The Peninsula Istanbul

from $783
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“A magnificent property on the banks of the Bosphorus, The Peninsula Istanbul is the city’s hottest hotel opening of 2023. Sumptuous designer rooms & suites with nods to Turkish tradition & the Peninsula’s Hong Kong roots will delight well-heeled guests — as will the gourmet fare & unparalleled views”

Hotel review

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.

Saskia Walker
Saskia Walker Review published: 11/09/2024

Recommended for

  • Local markets

    • Stroll across the bridge to the Spice Bazaar & Grand Bazaar, both thrumming with life, for a sense of Istanbul's trading past

  • Romantic Break

    • Book a suite with Bosphorus views and an enormous bathtub for a romantic holiday, complete with a candlelit Gallada dinner

  • City Style

    • A sumptuous city hotel with lavish rooms and suites featuring glossy lacquered surfaces, mirrors & modern art

  • Hotel boats for hire

    • Embark upon a magical private boat trip on the Bosphorus, departing from the hotel's private dock

  • Designer

    • Three heritage buildings & a glossy new building make up the hotel, transformed by acclaimed Turkish designer Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu

  • Restaurant

    • Savour Chef Fatih Tutak's gourmet cuisine at rooftop restaurant Gallada, or enjoy Turkish & international flavours at The Lounge

  • Sights nearby

    • The 400-year-old Blue Mosque and the iconic Hagia Sofia can both be spotted from the hotel — visit with an expert guide

  • Designer Shopping

    • Pop into the hotel's own designer shops, set on the ground floor, to pick up beautiful jewellery and clothing

  • Learning

    • Speak to the team about guided heritage and art tours of the city, which brims with gems awaitng discovery

  • Private Pool

    • The 5920-square-foot Peninsula Suite comes with a private pool, hammam & rooftop terrace

  • Riverside

    • Set on the banks of the Bosphorus, close to the mouth of the Golden Horn

  • Disabled access

    • There are two fully accessible rooms in Building 2

  • Sailing

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Roof terrace

  • Family Suites

  • Gourmet

  • Lively area

  • Hammam

  • Museums

  • Opulent

  • Organic food

  • Good wine list

  • Full of character

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Outstanding location

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Trekking

  • Chic

  • 5* Luxury

  • Business Hotel

  • Child friendly

  • Antiques

  • Gym

  • Historic

  • Landmark

  • Artworks

  • Great walks

  • Grand Hotel

  • Spa

  • Eco

  • Conference facilities

  • Views

  • Romantic

  • Lively

  • Close to nightlife

  • Luxury

  • Contemporary

  • Traditional

  • Wellbeing

Facilities

  • Rooms

    177 rooms in this hotel

  • Restaurant

    Savour Chef Fatih Tutak's gourmet cuisine at rooftop restaurant Gallada, or enjoy Turkish & international flavours at The Lounge

  • Private Pool

    The 5920-square-foot Peninsula Suite comes with a private pool, hammam & rooftop terrace

  • Swimming Pool

    Two swimming pools: one bordering the Bosphorus, and the other in the soothing spa

  • Disabled access

    There are two fully accessible rooms in Building 2

  • Sauna/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

Activities

  • Local markets

    • Stroll across the bridge to the Spice Bazaar & Grand Bazaar, both thrumming with life, for a sense of Istanbul's trading past

  • Hotel boats for hire

    • Embark upon a magical private boat trip on the Bosphorus, departing from the hotel's private dock

  • Sights nearby

    • The 400-year-old Blue Mosque and the iconic Hagia Sofia can both be spotted from the hotel — visit with an expert guide

  • Designer Shopping

    • Pop into the hotel's own designer shops, set on the ground floor, to pick up beautiful jewellery and clothing

  • Learning

    • Speak to the team about guided heritage and art tours of the city, which brims with gems awaitng discovery

  • Sailing

  • Trekking

  • Museums

  • Theatre

  • Great walks

  • Close to nightlife

Map & Location

Other reviews

The Peninsula Istanbul: First In

"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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