Located at the meeting point of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, The Peninsula Istanbul offers breathtaking views of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia. This is the epitome of luxury, a next-level hotel that is redefining the standards of opulence. From its impeccably warm service to the unique details that elevate every moment, here’s everything that makes The Peninsula one of the world’s greatest city stays—setting a new benchmark for luxury in this vibrant destination.

A city where majestic chaos and vibrant, exhilarating colours blend between two continents, Istanbul has always been full of life. In recent years, this iconic Turkish destination has reinvented itself, carving out its unique space to offer even more to the most discerning travellers. With iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, it offers a rich blend of ancient heritage. The city’s vibrant culinary scene, from street food to fine dining, is a feast for the senses. Art enthusiasts will find inspiration in its galleries, while luxury seekers can indulge in world-class hotels and spas, including the latest addition—the stunning Peninsula Istanbul Hotel.

Set along the banks of the stunning Bosphorus, the meeting point of East and West in the heart of this beautiful city, the property showcases the best of Turkish culture and the peerless hospitality of The Peninsula. Located in Istanbul’s historic Karaköy district, the hotel anchors Galataport, a new waterfront revitalisation project that will include a promenade, museums, art galleries, restaurants, boutiques and a cruise-ship port. The hotel is close to many of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, including Galata Tower, Galata Bridge, and the famous Sultanahmet District – home to the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, The Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace.

The Peninsula Istanbul, made up of four distinct buildings that are seamlessly integrated yet each with its own unique facade, officially opened its doors in February 2023, though its development had been in the making for over a decade.

One of the four buildings dates back to 1937 and was once the terminal for cruise ships. It is flanked by two others from 1910 and 1912, while the fourth is a newly constructed addition housing the hotel’s ballroom and some guestrooms. Architectural features such as fountains, tiles, crown mouldings, and ornaments have been carefully restored. With views of the city’s iconic bridges and the Sultanahmet district in the distance, the setting enhances the hotel’s unmistakably Turkish charm.

Designed by Turkish architect Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu, the hotel’s interiors are adorned with works by Turkish artists, incorporating Byzantine and Ottoman iconography to create a unique sense of place. Captivating black-and-white photographs by 20th-century photographer Ara Güler, known as “The Eye of Istanbul,” grace the hotel’s walls, offering a poignant reminder of the city’s rich history and vibrant location. And while the history is ever-present, guests are also treated to breathtaking views from nearly every window, with the minarets of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the silhouette of Topkapi Palace stretching across the strait.

ACCOMMODATION
This elegant fusion of history and luxury is reflected throughout the hotel’s 177 accommodations, which include 138 guest rooms and 39 lavish suites, many offering sweeping views over the Bosphorus and Istanbul’s iconic Old Town rooftops. Among these, the Peninsula Suite is the ultimate indulgence, spanning 5,500 square feet within the heritage waterfront section. Adorned with inlaid-wood furnishings, Turkish textiles, and a baby grand piano, it also boasts a solarium, private hammam, gym, screening room, and multiple balconies. The pièce de résistance is the nearly 1,300-square-foot private pool, the only one of its kind at the hotel, providing an unrivalled luxury experience, best enjoyed from the outdoor dining and lounge area.

A private butler for every room? Absolutely, available upon request. But that’s just the beginning. The hotel provides a range of exclusive services, including PenChat, a 24-hour messaging service for everything from dinner reservations and spa bookings to arranging boat trips (with dockage available at the private boat pier). Guests can also enjoy unique excursions, classes, and cultural experiences through the Peninsula Academy. And for those travelling with pets, there’s a pet-friendly program as well!

The sheets are crafted from 300-thread count, 100% Egyptian and Indian cotton, offering maximum comfort. The rooms are generously sized and tastefully furnished with armchairs, desks, and wall art from local artists. However, all these details become secondary once you open the curtains and take in the breathtaking view.

If there’s one thing The Peninsula gets right (and there are many), it’s the finer details and making a guest’s stay as seamless and luxurious as possible, with state-of-the-art technology and unique features. For those who like complete privacy, The Peninsula valet box is a dream and the only door you need to open when you wish to reach for your morning newspaper, have your laundry picked up and delivered or your shoes shined.

One of the standout features for me is the expansive walk-in dressing room—a beautifully carpeted space designed not just for hanging clothes but for unwinding and enjoying the process of getting ready before heading out to explore Istanbul. Here, you’ll discover one of my favorite hotel amenities, and quite honestly, a stroke of genius: The Peninsula nail dryer. Conveniently placed inside the dressing table alongside the Dyson hair dryer, this thoughtful addition was introduced across all Peninsula dressing rooms after the brand’s Chairman noticed his wife struggling to get ready for an event due to wet nail polish.

A CULINARY JOURNEY
The Peninsula Istanbul offers a selection of extraordinary dining experiences, each designed to captivate the senses. At The Lobby, guests can indulge in the classic Peninsula Afternoon Tea or enjoy a diverse all-day menu of international dishes in a sophisticated setting with soaring ceilings. The venue also boasts a lavish garden-like outdoor terrace, offering a serene spot to savour meals while overlooking the Bosphorus and the promenade.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, guests can enjoy light bites, mezze, and tapas by the poolside at The Abelia Pool, where private cabanas allow for an intimate and tranquil alfresco dining experience.

Gallada at The Peninsula Istanbul offers an exceptional dining experience, blending Turkish and Asian flavours in a stunning setting with panoramic views of the Bosphorus. Chef Fatih Tutak, renowned for his two Michelin stars, reinterprets the historic tastes of the Silk Road with dishes like melt-in-your-mouth tuna marinated in soy sauce, yuzu, and ginger, and served with tahini and yoghurt cream. Other signature dishes include the tandoori duck, steamed shrimp dumplings with Oscietra caviar, and the chargrilled kofte with Manavgat tahini and potato. Desserts like baked tahini halva with halva ice cream and yoghurt snow with mango, coconut, rice, and passion fruit perfectly combine tradition and creativity.

Located on the fourth floor, Gallada features intimate spaces, including a nautical-themed Topside Bar and a spacious open-air terrace. The curated wine list emphasizes Turkey’s rich viticultural heritage, showcasing the finest wines from the country’s key regions, with a focus on indigenous grape varieties and local winemaking traditions. Guests can begin their meal with a glass of The Peninsula’s own Champagne label. Gallada’s fusion of bold flavours, seasonal ingredients, and remarkable culinary craftsmanship offers an unforgettable gastronomic journey in Istanbul.

These diverse dining options at The Peninsula Istanbul not only showcase world-class cuisine but also immerse guests in the rich flavours and history of Istanbul, providing an exceptional gastronomic journey set against the backdrop of the city’s iconic landscapes.

WELLNESS DESTINATION
The Peninsula Istanbul’s spa is nothing short of world-class—a sanctuary of wellness that could easily contend for the title of the world’s best spa hotel. This exquisite retreat features a breathtaking Marmara marble-clad swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gym, a serene tea lounge, and a luxurious thermal suite. However, the true star of the experience is the hammam, an opulent Turkish bath where time-honored traditions meet modern indulgence.

Designed with majestic marble columns and a central heated stone, the hammam experience begins with an invigorating scrub using a Kese glove, followed by a soothing massage with rich, foamy soap bubbles. After the 60-minute ritual, skin is left silky smooth, deeply exfoliated, and radiant. The relaxation continues in the women’s lounge, where guests unwind with herbal tea, dried fruit, and sweet treats, extending the blissful benefits of their treatment.

Prime among the hotel’s amenities, the spa is exactly what we needed after a day of travel. With eight treatment rooms, two hammams, multiple saunas, and relaxation areas, the low-lit, marble-clad space seamlessly blends the centuries-old traditions of Turkish baths with the latest in wellness practices. I opted for the Oriental Encounter, a two-hour experience that combined a hammam ritual with a deeply restorative massage, leaving me rejuvenated and utterly relaxed. Complementing this indulgence, the wellness center also boasts a 25-meter indoor pool with submerged speakers for underwater music, the outdoor Abelia Pool, separate saunas, steam rooms, and private treatment rooms, making it the ultimate destination for rejuvenation.