the morning of June 10, 1955, with many celebrities including many Hollywood stars.
The celebration was more than a simple hotel opening; it symbolized a brand new beginning in Istanbul’s social scene. As the first international five-star hotel of the city, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus brought new standards to the service concept in its sector and sparked ‘a revolution in the hospitality industry’ in Istanbul and Turkey.
Istanbul had welcomed travellers from all over the world for centuries and now, thanks to this new hotel, it would be able to truly meet the changing needs of the day and the increasing expectations of visitors for the first time.
The past 60 years of Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus constitute a veritable hall of fame. The Guests of Hilton have come from every nation and all walks of life. Our Guests ranged from kings to Hollywood stars, from politicians to scientists, from famous musicians to businessmen and included Sophia Loren, Louis Armstrong, Grace Kelly, Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden.