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The acclaimed Peninsula Group’s highly anticipated 11th hotel, The Peninsula Istanbul brings back to life three landmark buildings, with the addition of a swish, contemporary edifice. Once the passenger terminal for those arriving in the city by water, the hotel’s 1930s Bauhaus façade is iconic, as are the two heritage townhouses which sit alongside it. Under the guidance of interior designer Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu, these spaces have been reimagined as glamorous shared areas and indulgent rooms and suites.
Lavish guest rooms feature lacquered and mirrored surfaces, golden accents and distinctive modern art pieces. The expansive views of passing boats from big beds and cosy armchairs in the river-facing rooms are fabulous, as are Marmara marble bathrooms with huge soaking tubs. Each of the 177 rooms and suites boasts state-of-the-art interactive panels, allowing guests to adjust lighting and temperature, browse activities and room service menus, or open curtains at the touch of a button.
Pad through hallways adorned with monochrome photos of Istanbul taken by the city’s most famous photographer, Ara Güler, wandering down to the underground spa and fitness centre, complete with 25-metre indoor swimming pool. Here, guests are invited to enjoy rejuvenating massages in eight exquisite treatment rooms, or to unwind in the superb sauna and hammam.
The Peninsula’s ultimate magic, however, lies in its spell-binding setting. Make your way to the riverfront for afternoon tea on the white-and-green striped chairs of The Lounge, or soak up the sunshine by the refreshing outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by Enzo Enea-designed gardens. Buzzy and relaxed, The Lounge is also where guests congregate for delectable breakfasts, sundowners and atmospheric dinners, steps from the private boat dock. The Turkish Breakfast for two comes highly recommended, perfect for lazy mornings spent sipping traditional coffee whilst grazing on fragrant pastries, eggs, cheeses, olives and lashings of homemade jam.
Spend your days discovering the city. The friendly, expert team — a highlight in their own right — will happily point you towards the Grand Bazaar, the Hagia Sophia or top boutiques and eateries. Guided heritage and art tours of Istanbul await, as do private boat trips on one of the world’s most romantic waterways.
Come evening, gather for craft cocktails — each named for an operating ferry pier — or chilled glasses of Turkish wine, before tucking in to flavoursome sea bass, followed by chocolate mousse at The Lounge. Again, the team are terrific, welcoming guests warmly and anticipating your every need without hovering. For the ultimate gourmet experience, book a table at rooftop Gallada, where you can savour Chef Fatih Tutak’s Silk Road-inspired delights with mesmerising views of the twinkling lights on Istanbul’s legendary hills.
A sophisticated gem, promising absolute luxury — and a well-deserved triumph for The Peninsula Hotels.
Local markets
Romantic Break
City Style
Hotel boats for hire
Sights nearby
Designer Shopping
Learning
Sailing
Museums
Trekking
Great walks
Close to nightlife
Designer
Restaurant
Private Pool
Riverside
Disabled access
Rooms with balcony/terrace
Roof terrace
Family Suites
Gourmet
Lively area
Hammam
Opulent
Organic food
Good wine list
Full of character
Sit-out Terrace
Outstanding location
Barefoot Luxury
Chic
5* Luxury
Business Hotel
Child friendly
Antiques
Gym
Historic
Landmark
Artworks
Grand Hotel
Spa
Eco
Conference facilities
Views
Romantic
Lively
Luxury
Contemporary
Traditional
Wellbeing
Restaurant
Savour Chef Fatih Tutak's gourmet cuisine at rooftop restaurant Gallada, or enjoy Turkish & international flavours at The LoungePrivate Pool
The 5920-square-foot Peninsula Suite comes with a private pool, hammam & rooftop terraceSwimming Pool
Two swimming pools: one bordering the Bosphorus, and the other in the soothing spaDisabled access
There are two fully accessible rooms in Building 2Sauna/Steam
Meeting Room
Cots available
Outdoor dining
Massage
Walking distance restaurants
Airport transfer
Rooms with balcony/terrace
Roof terrace
Private dining room
Bar
Family Suites
Sit-out Terrace
Good wine list
Babysitting
Laundry
Lift
Hammam
Suites
24 Hour room service
Room service
Sitting Room
Child friendly
Gym
Garden
Spa
Bath robes
Safe
Air conditioning
Conference facilities
Business Centre
Views
Shops
Wifi
Satellite / Cable TV
Concierge
Local markets
Hotel boats for hire
Sights nearby
Designer Shopping
Learning
Sailing
Trekking
Museums
Theatre
Great walks
Close to nightlife
"There might be other luxurious heritage hotels set on the banks of the Bosphorus, but none of them have a view that can compete with The Peninsula's."
Originally published by Condé Nast Traveler
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