The Peninsula Hotels: Building luxury legacy, now with an eye on India

With 12 iconic properties across the globe, each owned and operated by the 100-year-old luxury hospitality brand itself, the Hong Kong-based Peninsula Hotels has built a reputation for meticulous attention to detail .  Now, through a dedicated representation, Peninsula is looking to strengthen its India connections, recognising the market's undeniable luxury spending potential. 

The Peninsula Hotels, a century-old Hong Kong-based luxury hospitality brand, is embarking on a renewed engagement with the Indian travel trade market. The brand, which operates only 12 ultra-luxury hotels worldwide, has partnered with Heaven’s Portfolio to strengthen its visibility and outreach in India, signalling the importance of this market for its future growth. 

“We know that Indian travellers are highly discerning. The awareness of our brand here is strong, even though we don’t yet have a physical presence in India. That is both humbling and motivating for us,” said Carson Glover, Senior Vice-President, Brand Marketing and Communications during a recent media interaction in New Delhi. 

Glover shared even though it's a new market, India is firmly on the radar. The brand’s decision to appoint Heaven’s Portfolio as its representative in 2023 has already shown results, as per Glover. “The very fact that we are here, engaging directly with the trade and media, is an indication of how seriously we take this market. Of course, there is growth in numbers but more needs to be done,” he shared. 

When asked where Peninsula currently sees the most Indian guests, he pointed to Europe, Hong Kong, and the United States. “Indians are global luxury travellers. They travel with high expectations, and that’s exactly what we thrive on,” he said. Multi-generational travel is an area where Peninsula is making unique accommodations. 

About the brand & its refined hospitality

Founded in Hong Kong, The Peninsula Hotels is gearing up to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028. Over the decades, it has created a reputation not for rapid expansion, but for meticulous, carefully chosen growth. The group owns and operates all its properties. 

From Hong Kong, Shanghai, Manila and Tokyo in Asia, to Paris, Istanbul, and London in Europe, to New York, Chicago, and Beverly Hills in the United States, Peninsula’s footprint is selective but powerful. The most recent additions — Istanbul and London, both opened in 2023 — underscore its ethos of building landmarks in prime cultural, lifestyle and touristy hubs.

“Every one of our hotels is built with long-term vision. Our London property, for instance, was a £1.3 billion investment with a 150-year lease — that’s the scale and seriousness with which we approach each project,” Glover explained.

While grand architecture and prime locations are a given, what truly distinguishes Peninsula is its obsessive attention to the micro details of comfort, he added. “Luxury is often the quiet things,” he said, offering examples that drew smiles from the audience. Guest rooms feature thick-pile carpets for sound insulation, doors with gliding hinges that never slam, brand’s famed nail dryer and bedside lighting that dims gradually over 20 seconds.

This devotion to comfort is backed by research. A dedicated Peninsula technology centre studies everything from lighting switches to in-room tablets, ensuring that both a 20-year-old and an 80-year-old can operate them with ease, says Glover. “Our goal is to deliver a stay that feels intuitive, effortless, and restorative,” he noted.

Hong Kong: The beating heart

The flagship Peninsula Hong Kong remains the group’s crown jewel, offering sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and unmatched access to the city. Hong Kong itself, he stressed, is a destination worth rediscovering. “It’s one of the easiest cities to fly into from India. With Cathay Pacific now operating direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai, you’re just five hours away. From there, you’re within four hours of most of Asia and five hours from half the world’s population,” he highlighted.

Beyond luxury dining and shopping, Hong Kong offers local street food, over 260 islands, nature trails, and vibrant cultural experiences, a mix that resonates strongly with Indian travellers seeking both indulgence and immersion. 

Roadmap ahead

On future growth, Peninsula is taking a measured approach. “We receive numerous opportunities globally, but our focus now is on ensuring our latest openings in London and Istanbul are firmly established, while continuing to refurbish classics like New York and Beverly Hills,” he said.

When asked about any plans to make the India debut of the brand, Glover said that no India property is being currently announced, however, the growing outbound potential, coupled with strong brand awareness, make the market an inevitable discussion point for the future. 

Closing the interaction, he extended an open invitation to Indian travellers. “We want to welcome more Indians to experience our properties across the world. Our promise is that once you stay with us, you’ll understand the difference and it’s not just luxury, it’s thoughtful, anticipatory hospitality that feels timeless.”

During the special media luncheon and interaction scheduled in Delhi and Mumbai, Glover was joined by Feria Kazemi, Director of Communications, and Heaven's Portfolio team, including Yamini Singh, Regional Director of PR & Marketing for India & Middle East.