The Peninsula Istanbul – Hotel Review

A decadent waterfront property on the edge of Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait in the historic neighbourhood of Karaköy, The Peninsula Istanbul has one of the best views of the city’s old Sultanahmet District. There’s an opulent spa, a Turk-Asian rooftop restaurant and a terrace that’s the ideal spot for people watching and taking in those river views.

Where is The Peninsula Istanbul?

About a one-hour drive from Istanbul’s International Airport (depending on traffic), the Hong Kong heritage brand’s new base is set on the European side of the city. It is part of the slick Galataport waterfront development, which brims with cafés, bars, boutiques, galleries and museums.

What’s near The Peninsula Istanbul?

Karaköy’s metro station is a five-minute walk away and will have you gazing up at the Hagia Sophia and 407-year-old Blue Mosque in the Sultanahmet District within 10 minutes. Scrawled with art murals, Karaköy’s streets are best explored on foot, with Galata a 15-minute stroll up the hill and Istanbul’s Museum of Modern Art a short five-minute walk through the waterfront pedestrian area.

Room types

Occupying four unique buildings, three of them historic maritime landmarks that date back to the 20th century, the hotel has 177 opulent rooms and suites, designed by acclaimed Turkish architectural and interior designer Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu. The pick is the Superior Bosphorus Room, which has pinch-me views over the water to the Asian side of the city and the Old Town. Plus, a tub and a hammam-style shower. The 506 square metre Peninsula Suite is ideal for a special occasion, with a private rooftop pool and deck offering panoramic postcard vistas of Galata Tower and the Bosphorus. And don’t forget the private hammam and fitness room.

Restaurants and bars

All-day eatery and bar The Lobby (open 7am to 11pm daily) services both the landscaped waterfront terrace and the restaurant in the lobby of the hotel. Expect a mix of international and Mediterranean eats, such as salmon tartare and roasted octopus. The Turkish breakfast is a sumptuous start for two, complete with fresh herbs, Turkish eggs, honeycomb, olives and cured meats. Rooftop restaurant Gallada is helmed by Turkish chef Fatih Tutak and offers Turk-Asian cuisine.

Sustainability

The Peninsula Istanbul has achieved the highest level of BREEAM certification for its sustainable build and room design. After the devastating 2023 earthquakes that struck parts of southern and central Turkey, the hotel set up the Hope for Türkiye fund. Until the end of this year, the brand will donate in local currency the equivalent of €10 per room per night from every hotel under The Peninsula umbrella to local NGOs.

Accessibility

There is wheelchair access to both the outdoor and indoor swimming pools, as well as the spa. There are just two fully accessible rooms in the property, both located in Building 2.

Travel for work

Each room is equipped with a desk and a full-sized printer. As well as two intimate meeting spaces with surround-sound audio and high-def video conferencing, there is an impressive ballroom, accommodating up to 820 seated guests, and a waterfront venue for open-air functions.

Spa and pool

Head underground for the ultimate in Ottoman-era indulgence. The 1675 square metre Peninsula Spa and Wellness Centre is clad in salt-and-pepper streaked Marmara marble. It has eight treatment rooms, a gym, his and hers saunas and hammams and a 25-metre pool, where hand-carved gold domes overhead reflect as nazar boncuk (blue evil eyes) into the water.

What you need to know

It’s all about the luxurious details here; plush Turkish towels, marble inlaid with mother of pearl and Istanbul-themed art curated by local Çağla Saraç.

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