Opened in February 2023, The Peninsula Istanbul is more than a hotel — it is a statement of purpose. Set along the iconic Bosphorus Strait in the vibrant Karaköy district, the property revives the grandeur of the Ottoman era and reimagines it through a contemporary design lens. Its swift rise in the world of hospitality has been marked by the One To Watch 2024 award, granted by the esteemed World’s 50 Best Hotels.
This distinction celebrates a hotel with exceptional potential to become a global reference in luxury hospitality. And in the case of The Peninsula Istanbul, the future is already unfolding.
A Heritage-Driven Architectural Dialogue
The project is a masterclass in heritage restoration. Spread across four historic waterfront buildings — including the former 1937 Galataport passenger terminal — The Peninsula Istanbul blends art deco influences, neoclassical motifs, and Ottoman elements that have been meticulously preserved and restored.
From stone façades and grand interior columns to intricately tiled mosaics, the architecture speaks fluently of a past that has been honored, not overwritten. It’s a rare dialogue between centuries, where legacy and modernity coexist with harmony.
Immersive Living with a View of the Bosphorus
The hotel features 177 guest rooms and 39 suites, each conceived as a serene retreat. Several accommodations include private hammams, terraces overlooking the sea, and layouts that resemble private residences—infused with a soft, earthy palette inspired by Turkish landscapes and decorative arts.
Guests also enjoy landscaped gardens, an outdoor swimming pool facing the water, and a full-service spa with an indoor pool, treatment rooms, and a fully equipped fitness center. Every touchpoint has been designed for restoration and reverence.
At the top of the former terminal sits Gallada, the hotel’s flagship restaurant led by two-Michelin-starred chef Fatih Tutak. The menu is an unexpected and elegant fusion of Turkish and Asian flavors, bridging tradition and innovation on every plate.
The dining experience is matched by a sophisticated interior: dark wood, ambient lighting, and tables with panoramic views of the Bosphorus create a multisensory environment where cuisine and setting speak the same language.
A Global Benchmark in the Making
Winning the One To Watch award is a recognition of vision as much as execution. Emma Sleight, Content Director of The World’s 50 Best Hotels, summarized the hotel’s impact with clarity:“Hotels of this stature and consideration don’t open often. The Peninsula Istanbul has generated palpable excitement across the industry. Its historical architecture has been adapted with care and integrity, preserving its cultural soul without compromising design.”
A Shared Philosophy with Nolita Harbour
At Nolita Harbour, we share the belief that design should tell stories rooted in culture and guided by intention. Like The Peninsula Istanbul, our bespoke service is a dialogue between heritage and refinement, memory and innovation.
Our collection features authorial pieces and rare materials chosen for their beauty and depth — ideal for interiors that require authenticity, elegance, and emotional resonance. Just as this remarkable hotel elevates Istanbul’s legacy, Nolita Harbour brings purpose and poetry to every space it touches.