Review: The Peninsula Istanbul

Published May 28 2025, 11:50 AMThe Peninsula Istanbul offers Ottoman grandeur in the historic Karaköy district. As part of the ambitious Galataport revitalization project, the hotel bridges tradition and modernity in a setting that captures the essence of Istanbul.

This brand new hotel is a new competitor for the nearby Four Seasons Bosphorus, which is an hour’s walk up the same waterfront. It has stunning grounds and a location that is arguably the best location of any hotel on Istanbul’s historic waterfront.

Location

The Peninsula Istanbul is set directly along the Bosphorus, at the literal and symbolic crossroads of East and West, in the Karakoy area, which is a great area of town.

Some of Istanbul’s most iconic sites are within walking distance: the Galata Tower and Bridge, the Sultanahmet District with the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace.

The hotel also anchors Galataport, a waterfront cultural hub reimagined with museums, restaurants, and boutiques, making it not just a place to stay but a destination in itself.

The Peninsula Istanbul is approximately 45 km (28 miles) from Istanbul Airport (IST), and takes around 45 to 60 minutes to get to, depending on traffic conditions. Taxis from the airport to the hotel cost in the region of €50 EUR.

Style & Character

The Peninsula Istanbul is composed of four waterfront buildings, three of which are immaculately restored historical landmarks. These early 20th-century structures are woven into the hotel’s fabric with elegance and respect for heritage.

The former cruise terminal—now home to The Lobby—is a stunning centrepiece with glass facades and soaring ceilings that speak to the city’s cosmopolitan past. Inside, Turkish design flourishes are subtly modernized: wood-and-mother-of-pearl inlay, Marmara marble, and kilim-inspired textiles create an aesthetic that is both local and luxuriously timeless. The result is a hotel that exudes sophistication without sacrificing warmth.

Service & Facilities

From a 24-hour concierge to flexible check-in/check-out via the Peninsula Time program, the hotel operates on the guest’s schedule. PenChat, a bespoke messaging service, provides instant, discreet access to staff for anything from dinner reservations to spa bookings. The Peninsula Academy adds another layer of cultural immersion, offering curated excursions and experiences.

The hotel also boasts a comprehensive range of facilities. The Spa & Wellness Centre is an oasis of calm with hammams, saunas, and a stunning 25-metre indoor pool featuring underwater music. For sun-seekers, the outdoor Abelia Pool, lined with private cabanas and Bosphorus views, offers a tranquil escape.

Fitness enthusiasts have access to a 24-hour gym and wellness classes. Business travelers are not forgotten, with a grand ballroom accommodating up to 1,550 guests and smaller meeting rooms available for more intimate events. For VIPs, there’s a private underground entrance with dedicated elevator access, along with a fleet of private cars and even helicopter transfers.

Rooms

The Peninsula Istanbul’s 177 rooms and suites are spacious and bathed in natural light. They blend Turkish artistry with modern convenience. Deluxe Rooms—ranging from 44 to 59 square metres—feature city views, plush bedding options, and state-of-the-art in-room tech, including bedside tablets in seven languages, IPTV with Chromecast, and integrated wireless charging.

Grand Deluxe Rooms with gardens are ground-floor rooms set in the hotel’s most northerly heritage building. Each has its own 15-sq-m terrace surrounded by flowering shrubs and trees overlooking the Bosphorus. The room interiors feature understatedly luxurious textiles, inlaid-wood furnishings, and artwork, with separate glass-panelled dressing rooms and spacious marble-clad baths.

We particularly like the rooms in Building 4, which is the newest building of the property. These rooms have parquet floors at the entrance, delicious deep pile chocolate and grey carpets, and a living area with a sofa on one side of the bed.

For those seeking the extraordinary, suites like the Art Suite and Rooftop Garden Suite offer breathtaking Bosphorus panoramas and curated interiors adorned with original art and artisanal furniture.

At the pinnacle is The Peninsula Suite: a palatial 5,500-square-foot retreat with a private rooftop pool, hammam, gym, screening room, and multiple balconies. Whether one’s stay is for business or leisure, every room at The Peninsula Istanbul is a sanctuary.

Food & Drink

The Lobby serves as the social heart of the hotel, offering Mediterranean-influenced cuisine, live music, and the signature Peninsula Afternoon Tea in a grand yet inviting setting. The terrace—overlooking the Bosphorus—is the perfect locale for brunch or a sunset aperitif.

The lobby is the main breakfast venue. You get this amazing breakfast for free when you book via our luxury travel concierge. The Turkish breakfast for two is included, enormous, and a great opportunity to try local delicacies.

It includes two bread baskets, one with Turkish breads and the other with Western pastries. Cold dishes include a charcuterie plate, cheeses, a salad with olives, dried fruit, nuts, and a yoghurt with fruit. Hot dishes for the Turkish breakfast include a griddled cheese pastry, Turkish sausage, and a tomato egg dish. If the Turkish breakfast sounds too meaty, there are plenty of more familiar Western options.

The drinks include teas, coffees, and juices, including a healthy green juice. You may have had this at other luxury hotels. It’s meant to be awfully good for you and contains cucumber, other green things, and something spicy. I find it hard to palate but usually take a sip for the goodness. My husband loves it.

For some classy evening dining, Gallada, helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Fatih Tutak, is the crown jewel of the hotel’s dining offerings. Fusing Turkish and Asian flavors inspired by Silk Road traditions, the restaurant delivers an elevated, sensory journey.

Upstairs, the Topside Bar continues the theme, designed like a vintage yacht with an adventurous cocktail menu and sweeping views. For more casual fare, the Abelia Pool Bar provides alfresco dining on mezze, tapas, and sushi in a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Whether dining in a private poolside cabana or sipping cocktails as the sun dips behind the city skyline, the experience is consistently exquisite.

Conclusion

The Peninsula Istanbul is expensive, but it is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Istanbul. Its storied surroundings, architectural grandeur, exceptional cuisine, and convenient historic setting make it a fantastic choice.

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Image(s) courtesy of The Peninsula Istanbul.

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