Marriott launched its moderately-priced Courtyard by Marriott brand in Turkey with the opening of the 262-room Courtyard by Marriott Istanbul International Airport.

The hotel is located five kilometers from Istanbul Ataturk International Airport and just 25 minutes' drive from Istanbul's city center and old city.

"This hotel is designed specifically for European business travelers who want all the conveniences of an upscale hotel but in a more casual, open design where they can be totally at ease," says Wolfgang Koller, general manager of the hotel.  "Istanbul is a thriving business hub and a world class destination -- the perfect location for this global brand."

"This latest Courtyard brings our total roster of properties to more than 800 hotels," said Brian King, senior vice president of the Courtyard brand.  "We have also recently added hotels in France, Thailand, Hawaii and Washington, D.C."

Its 228 deluxe and 32 superior rooms and suites are fully equipped with Marriott's new, highly-acclaimed plush bedding and bath linens; two telephone lines; wireless Internet access; a well-lighted, over-sized work desk and ergonomic chair for comfort; an in-room safe and refrigerator; a coffee and tea maker, keyboard, Internet via TV, satellite plasma TV, an ironing board and iron.  Opening special rates for the month of June are €89 on weekend nights and €99 midweek.

For dining and entertainment, Oleo Pazzo Restaurant offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine and Turkish specialties and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.   Additional amenities include a business center/Internet corner in the lobby and wireless Internet throughout all public areas of the hotel.  A Grab & Go market in the lobby provides snacks and refreshments, including beer and wine, 24 hours a day.  And the Caretta Spa offers a fully equipped gym, 77 square meter indoor pool, sauna, steam bath and four treatment rooms.

For conferences and social events, the hotel has a 300-square-meter ballroom and seven smaller meeting rooms with daylight and soundproof windows.

As part of its social and environmental commitment, the Courtyard Istanbul International Airport commissioned a garden to surround the property that features 4,200 plants transferred from seven areas of Turkey including the Black Sea and Anatolian region.