A 1.4 billion dollar hotel to open in Antalya Apr 23, 2009

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This year the Republic of Turkey, being a relatively inexpensive destination, enjoys a heightened popularity. However, the local big-shots of the tourist industry see the country in a slightly different light. The southern coast of Turkey slowly morphing into another Dubai has Antalya as its centerpiece – a one hour flight from Istanbul. Mardan Palace opens here in July, costing about 1.4 billion dollars it will become the most expensive hotel in Europe: over 10 thousand sq. meters of sheet gold, 500 thousand lead crystals and 23 thousand sq. meters of Italian marble.

Inside of the pool – one of the biggest in the Mediterranean region, covering an area of 2 hectares – you will find an aquarium with 2400 fishes living in it. The pool is intersected with bridges made using Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches, from one bank to the other guests are transported in gondolas, the time of the ride is half an hour. To the sounds of the music guest pass to the traditional Turkish hamam, and at the Italian restaurant near the water the meals are served in elite Hermes plates, that cost £1.35 million (about. 2 million dollars). The Mardan Palace Hotel is the child of Telman Ismailov, owner of ACT Group.

From time to time Mardan Palace resembles Las Vegas: laser shows, fountains, three story night club, private spa-suites priced at £1,500 (approx. $2,200) per hour. Other territories astonish with their magnificence. For example, the lobby can be compared to a football field; however, such proportions do not contradict its calm elegance. Turkish luxury is complete with impressive influences of baroque, rococo, and neoclassicism. Much like Istanbul, this hotel is a bridge between Europe and Asia, in the same time the hotel personnel is less official compared to the famous Burj al Arab. For those who love luxury Mardan Palace Hotel will be the best choice, besides the lavishness of Antalya is much cheaper and closer than its Dubai version.