The Peninsula Istanbul, located along the Bosphorus in Istanbul’s historic Karaköy district, has been honoured with the One To Watch Award in advance of The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards 2024. This prestigious accolade is awarded to a standout hotel that has made a significant impression on the 600-strong Academy and the wider industry, signalling its potential to be featured in future editions of The World’s 50 Best Hotels list.
This announcement, part of the build-up to the official awards ceremony on 17 September 2024 at London’s iconic Guildhall, highlights The Peninsula Istanbul’s exceptional rise in the luxury hotel sector. The award recognises the hotel as a rising star in the industry, having quickly established itself as a noteworthy contender for global recognition.
A Unique Fusion of History and Modern Luxury
The Peninsula Istanbul, which opened its doors in 2023, is a striking addition to the luxury hospitality landscape. Nestled within the new Galataport development, the hotel occupies a quartet of elegant waterfront buildings, including several historically significant structures dating back to the early 20th century. Among these is The Lobby, a meticulously restored glass-fronted building that formerly housed Türkiye’s inaugural modern cruise terminal, originally built in the 1940s.
The Peninsula Istanbul boasts a total of 177 rooms, comprising 138 guest rooms and 39 suites, including the opulent Peninsula Suite. This suite is one of the largest and most luxurious in the city, featuring a private hammam, a state-of-the-art gym, a dedicated screening room, expansive balconies, and a private rooftop pool. Most rooms offer stunning vistas over the Bosphorus and the rooftops of Istanbul’s historic Old Town, providing guests with an unparalleled experience of the city’s rich heritage and vibrant contemporary life.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Emma Sleight, Head of Content at The World’s 50 Best Hotels, commended the hotel’s exceptional qualities, stating, “The Peninsula Istanbul’s debut has generated considerable excitement within the luxury hotel sector. The hotel’s ability to integrate modern luxury with the charm of its historical buildings has set a new benchmark for excellence. The Peninsula group, with a legacy of high standards since its first hotel opening in 1928, continues to lead the way in setting future trends in luxury hospitality. This award reflects The Peninsula Istanbul’s remarkable contribution to the industry.”
Jonathan Cook, Managing Director of The Peninsula Istanbul, expressed his gratitude for the recognition: “Receiving the One To Watch Award is a tremendous honour and validates the hard work and passion our team has invested in this property. The positive feedback from our guests highlights that we are on the right trajectory, despite the hotel’s relative youth. This accolade not only places us on the global hospitality map but also reaffirms our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences in the luxury sector. We are excited about our future and look forward to continuing to exceed the expectations of our discerning guests.”
Achievement & Dedication
The Peninsula Istanbul’s achievement underscores the hotel’s successful blend of historical elegance and modern luxury, establishing it as a prominent player in the luxury hospitality arena. The hotel’s dedication to providing an outstanding guest experience reflects the enduring excellence of The Peninsula brand and sets a new standard in the world of luxury hotels. The recognition by The World’s 50 Best Hotels highlights the hotel’s significant impact on the global luxury hospitality industry and its potential for future accolades.