FROM FERNANDO BOTERO TO MIKE BERG: A DELUXE HOTEL AS A GALLERY OF MODERN ART

Guests of Swissôtel Grand Efes, Izmir, are invited to enjoy a close-up insight into the world of contemporary art: the entire hotel resembles a modern art gallery, with works including sculptures by the Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero and paintings by Turkey’s leading exponent of modern art, Devrim Erbil, on display throughout the complex. The exhibits by well-known artists are now the focus of a book, “Art in a modern space: Grand Efes”, published by the Hotel owners, MV Holding, to coincide with the second anniversary of the opening of the hotel, a member of the “Leading Hotels of the World”.

The permanent art collection, encompassing more than 1000 exhibits, greets guests even before they enter the hotel, with a 2.5 metre tall Botero horserider. On entering the lobby guests are treated to a giant bronze by the American artist Mike Berg, who has lived in Istanbul since 1999, and can admire paintings by the Turkish artist Mithat Sen. Swissôtel Grand Efes is full of art, not only in the public spaces, restaurants, bars, garden and spa - but each hotel room also boasts two or three works by modern artists such as Gunes Cinar, Yasam Sasmazer, Alev Gözonar, Kemal Onsøy, Gültekin Cizgen, Zeynep Eren, Serdar Arat, Levent Morgok and Melek Mazici.

For anyone wishing to find out more about the exhibition as a whole, the book “Art in a modern space” published by MV Holding provides a wealth of information. It explains each of the works, and includes a floor plan to help guests find their way around the hotel. The book also tells the story of the hotel, which, as the Grand Hotel Efes in the 1960s, was an elegant meeting place for numerous prominent guests.

Stuart Chase, General Manager of the hotel, is enthusiastic about the art on display, “We are very proud to be able to present this varied collection of modern art, and we constantly receive positive feedback from our hotel guests. Art lovers are in their element here at our hotel in Izmir.”

The hotel, which has 402 guest rooms including 55 modern suites, is centrally located just a stone’s throw from the city’s business and shopping district, and a mere 15 km from Adnan Menderes Airport. Contemporary luxury, high-tech facilities and a spectacular view over the Aegean Sea, the huge garden or the Kordon Promenade await discerning business travellers and independent leisure travellers.

Swissôtel Grand Efes, Izmir, is also an ideal venue for international and local conferences and events, as the meeting rooms and ballroom of the Grand Efes Convention Centre, the region’s largest conference centre, can accommodate up to 3000 people. State-of-the-art technology and professional meeting staff ensure that everything runs smoothly and every event is a success. The exhibition space covering 1500 m² can be divided into two areas, and the 250-space car park is available to guests attending events at the hotel.

Another outstanding feature is the Amrita Spa & Wellness, the first spa in Turkey to be singled out as one of “The Leading Spas of the World”. The facilities, occupying an area of 5500 m², include steam baths, an ice room, a jacuzzi, a VIP suite, a traditional Turkish bath, indoor and outdoor pools, a tennis court and a spacious fitness area.

Double rooms are available at Swissôtel Grand Efes, Izmir, from EUR 130 a night. Further information is available at www.swissotel.com.