The Pera Palace Hotel: A Glittering Gem In The Heart Of Istanbul

The Pera Palace Hotel is a glittering gem in the heart of Istanbul. Situated on the European side of the city, this luxurious hotel offers guests a chance to experience all that Istanbul has to offer. From its grandiose architecture to its world-class amenities, the Pera Palace Hotel is sure to impress. Here’s the hotel’s inside view from the eyes of a hospitality photographer.

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Location

The Pera Palace Hotel Istanbul is located in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul, Turkey. The hotel is situated on the European side of the city, in the heart of the business and shopping district. The hotel is within walking distance of many tourist attractions, including the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. The Pera Palace Hotel Istanbul is the perfect base for exploring this vibrant city.

Pera Palace, Istanbul

Being a hospitality photographer, I enjoyed spending every second in the hotel – doing what I love the most – taking pictures. 

The hotel has a long and illustrious history, having been opened in 1892 to accommodate passengers of the Orient Express. The hotel has hosted many famous guests over the years, including Ernest Hemingway, Jackie Kennedy, and Agatha Christie. The Pera Palace Hotel Istanbul has been lovingly restored to its former glory and is a truly luxurious place to stay.

Amazing Facts About The Pera Palace Hotel

Here are some amazing facts about this iconic hotel:

  • The Pera Palace Hotel was the first hotel in Istanbul to have electricity and hot water in its rooms.
  • It was also the first hotel in Turkey to have a telephone.
  • The famous French author, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, wrote the novel “The Little Prince” while staying at the hotel.
  • In 1923, the last Ottoman sultan, Mehmed VI, died at the Pera Palace Hotel.
  • During World War II, the hotel was used as a military hospital by the British Army.
  • The hotel has its own Turkish bath, which Agatha Christie once used.

The Netflix Series – Midnight At The Pera Palace Was Filmed In The Pera Palace Hotel

The film tells the story of a group of friends who meet at the Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul and spend the night talking, dancing, and drinking. The hotel is full of history and has been home to many famous guests over the years, including Ernest Hemingway and Agatha Christie. Midnight at the Pera Palace is a love letter to the city of Istanbul and its people. It is a beautiful, funny, and moving film that will stay with you long after you’ve seen it.

Hotel Rooms

The rooms at the Pera Palace are as opulent as you would expect from a hotel that was once frequented by royalty and celebrities. The beds are large and comfortable, with luxurious linens and pillows. Apart from that, it has spacious bathrooms that are well-appointed, with plenty of towels and toiletries. The views from the rooms are simply stunning, whether you’re looking out over the cityscape or the Bosphorus.

 

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, the Pera Palace is definitely worth checking out all the amenities you could ask for. You’ll feel like royalty during your stay here!

Indoor Spa Pool At The Pera Palace Hotel

The Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, has an indoor spa pool open to guests. The heated pool offers stunning views, including a blue ceiling above.

Dining Options

The hotel’s flagship restaurant, the Orient Express, is a must-visit for any traveler to Istanbul. The food is exquisite, and the setting – overlooking the Bosphorus strait – is simply breathtaking. 

Pera Palace, Istanbul

Then comes the Agatha restaurant – named after one of the hotel’s most famous guests, Agatha Christie, who stayed there while writing her novel “Murder on the Orient Express.” The restaurant serves a variety of traditional Turkish dishes and a selection of international cuisine.

Pera Palace, Istanbul

For a more casual dining experience, the Palace Kitchen offers a delicious buffet breakfast each morning and Turkish and international specialties for lunch and dinner. And for a truly unique dining experience, be sure to check out the hotel’s Wine Vault – it’s one of the most atmospheric places in Istanbul to enjoy a glass (or two) of fine Turkish wine.

Pera Palace, Istanbul

 

The hotel’s lobby bar is also a great place to have a drink or two before heading out for the night. The bartenders are always happy to make recommendations, and they make a mean Turkish coffee if you need an afternoon pick-me-up. Trust me, after a few days of exploring Istanbul; you’ll be glad you did.

Wrapping It Up

Pera Palace tea

The Pera Palace Hotel is a great place to stay for anyone looking for an authentic Turkish experience. The hotel staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, and the rooms are clean and comfortable. If you love antiques and nostalgia, this place should definitely be on your list.

Antonio Cuellar – A Hospitality Photographer

Antonio Cuellar is a hospitality photographer who loves to take lively pictures of hotels and resorts and breathe life into them. He considers capturing the beauty and elegance of gigantic properties, hotels, and resorts, an art.



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About Antonio

Antonio Cuellar is a commercial photographer who specializes in capturing the architecture and lifestyle of the world's most luxurious hotels and resorts.

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