It’s poised to make a splash on the scenic strait dividing Europe and Asia early next year.
An artist’s impression of The Peninsula Istanbul. (All images courtesy of The Peninsula Hotels)
Centuries ago, Ottoman-era state officials and wealthy families in Istanbul began a tradition of decamping each summer to their waterfront mansions — known as yalı — along the shores of the Bosporus. Modern-day luxury travelers will soon get a sense of that lifestyle thanks to the debut of The Peninsula Istanbul on February 14, 2023. Part of Galataport, a large-scale waterfront revitalization project featuring museums, restaurants, and boutiques on the European side of the strait, the property encompasses four renovated structures, three of which are protected historical landmarks dating to the early 1900s. Guests will find themselves a short stroll from popular sights like Galata Tower and the Galata Bridge.
The Peninsula Istanbul’s 177 rooms and suites start out at 40 square meters and are spread among the four waterfront buildings. Many will provide sweeping Bosporus views from large windows, balconies, or private terraces; others include access to the property’s gardens, outdoor swimming pool, and private boat dock. Each one features bespoke furnishings, original art, Turkish design elements like wood-and-mother-of-pearl inlay, kilim carpets, and bathrooms clad in Marmara marble. The most opulent accommodation is the 510-square-meter Peninsula Suite, which has its own hammam, gym, and rooftop pool.
A Bosporus-facing guest room at The Peninsula Istanbul.
As for dining, a 350-seat rooftop restaurant and bar will offer sophisticated Turkish-Asian cuisine and drinks across several spaces, including an outdoor terrace and main dining room. The hotel will also serve the brand’s signature Peninsula Afternoon Tea and globally inspired fare at The Lobby restaurant, housed in a former ferry passenger terminal with double-height ceilings and views of the water from both main and mezzanine levels.
At the 1,675-square-meter Peninsula Spa and Wellness Center, facilities include eight private treatment rooms, a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, along with hammams. Fitness and mindfulness classes and workshops will be offered at the gym, while a dedicated Wellness Portal provides in-room, round-the-clock access to guided exercise routines, aromatherapy rituals, and audio meditations. The Peninsula Istanbul also features a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool and private cabanas set among the gardens beside the Bosporus.
Event spaces include a grand ballroom and terrace that can accommodate 820 guests for a seated banquet and 1,300 for standing cocktails when combined. In addition, the hotel offers two conference rooms, VIP private dining and wine-tasting areas, and multiple alfresco spaces by the water.
The Peninsula Istanbul is now accepting reservations, with the opening offer priced from €1,050 (US$1,044) including daily breakfast for two; a €100 (US$99) credit towards dining, spa and wellness; plus complimentary airport pick-up for those booked into a suite.
A rendering of the hotel lobby, which takes up the main hall of an early 20th-century ferry terminal.
