Tight security measures applied for Obama’s one-night stay at G-20 Summit in Turkey

ANTALYA – Anadolu Agency

AA Photos

U.S. President Barack Obama spent one night at the royal suit of a luxurious hotel in Antalya’s Belek Resort, which hosted the G-20 Summit on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, amid the tightest of security measures and special treatment.

Arriving in Antalya with a team of 550 representatives, all rooms of the Calista Luxury Resort were reserved for the U.S. team. Secretary of State John Kerry stayed at another hotel, in line with security rules.


The U.S. team first arrived at the hotel in early November, while security equipment transferred with seven trucking rigs were set up before the president’s arrival.

The Belek Hotels Region had been declared a “redzone” security region due to the G-20 Summit, but a further security level was also established during the president’s stay at the hotel and its environs.


Everyone, including U.S. personnel, was searched with X-Ray equipment at the entrance and exit checkpoints, while three trained dogs brought from the U.S. were constantly on duty searching for bombs and chemicals.


Some 32 rooms at the hotel were reserved for security personnel, while Pentagon-connected system rooms were set up. In addition, the rooms around Obama’s Royal Suite were reserved for his bodyguards and the windows of the Royal Suite were protected with bullet proof glass.

National and international security personnel also guarded the president’s official car 24/7 in a special parking area.

A T.V. system tailored for Obama was also brought from the U.S. and set up in the room, while a special antenna connected to the presidency’s satellite was placed on the roof of the hotel. 

Cleaning chemicals were scanned by dogs and the president only used towels belonging to the hotel. A special team waited for the washing in the laundry.




A team of two chefs and butlers coming from the U.S. cooked for the president with ingredients brought from the U.S. Only fresh vegetables and fruits were provided from Turkey and they were also scanned by security teams.


After his arrival at the hotel, President Obama was seen exercising in its fitness center during quiet moments away from official engagements.


Calista General Manager Ali Kızıldağ said the hotel management had been in contact with the U.S. authorities for about five months, though they had kept Obama’s stay secret.

Kızıldağ added that the U.S. team thanked the hotel for its service, with Kerry personally visiting the hotel to express his appreciation.

Known for his passion for golf, Obama was unable to play at the hotel’s course, but Kızıldağ said the U.S. president had promised to come again and shoot a round.