Introducing InterContinental Grand Ankara - Heritage meets modern luxury in the heart of Türkiye’s capital

Ankara, Türkiye, 9 June 2026. InterContinental Grand Ankara – part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury & 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 Türkiye’s capital, 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 world.  

Originally opened as The Grand Ankara Hotel in 1966, the reimagined property is a testament to the global evolution of InterContinental, which is defining the luxury travel experience for today’s modern luxury traveller. Its aim is to strike a harmonious balance between freedom and familiarity, built on the belief that travel expands 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 needs of the guest 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 aim to position InterContinental Grand Ankara not only as a place to stay, but as a destination that captures the rhythm of the city and becomes a reference point for gastronomy and social life.”

For the modern luxury traveller

Located at the heart of Ankara’s diplomatic, business and social area, directly across from the Turkish Grand National Assembly, InterContinental Grand Ankara offers a compelling gateway to a capital city which is increasingly stepping into its own as a destination. With seamless access to key cultural institutions such as the Anıtkabir monument and Kale (Ankara Castle), alongside retail districts and government hubs, and Esenboğa Airport within a 40-minute drive, the hotel provides a central base from which to experience the city.

The transformation of the former Grand Ankara Hotel introduces 342 guestrooms across a range of luxury room categories. Many have been designed to support a more restorative approach to stay in line with InterContinental’s brand values. Interiors are defined by a sense of calm and balance, where contemporary design is layered with subtle local influences. Each space is designed to respond to the shapeshifting needs of today’s traveller – a guest who may combine leisure time, work commitments and a desire to connect with culture as they explore the world.

Tahir Çelik, Chairman of the Board at Çelikler Holding, the owner of the property, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration: “We are delighted 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 InterContinental Grand Ankara will bring immense value to the city’s tourism landscape. This luxury brand will not only meet but exceed the expectations of our guests.”

Insider Access: Connected with culture

At the centre of the experience is InterContinental’s signature Concierge, a cornerstone of the brand for over 80 years that brings its “world of fascination” philosophy to life. Acting as cultural connectors, the Concierge team curate personalised experiences and insider itineraries that invite guests to engage with Ankara beyond the expected, from discovering lesser-known neighbourhoods to accessing the city’s evolving cultural and social scene, from classic Turkish restaurants through to the best underground bars for a truly local experience.

Under the direction of Executive 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 crafted cocktails, premium wines, and light bites primed for meetings in the daytime and winding down in the evening.

Wellness also unfolds at InterContinental Grand Ankara, anchored by a 1,500-square-metre spa. The experience moves between indoor to 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 within the rhythm of the city.

The hotel also introduces a collection of Luxury Apartment Suites designed for extended stays. Featuring expansive living areas, fully equipped kitchens and residential-style layouts, the suites combine the ease of home with the elevated service of a luxury hotel.

Incredible Occasions: A backdrop to life’s milestones

Complementing its leisure offering, InterContinental Grand Ankara introduces a versatile collection of event spaces, including three ballrooms accommodating up to 1,200 guests and 15 multifunctional meeting rooms. Designed to host everything from international conferences to embassy events and social occasions, the hotel is emerging as a new focal point for Ankara’s diplomatic community and guests seeking exceptional celebrations. InterContinental’s legacy for hosting also comes to fruition at InterContinental Grand Ankara with the brand’s Incredible Occasions program, which leverages the expertise of InterContinental events teams worldwide to curate moments of wonder for events that are united by the programs' guiding principles of cultural connections, remarkable settings and thoughtful gestures.

The world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand

InterContinental Grand Ankara joins a global portfolio of over 240 InterContinental hotels found in almost 70 countries in every corner of the globe. For more information or to book a stay, visit the hotel’s website here. IHG One Rewards members can also book directly using 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 properties, delivering exceptional hospitality experiences through its diverse brand portfolio

By integrating this iconic Ankara address into such a vast 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 travellers.