InterContinental Grand Ankara has officially opened its doors, joining IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio following the transformation of one of Ankara’s longstanding hotel properties.
Originally opened as The Grand Ankara Hotel in 1966, the property has been redeveloped and repositioned under the InterContinental brand, bringing a new hospitality offering to Türkiye’s capital city.
Located opposite the Turkish Grand National Assembly, the hotel sits within Ankara’s diplomatic, business and social district, providing convenient access to government institutions, cultural landmarks, shopping areas and commercial centres. Esenboğa Airport is approximately 40 minutes away by road.
The property features 342 guestrooms and suites designed to meet the needs of both business and leisure travellers. The interiors combine contemporary styling with subtle references to local culture, creating spaces intended for work, relaxation and extended stays.
Speaking at the opening, Ufuk Demir, General Manager of InterContinental Grand Ankara, said the hotel aims to be more than a place to stay by contributing to the city’s hospitality, dining, and social landscape.
Tahir Çelik, Chairman of the Board at Çelikler Holding, owner of the property, said the collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts brings international hospitality expertise to Ankara while supporting the city’s tourism development.
A key element of the guest experience is InterContinental’s Concierge programme, which provides personalised recommendations and curated itineraries designed to help visitors discover Ankara’s culture, history and neighbourhoods beyond the traditional tourist routes.
The hotel’s culinary offering is led by Executive Chef Emre İnanır. Its signature restaurant, LOQQANTA 06, combines Anatolian ingredients with international influences, while The Lobby Bar offers a selection of beverages, light dining options and meeting spaces throughout the day.
Wellness facilities include a 1,500-square-metre spa featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools, treatment rooms and wellness programmes inspired by Turkish and international traditions. For longer stays, the property also offers Luxury Apartment Suites equipped with spacious living areas, kitchens and residential-style layouts.
InterContinental Grand Ankara includes extensive meeting and event facilities designed to serve Ankara’s diplomatic, corporate and social sectors. The hotel features three ballrooms capable of accommodating up to 1,200 guests, alongside 15 multifunctional meeting rooms suitable for conferences, embassy functions, corporate gatherings and private celebrations. The property also participates in InterContinental’s Incredible Occasions programme.
The opening forms part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ ongoing expansion across Europe. By joining the InterContinental portfolio, the hotel becomes part of a global network of more than 240 InterContinental properties across nearly 70 countries. Guests staying at InterContinental Grand Ankara will also have access to IHG One Rewards, the company’s loyalty programme.
Why it matters
The rebranding of a historic Ankara property under the InterContinental flag adds a globally recognised luxury brand to Türkiye’s capital, a city that has traditionally been underserved by international five-star hotel chains. The 342-room inventory and extensive meeting facilities—including three ballrooms and 15 multifunctional rooms—position the hotel to capture both diplomatic and corporate demand from the nearby government district. For IHG, the opening strengthens its footprint in Türkiye and expands its European luxury portfolio at a time when business travel to Ankara remains steady. The inclusion of residential-style suites and a large wellness centre also signals a strategic push to attract longer-stay and leisure guests, diversifying the hotel's revenue base beyond transient corporate bookings.
