Çiragan Palace Hotel Kempinski Istanbul

Frommer's Review

Residence of the last Ottoman sultans, the hotel that you see today is actually two buildings: the faithfully restored stone-and-marble sultan's palace (housing the VIP suites) and the modern five-star deluxe hotel, both standing majestically on the shores of the Bosphorus and presiding over a magnificent collection of sculpted lawns, marble gates, a waterside swimming pool, and even a putting green. The guest list reads like a who's who of international royalty, all lining up for a Bosphorus-view room (not all get one). Standard rooms are nothing special really (except in the case of the ones with Bosphorus views, where you can forgive the room thanks to the scenery). Decor is sparse, and the full list of amenities is not enough to distinguish these rooms from, say, the Hilton. The suites in the modern wing add living space, upgraded decor, and views, but it's in the newly renovated palace section where things truly get interesting. These are salons that recall a statelier time: Sumptuous textiles swath elegant antiques, while high ceilings and gilded architectural features remind you that this was indeed once a working palace. Hard to believe that a little over a decade ago, the Çiragan was a burned-out shell of its current and former splendor.

Facilities: 3 restaurants; 4 bars; indoor and outdoor pool; putting green; health club; fitness room; hamam; Jacuzzi; sauna; concierge; car-rental desk; shopping arcade; salon; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; meeting facilities; elevator

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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