Hilton Erbil

Project Name: Hilton Erbil

Design Office / Position: Hande Tozun Interior Design Studio / Lead Designer

Year: 2016

Location: Erbil, IRAQ

Project Type: Hospitality Interior Design

Software Used: Cinema4D, V-Ray, Photoshop, InDesign

Designed Areas:

  • Lobby with 2 Bars, Lounge area, Media room, Business center

  • Sports Bar

  • Pizza Restaurant

  • All-day dining restaurant

  • Pool bar

  • Indoor and outdoor pools

  • Spa & Wellness center

  • Ballrooms

  • Multiple meeting rooms of various sizes

  • Guest rooms: standard, twin, deluxe, connecting rooms, royal suites, executive floor

erbil

Project Description

Hilton Erbil was designed between 2015 and 2016 during my tenure as Lead Designer at Hande Tozun Interior Design Studio. Positioned in the heart of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Northern Iraq, the project aimed to create a landmark destination combining hospitality, business, and leisure under one roof.

The design encompassed a wide range of facilities, beginning with an impressive lobby featuring two elegant bars, a spacious lounge, a media room, and a fully equipped business center. On the upper floors, guests could enjoy a sports bar designed in the style of an Irish pub, alongside specialty dining options including a pizza restaurant and a vibrant all-day dining venue. Leisure areas were carefully integrated into the design, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, a poolside bar, and a state-of-the-art spa and wellness center.

For events and corporate needs, the hotel included a grand ballroom and several flexible meeting rooms of varying sizes. Guest accommodations were thoughtfully diversified, ranging from standard and twin rooms to deluxe and connecting units, as well as royal suites and an exclusive executive floor.

The scope of work included full concept design, detailed technical drawings, and tender documentation. Although the project has not yet been realized due to political circumstances in the region, Hilton Erbil remains a comprehensive and well-documented example of large-scale hospitality design that merges international standards with local context.

The Unmet Demand for Five-Star Hotels in the Middle East and Opportunities for Hospitality Design

The Middle East is seeing a robust surge in hotel development, especially in the luxury and five-star segments. Despite growing demand from international tourists, business travelers, and increased intra-regional travel, there remains a noticeable gap in supply—particularly high-end, well-designed properties that deliver modern amenities, strong design identity, and experiences aligned with global expectations.

According to recent industry data, the Middle East & Africa region had over 238,600 hotel rooms under contract by late 2022, with more than 122,600 rooms under construction. rlaglobal.com Among these, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates lead in total pipeline activity. rlaglobal.com+1 The luxury hotel market in the region, which includes upscale and ultra-luxury properties, is expanding at a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The Middle East Luxury Hotel Market Report 2025 projects that the luxury segment in MEA will grow at around 11.2% from 2023 to 2030, fueled by rising wealth, tourism development, and strong demand for premium guest experiences. Cognitive Market Research

Yet, despite the momentum, many markets remain underserved. In cities across Iraq, Jordan, parts of Turkey, and up-and-coming Gulf destinations, there are fewer projects that combine high design standards, sustainable operation, and strong brand positioning. For designers and firms with experience in luxury hospitality (like the projects I’ve led), this equates to a valuable opportunity.

From a design perspective, five-star hotels in the Middle East must meet multiple expectations:

  • high quality finishes and materials,

  • amenities like spa & wellness, rooftop or panoramic bars, banquet/event spaces,

  • strong guest room variety (standard, deluxe, suites, specialty rooms),

  • and integration with local culture and climate.

Sustainability is another growing priority. Projects using solar energy, water-conserving fixtures, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and locally sourced materials are becoming markers of prestige rather than optional extras. These features not only improve environmental performance but also reduce operating costs over time—a key consideration when investment and returns are heavily scrutinized.

Also worth noting: many governments in the region are supporting tourism and hospitality sectors through infrastructure investments, visa liberalization, and mega-projects (such as Saudi Vision 2030 developments, Red Sea developments, etc.). Vikipedi+2Hospitality Net+2

In conclusion, the Middle East’s five-star hotel demand is strong and is expected to continue growing. The gap between expectation and supply—especially in well-designed, sustainable, and luxury properties—remains. For interior designers, this means a chance to lead projects that set benchmarks, not just in aesthetics, but in guest experience, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Projects like Hilton Erbil or Offshore Support Vessels conceptualized under these high standards reflect not only design capability but also readiness for the region’s evolving hospitality landscape.