Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah Celebrates 125 Years in Istanbul

In 1892, a luxury hotel called the Pera Palace was created in Constantinople (now Istanbul) to serve the illustrious clientele of the Orient-Express train. Fast forward 125 years later and the hotel, now managed by the Dubai-based Jumeirah Group, is pulling out the stops to celebrate a big birthday. What’s in store this year? There will be a variety of cultural events and music concerts, plus guests will be invited to step back in time to experience the glamorous days of the golden age of travel.

On an exclusive tour of the hotel, ride in Turkey’s oldest electric elevator and take a peek inside the suites named in homage to famous guests. For example, the Agatha Christie Suite (Room No. 411) is where the author is said to have penned “Murder on the Orient Express.” The Pera Palace Hotel was also frequented by Atatürk, the modern father of Turkey, and his original guest room (No. 101) was converted into the Atatürk Museum in 1981. This museum has a collection of personal items belonging to the founder of modern Turkey.

To mark the hotel’s 125th year, Pasha restaurant has designed a special tasting menu for two. Executive Chef Arif Kemal Doğan has modernized dishes found on old, archived menus from the 1920s and 1930s. Think hors d'oeuvres, bouchée à la reine, Citrus sorbet, beef bourguignon and Manjari bitter chocolate soufflé.

This dinner menu is available as part of a special 125th anniversary package, which also includes accommodation in a deluxe Pera View room, breakfast at the Agatha restaurant and a 10% discount at Pera SPA by SPA Soul.

Located in the Beyoglu district, the Pera Palace has 115 rooms and suites.

Related Articles

Jumeirah Group Names Stefan Bollhalder Managing Director, Madinat Jumeirah

Albania Promotes Via Egnatia With Edward Lear's Sketches

Now Open in Turkey: Fairmont Quasar Istanbul

Historic Hotels of America, Historic Hotels Worldwide Induct 17 Hotels