The Peninsula Istanbul sets romantic opening date

Among the world’s most storied hotels, one name sets the gold standard for elegance, service and world-class dining: The Peninsula. Opening on February 14, The Peninsula Istanbul is poised to deliver on all three, with an East meets West twist.

Spanning four buildings along the bustling waters of the Bosphorus, three of which are protected historical landmarks, the city’s newest five star resident is now taking bookings in advance of its Valentine’s debut. And what a debut it will be.

Afternoon the be served in the hotel's soaring lobby.

As with its siblings in Hong Kong, London and Los Angeles, The Peninsula Istanbul harks back to a bygone era when guests arrived with wooden trunks full of glamorous gowns; interiors dripped with crystal chandeliers and grand floral displays were found at almost every turn.

Of its 177 beautifully-furnished rooms, spread throughout the four buildings, many will boast private balconies and terraces affording sweeping views of the hotel’s gardens – dotted with sculptures and outdoor dining spaces – and the Bosphorus beyond.

A rooftop bar will allow guests to enjoy views of the harbour, not to mention stellar sunset drinks.

“We have spent a lot of time and effort to meticulously restore this beautiful property on the Bosphorus and we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike to experience our world-renowned Peninsula hospitality,” says Clement Kwok, Managing Director and CEO of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, owner of The Peninsula Hotels.

The hotel will feature a private dock, along with VIP dining and wine tasting areas.

Known as Constantinople in ancient times, Istanbul is a dynamic and multicultural city with thousands of years of history and culture, combined with a vibrant and youthful energy.

Just beyond the hotel, a myriad of museums, restaurants, and boutiques in the harbour district of Karaköy are all within walking distance, along with famous landmarks such as Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia Mosque, The Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

White-clad bellhops will be a familiar sight at the hotel.

Inspired by the location, rooms range from 40 sqm up to 510 sqm and will feature modern takes on traditional Turkish decor, including sumptuous bathrooms of Marmara marble, kilim-style carpets, and design elements with timber and mother of pearl inlay.

Multi-lingual touch screens allow guests to access everything from lighting controls to local info.

The Peninsula Suite will be the most lavish offering, with those who can afford to check into its opulent confines enjoying a private hammam spa, gymnasium and rooftop swimming pool.

Other guests looking to cool down will find a 25m outdoor swimming pool with cabanas and sun lounges, as well as a 21m indoor pool in the onsite spa and wellness centre. A state of the art fitness centre, Turkish steam room and eight private treatment rooms are also within.

In addition to sculptures and fountains, the garden will feature a 25m outdoor swimming pool.

In typical Peninsula fashion, dining will be worth relishing, with options including a sophisticated Turk-Asian rooftop bar offering stellar views of the strait, and a lobby restaurant where guests can partake in the signature afternoon tea.

When it opens, The Peninsula Istanbul will be in good company amid the city’s elite hotels, which includes the Ciragan Palace Kempinski and Four Seasons Hotel at the Bosphorus.