Çırağan Palace Kempinski
Çırağan Caddesi No. 32, Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey, 34349
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#6 of 40
expert-rated hotels in Istanbul- Recommended for:
- Business travellers, Couples, Foodies, Honeymooners, Seasoned travellers, Celebrity spotting, Great views / scenery, People watching, Relaxation, Special occasions
Best for Luxury - Expert review of Çırağan Palace Kempinski
Former imperial palace along the Bosphorus that’s still fit for a sultan.
Perhaps Istanbul’s most exclusive hotel, this former Ottoman palace caters to the every whim of its elite guests, who, I was impressed to learn, can be whisked from the airport by limousine or helicopter, employ the services of a personal butler, or stay in a 434-square-meter suite that’s the second largest suite in all of Europe – for a price, of course.
Location:
With sweeping Bosphorus views from the restaurants, bars, pool area, and most rooms, the Çırağan has a spectacularly beautiful setting from one side, though the entrance faces a busy and often traffic-clogged road. The bustling neighbourhoods of Beşiktaş and Ortaköy are fairly close by, though the city’s main sights and nightlife are further afield.
Bedrooms:
If you want to stay in the original palace itself, plan to splash out for one of the hotel’s 12 most expensive suites; the other 303 room are in the newer addition. Though most of the rooms are overdone for my tastes, I like how they all have balconies, and the way beds in some rooms face directly out at the sea. The damask-upholstered gold and red chaise lounges are a nice touch too.
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Public areas:
The well-landscaped gardens and waterfront promenades are good for a stroll – if you can tear yourself away from the comfortable rooms and luxurious pool area.
Eating and drinking:
The well-regarded Tuğra Restaurant in the original palace offers updated takes on classic Ottoman dishes, such as pistachio-encrusted lamb loin and a slow-cooked clay-pot kebab. Get a table on the moonlit terrace if you can, then top the evening off with a nightcap at the intimate Çırağan Bar.
Leisure facilities:
Set amid palm trees and alongside the Bosphorus, the outdoor pool is a summertime treat, with umbrella chairs aplenty and private cabanas where you can get one of a variety of massages. The spa facilities also include a heated indoor pool, Turkish bath, and fitness centre with personal trainer.
Service:
Service is warm and professional, with extremely competent concierges.
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Who stays there:
Popular for weddings and other lavish events, the Çırağan draws an elite crowd from many countries, including Istanbul locals.
Price advice:
Keep an eye out for packages that include the breakfast buffet, which features everything from sushi to sucuk (spicy Turkish sausage) but costs 100 Turkish Liras (50 euros) per person. I also recommend not bothering with the cheapest “park view” rooms – you’re already paying for the location, so it doesn’t make much sense not to spend a bit more to enjoy the Bosphorus view the entire experience is built around.
Pros:
Stunning setting
Luxurious pool and spa
Top-notch service
Cons:
Location not the most convenient
Street-facing rooms noisy, less appealing
Overpriced food, drinks and extras
More information on Çırağan Palace Kempinski:
- Price from:
- Address:
- Çırağan Caddesi No. 32, Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey, 34349
- Amenities:
- Business Centre, Room Service, High-Speed Internet, Fitness Centre, Restaurant, Parking, Swimming Pool
- Neighbourhood:
- Beşiktaş
