An Introduction to… Peninsula Hotels
Few hotel brands in the world carry the quiet prestige and storied legacy of The Peninsula Hotels. Revered for its seamless blend of old-world sophistication and forward-thinking luxury, Peninsula has become synonymous with timeless elegance, meticulous service, and architectural excellence.
With only a dozen properties worldwide—each located in a cultural capital or heritage-rich destination—Peninsula prefers quality over quantity, creating deeply immersive experiences for the world’s most discerning travelers.
In this article:
1. History & Background
The Peninsula Hotels’ story is one of vision, resilience, and a commitment to unparalleled luxury. Its origins trace back to two prominent Baghdadi Jewish families—the Sassoons and the Kadoories—who played significant roles in shaping modern-day China. While the Sassoons established the Cathay Hotel (now the Fairmont Peace Hotel) in Shanghai, the Kadoories developed the Majestic Hotel.
The Peninsula Hong Kong (Source: Peninsula)
Although the Sassoons’ Cathay Hotel was considered more modern at the time, the Kadoories’ ambitions in the hospitality sector did not wane. In 1928, they unveiled The Peninsula Hong Kong, affectionately known as “The Pen.” Despite interruptions during World War II, the hotel became a symbol of luxury and has since remained a cornerstone of the brand. Today, The Peninsula Hotels operates under The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH), with the Kadoorie family maintaining a majority stake.
2. What the Peninsula Brand is known for
The Peninsula Hotels epitomize timeless elegance, exceptional service, and cultural authenticity. Each property seamlessly blends local traditions with contemporary luxury, ensuring guests experience the unique essence of each destination. A hallmark of the brand is its dedication to personalized service, exemplified by offerings like “Peninsula Time,” which allows flexible check-in and check-out times, accommodating guests’ individual schedules.
3. Locations around the world
With just 12 hand-picked properties across Asia, Europe, and North America, The Peninsula Hotels remains one of the most exclusive luxury hotel collections in the world. The journey began in 1928 with The Peninsula Hong Kong, still the brand’s flagship and a symbol of refined hospitality in Asia.
Standout additions include the elegant Peninsula Paris, the waterfront Peninsula Istanbul, and the recently opened Peninsula London, a landmark decades in the making. While no new openings are currently confirmed, the brand continues to explore opportunities in key global cities with a long-term vision and meticulous standards.
Full map of all Peninsula hotels. Click here for the full Google Maps view (Source: Google Maps)
Asia:
1. The Peninsula Hong Kong - The flagship property, opened in 1928, offers colonial grandeur paired with harbor views and world-class service in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui
Building on its long history as a global beacon of hospitality, the legendary “Grande Dame of the Far East” continues to set hotel standards worldwide, offering a blend of the best Eastern and Western hospitality in an atmosphere of unmatched classical grandeur and timeless elegance.
Rates start from ~$355 per night.
2. The Peninsula Shanghai - A 1930s Art Deco masterpiece on the historic Bund, offering stunning views of the Huangpu River and Pudong skyline
Opened on the historic Bund in 2009, The Peninsula Hotels’ flagship hotel in Mainland China is a beacon of luxury hospitality on the city’s iconic riverfront promenade. Equipped with extraordinary facilities, world-class services and critically acclaimed Michelin star-rated restaurant, The Peninsula Shanghai effortlessly harmonises exquisite Art Deco-inspired interiors with contemporary comforts.
The Peninsula Shanghai was once again named a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel in 2025 and was voted in Condé Nast Traveler The Gold List 2023 as “China Top 10 Hotels” and was listed in Elite Traveler’s Top 100 Suites in the World Collection.
Rates start from ~$145 per night.
3. The Peninsula Beijing - Combining imperial design with modern elegance, this all-suite hotel is steps from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
Followed by a lavish refit in 2016 and 2017, The Peninsula Beijing offers a combination of timeless Chinese artistry and craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology and superlative service in the heart of China’s dynamic capital.
Welcoming guests through a traditional Chinese gate, the palatial lobby combines antique furnishings, contemporary art and a sweeping marble staircase.
Rates start from ~$310 per night.
4. The Peninsula Tokyo - A sanctuary of refined minimalism overlooking the Imperial Palace Gardens and moments from Ginza’s luxury boutiques
Superbly located opposite the Imperial Palace and Hibiya Park in Marunouchi district, and within minutes' walk of the shopping capital of Ginza, The Peninsula Tokyo offers commanding views of the Japanese capital skyline, sophisticated facilities, extraordinary dining options and the legendary Peninsula service.
The Peninsula Tokyo was once again named a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel in 2025, the 10th consecutive year that the hotel has received the coveted ranking in the publisher’s annual announcement of the world’s finest properties. The Peninsula Spa & Wellness Center also received Forbes Five-Star status for the eleventh year in a row.
Rates start from ~$700 per night.
5. The Peninsula Bangkok - Nestled along the Chai Phraya River, this riverside gem is known for its iconic three-tiered design and holistic Thai spa experiences
Where the signature Peninsula style meets authentic Thai charm, The Peninsula Bangkok stands as a truly distinctive Bangkok hotel, offering an unparalleled urban resort experience in the heart of the city.
In 2025, Forbes Travel Guide awarded The Peninsula Bangkok its prestigious five-star verified luxury rating, recognizing its exceptional service and commitment to excellence.
Rates start from ~$260 per night.
6. The Peninsula Manila - A beloved institution in Makati since 1976, this hotel is a timeless mix of Filipino warmth and cosmopolitan sophistication
Located in the center of Makati City, The Peninsula Manila has set the benchmark for luxury and sophistication for over four decades. Known affectionately as the “Jewel in the Capital’s Crown” for its legendary presence in the heart of the Philippines’ primary business district, it is a luxurious haven of comfort, quality service and fine cuisine, and is as much a favorite with discerning locals as it is with visitors from overseas.
For the second year, The Peninsula Manila is awarded the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating – the only hotel in the principal central business districts of Makati and Bonifacio Global City to receive the coveted ranking in the publisher’s annual announcement of the world’s finest luxury hotels.
Rates start from ~$150 per night.
Europe:
7. The Peninsula Paris - Housed in a Belle Époque building steps from the Arc de Triomphe, this is Parisian elegance at its most refined
Often called the “little Versailles”, this Parisian Grande Dame sits in a legendary, century-old, heritage building renovated in 2014, infusing cutting-edge modernity in a century of elegance, glamour and French history.
Within walking distance of some of the world’s most famous monuments, museums and luxury shopping districts, the palace houses 200 of the most spacious rooms in Paris, including 93 suites.
Rates start from ~$1,630 per night.
8. The Peninsula Istanbul - Situated along the Bosphorus in historic Karaköy, this lush waterfront property blends Ottoman heritage with contemporary design
Set along the Bosphorus waterfront in the historic district of Karaköy, The Peninsula Istanbul provides a showcase for both vibrant Turkish culture and superlative hospitality within Galataport, a new waterfront revitalisation project.
The hotel is comprised of four exquisite buildings – three of them historic and beautifully restored – and welcomes guests arriving by land or sea.
Rates start from ~$695 per night.
9. The Peninsula London - The brand’s newest flagship in the upscale Belgravia neighborhood features British craftsmanship, elegant interiors, and sweeping park views
Superbly situated alongside Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, The Peninsula London occupies one of the city’s most prestigious addresses. Newly built and impeccably designed to harmonize with the surrounding heritage buildings, the hotel is just steps away from Kensington Gardens, and other iconic attractions.
Rates start from ~$1,000 per night.
North America:
10. The Peninsula New York - Located on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, this Beaux-Arts landmark offers classic elegance near Central Park
The Peninsula New York is ideally located on Fifth Avenue and 55th Street, in the heart of New York City's most prestigious shopping, cultural, and business neighborhood, in Mid-town Manhattan. A 23-story, 1905 landmark building, many of the hotel's original Beaux Arts architectural features, designed by Hiss and Weekes, have been retained throughout The Peninsula New York.
The result is one of modern accents on old-world elegance. The Peninsula New York features 185 spacious and luxurious guest rooms and 54 suites, recently refurbished and decorated in a classic, contemporary style.
Rates start from ~$715 per night.
11. The Peninsula Chicago - A Gold Coast favorite, known for its spacious rooms, award-winning spa, and stunning views of Lake Michigan
The Peninsula Chicago is the five-star hotel that brought traditional Asian service to a city already renowned for the warmth of its hospitality. The hotel has become an integral part of Chicago life and is considered the top choice for everything from accommodation to celebrations and corporate events.
For this, the hotel credits its strong links to both the local community and international heritage. The Peninsula Chicago has proudly received a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating each year since its opening. In 2025, The Peninsula Chicago was named the #1 Hotel in Chicago and #1 Hotel in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report.
Rates start from ~$550 per night.
12. The Peninsula Beverly Hills - A discreet retreat in the heart of Beverly Hills, combining Hollywood glamour with lush gardens and bespoke service
The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers 195 guest rooms, including 38 suites and 18 private villas, nestled among lush tropical gardens in the heart of Beverly Hills. Voted as the #1 City Hotel in Los Angeles for 2021 by the readers of Travel + Leisure, The Peninsula Beverly Hills is located at the intersection of Wilshire and South Santa Monica Boulevards, within easy walking distance of Century City and Beverly Hills’ legendary Rodeo Drive.
Rates start from ~$980 per night.
4. Loyalty Program
While The Peninsula Hotels does not operate a traditional points-based loyalty program, it offers exclusive benefits through partnerships and its bespoke invitation-only program, the Peninsula PenClub. Guests booking through PenClub-affiliated travel advisors (like us!) can enjoy exclusive perks.
5. Best way of booking
When you book your Peninsula stay through Unmatched Voyages Hotels, you unlock a world of exclusive perks designed to elevate your experience—at no extra cost. We’re proud to offer special VIP treatment and preferred rates to make your stay even more memorable. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Up to USD 100 hotel credit
Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
Daily breakfast for two guests
Room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
Loyalty program benefits and points accumulation
It’s luxury, made even better—just for booking with us.
Get access to exclusive rates and perks when booking via Unmatched Voyages Hotels!
6. Conclusion
The Peninsula Hotels represent the pinnacle of luxury hospitality, seamlessly blending rich history with modern elegance. From their storied beginnings with the Kadoorie family’s vision to their present-day presence in major global cities, each property offers an unparalleled experience that reflects its locale’s unique charm.
Whether you’re indulging in the timeless grandeur of The Peninsula Hong Kong or exploring the contemporary sophistication of The Peninsula Tokyo, a stay at any Peninsula hotel promises exceptional service, cultural authenticity, and unforgettable memories.
Few hotel brands in the world carry the quiet prestige and storied legacy of The Peninsula Hotels. Revered for its seamless blend of old-world sophistication and forward-thinking luxury, Peninsula has become synonymous with timeless…