Peninsula Hotels earn three places in The 50 Best Hotels 2026 - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

The Peninsula Hotels has secured three positions in the 2026 edition of The 50 Best Hotels. The Peninsula Istanbul ranks No. 31 and The Peninsula Hong Kong No. 46, marking the first time that properties from the luxury hotel group have entered the ranking’s Top 50. The Peninsula Shanghai appears at No. 99 on the extended 51–100 list.

The results were announced on 15 September during an awards ceremony at Les Salles du Carrousel in Paris. The three recognised properties represent very different stages in the history of the Peninsula brand, ranging from its almost century-old flagship in Hong Kong to the Istanbul hotel, which opened only three years ago.

Istanbul enters the ranking at No. 31

The Peninsula Istanbul has made its first appearance in The 50 Best Hotels just three years after opening in 2023. At No. 31, it is also the only hotel in Turkey included in this year’s Top 50.

Located on the Bosphorus in the historic Karaköy district, the property combines three restored buildings dating from the early 20th century with a newly constructed fourth building. Waterfront gardens, a private boat dock and yacht, as well as restaurants and bars overlooking the Bosphorus, form part of the complex.

For The Peninsula Hotels, the ranking gives one of the youngest properties in its twelve-hotel portfolio international recognition alongside its long-established Asian hotels.

Hong Kong flagship approaches its centenary

The Peninsula Hong Kong enters the Top 50 at No. 46 after ranking No. 54 last year. Opened in 1928, the hotel is the flagship of the group and will celebrate its centenary in 2028.

Known as the “Grande Dame of the Far East”, the property overlooks Victoria Harbour and has remained closely associated with Hong Kong’s luxury hospitality sector for almost a century. Its offer includes Michelin-starred restaurants, public spaces and accommodation with views across the harbour.

“We are deeply honoured to be recognised by The 50 Best Hotels Academy and to stand alongside other distinguished hotels,” said Benjamin Vuchot, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of parent company The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited. He attributed the achievement to the work of the teams at the recognised properties and their commitment to guest experiences.

Shanghai makes its debut at No. 99

The Peninsula Shanghai also appears in the ranking for the first time, taking No. 99 on the extended 51–100 list.

Opened in 2009, the hotel occupies a prominent location on the Bund, Shanghai’s historic waterfront district on the Huangpu River. From there it faces the modern skyline of Pudong, creating a contrast between the city’s historic architecture and its contemporary financial district.

The property incorporates this relationship between old and new into its hospitality concept, with experiences focusing on Shanghai’s art, history and culinary traditions alongside its luxury accommodation.

More than 800 experts determine the list

The 2026 edition is the fourth instalment of The 50 Best Hotels. The ranking is compiled by The 50 Best Hotels Academy, whose voting panel consists of more than 800 anonymous experts with experience and knowledge of the international hospitality industry.

This year’s results bring Peninsula properties in Hong Kong, Istanbul and Shanghai into the ranking for the first time, giving the hotel group representation in both the Top 50 and the extended Top 100.

Image Credit: © AI generated illustration using material courtesy of Peninsula