Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the Hilton Baki hotel complex

The Hilton Baki hotel complex has opened in the center of Baku.

President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony.

The First Lady of Azerbaijan was presented with flowers.

President Ilham Aliyev cut a ribbon symbolizing the opening of the hotel.

It was noted that recent years have seen a rapid growth in the inflow of tourists to Azerbaijan. The announcement of 2011 as the Year of Tourism in Azerbaijan has opened up extensive opportunities for a further development of this field. The construction of hotels noted for a high level of service has become widespread in a modernizing Azerbaijan. The Hilton hotel chain and its owner, Hilton Worldwide, have been offering those on business and leisure trips with fine hotels, services and recreation areas for 92 years. The Hilton Worldwide brand, which continues the tradition of providing people with quality services, operates 3,750 hotels in 84 countries around the world. The Hilton Baki hotel built in the Azerbaijani capital is yet another achievement of the company in the service sector. The Hilton Baki hotel complex, located 24 kilometers from the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, has a modern design. During the construction of the hotel, elements of national and international architecture have been professionally combined.

President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva first reviewed the hotel premises.

It was noted that the hotel complex will provide all types of high-quality services and fit well into the present appearance of the capital. The Hilton Baki hotel complex was built in accordance with an agreement signed between ISR Capital Management LLC and Hilton Worldwide in 2007. A total of 700 people were engaged in the construction which was carried out by the Turkish company Koray Inşaat. The 25-storey hotel has a total of 309 rooms. The hotel has five modern elevators manufactured in Finland. There is a reception and a waiting area with all the conveniences for the recreation of visitors on the first floor.

The head of state reviewed the Şəkər-Lanç restaurant and a 200-seat Silantro restaurant. It was mentioned that the restaurants will offer customers exquisite dishes of Azerbaijani and various international cuisines.

While President Aliyev was examining the 25th floor of the hotel, he was informed about a rotating observation platform set up there. It rotates 360 degrees in one hour. A variety of catering services will be on offer here. The top floor of the hotel, which has all the necessary conditions for open-air recreation in the warmer months of the year, commands a panoramic view of Baku. There is a beautiful view of the Caspian Sea from here.

President Ilham Aliyev reviewed the Sky Grill restaurant on the 24th floor of the hotel.

It was noted that the SPA and fitness center of the hotel complex, which covers an area of 2,500 square meters, has an indoor swimming pool, a massage pool, Turkish baths, eight treatment rooms and a VIP SPA room. All fitness equipment has been delivered from the USA. The center has a modern appearance and provides top-level services.

President Ilham Aliyev was informed that 17 floors of the hotel consist of rooms, of which 231 are standard and the rest vary by the level of service. The rooms meeting the highest standards command a wonderful view of both the city and the Caspian Sea. It was indicated that the best services existing in the global hospitality industry are available here. All hotel rooms offer maximum comfort, have wireless Internet, separate air-conditioning, private safes and telephones.

It was mentioned that the second and third floors have a total of 18 rooms equipped with the latest information and communication technologies for hosting activities and meetings of various levels. The large conference hall for 750 people on the second floor has the necessary conditions for conducting activities of international and national importance. It is also possible to hold various receptions and presentations in the hall. There is a special lift to enable vehicle access from the first floor, which makes it possible for wedding cars to emerge right in the hall for wedding ceremonies. At the same time, this system enables to conduct presentations of various automobiles. There is a separate room for high-level meetings and receptions. The lighting and acoustic systems are also noted for high quality.

President Ilham Aliyev met with the hotel staff. After saluting them he said:

- Let me heartily congratulate you on the opening the Hilton hotel. I am glad that a beautiful and modern hotel has been built and commissioned in the city center. The launch of a Hilton hotel in Azerbaijan is also a very significant event that testifies to the rapid development of our country. Azerbaijan’s service sector is also developing. The launch of such a famous hotel chain in Azerbaijan is an indicator in itself.

I am very pleased that this hotel, located in the center of Baku, has all the conditions. I never doubted this because Hilton is a world famous brand and, of course, this hotel is of the highest level. The hotel has been built with great taste. There are all conditions for recreation, lodging and various events here.

The establishment of this hotel is, of course, a testament to investor confidence in Azerbaijan’s development. Major investment is made in various spheres of life in Azerbaijan, there is rapid industrial development. I am very pleased that great amounts are also invested in the service sector. The establishment of hotels also points to the growing tourist interest in Azerbaijan, the number of people coming to Azerbaijan to learn our history and culture is increasing, and now we have all the opportunities to receive our guests at a good level.

The construction of fine new hotels has been under way in Azerbaijan in recent years – both in Baku and in the districts. Six five-star hotels will start operating this and next year in Baku alone, and Hilton is the second of them. Four more will be opened after this, and this, of course, is very gratifying for me as President. This will create competition among the hotels and, ultimately, lead to better conditions for tourists and visitors. Sound competition in every sphere is very important to the development of any country.

Our state has done a lot in recent years to attract investment to Azerbaijan. A total of $16 billion was invested in our economy last year alone. Over the past 15 years Azerbaijan has received $100 billion in investment. In recent years, domestic investment has exceeded foreign. It is particularly important that investment is channeled not only in oil and gas sector, but also in the non-oil economy, in services, and the launch the Hilton hotel is a confirmation of my words.

I do hope that specific projects related to the development of Azerbaijan will be implemented in both Baku and our districts in the future. The Azerbaijani government will continue to do everything possible to make Baku and our districts more comfortable and beautiful. Baku is indeed one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is developing fast. What makes Baku special is the city’s beautiful, great and unique history, culture and historical monuments. We are proud that the ancient history of Baku is safeguarded and preserved, and serious steps are taken to modernize and develop it.

The panoramic view from the top floors of the hotel pleases the eye. We are working hard to develop Baku. Along with preserving its historical appearance, it is also important to create a modern infrastructure. The renewal and extension of the boulevard and its connection to the Flag Square, the creative and landscaping work ongoing at the Flag Square are perhaps of unique nature in the world. I am sure that after the opening of the Flag Square in a few months the residents and guests of Baku will enjoy our city even more and see our development.

I want to thank everyone who has contributed to the creation of the hotel. First of all, I want to thank the investors for their confidence in the future of our country, for making such major investment in Baku. I want to thank the management of Hilton hotels for deciding to open a hotel in Baku. I want to thank all the workers who participated in the construction of this building. I want to say to those of you working here: you are well aware that the best hotel is the one that provides the best services. The external appearance, the interior design, finishing – all these issues are certainly important. But a lot depends on the service. I have no doubt that this hotel will be providing excellent services.

Let me heartily congratulate you on this wonderful event.

XXX

President of the ISR Holding, Iskandar Khalilov, and vice-president of Hilton Worldwide, Michael Collini, thanked the head of state and the First Lady of Azerbaijan.

In conclusion, a picture was taken.

President Ilham Aliyev praised the work done and wished the hotel team further success.