Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Exceptional Service from Mr. Norayr from breakfast. He was very helpful and caring with nice attitude.

Our family split our time between staying in the old city and here on the Bosphorus. This hotel is beautiful. The view is amazing. Pools are nice. Restaurants are good, especially the huge breakfast offered. Housekeeping is amazing. Everything was great from the moment we walked up to the front desk to be checked in to the moment we checked out. Highly recommend if you want to stay on this side of the city.

I’d long wanted to visit Istanbul and when the opportunity arrived, I gave careful consideration to where I’d stay. I have absolutely no regrets about choosing Ciragan Palace which certainly lived up its reputation. Location-wise, CP is in Beşiktaş which is on the far side of the Golden Horn and depending on traffic 20-45 mins by taxi to the main sites (Aya Sofia, Topkapi, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar etc) in what might be termed the historic centre. Dolmabahce Palace is a lot closer and walkable; likewise, the Beşiktaş ferry terminal from which you can sail pretty much anywhere. A note on taxis: on the whole, the drivers are pretty decent and fares reasonable but it’s worth checking - roughly - the cost of any journey before you get in. I had a standard Bosphorus view room which had a great view and was very well appointed. Housekeeping was faultless, the bed one of the most comfortable I’ve slept in, and the air conditioning worked a charm (essential when the temperature outside was in the mid 30s). I ate at Ruya twice - both meals excellent and hard to choose a favourite dish although the pistachio crusted sea bass and the lemon chicken were beautifully cooked. Ruya is also home to breakfast, which is an event in itself, and provides the most comprehensive range of options imaginable. I had a lightish meal in Le Fumoir - good - and enjoyed the amazing desserts in Gazebo a couple of times. Service throughout my stay was first rate and it’s hard to single out anyone in particular although particular mentions must go to Carolina and Esra on reception and the staff in Ruya and the very attentive young lady in Gazebo. I should also highlight the staff at the pool - sitting there watching the ships sail by is a pleasure in itself - who are brilliant. Overall, you get the impression the staff are genuinely committed to making the guests’ stays as enjoyable as possible and I also got the sense that they are proud to work at the hotel. Any downsides? Not really but it’s worth noting that at this time of the year (early July) the hotel hosts a number of events - including High School graduation dinner dances. That being said, I wasn’t disturbed in the least by the noise. Finally, a word on cost. Staying here isn’t cheap but I’d argue - given all the positives described above - CP represents excellent value.

My parents and I stayed at wonderful Ciragan palace for one week in june and enjoyed our stay immensely! All our requests were efficiently and promptly fulfilled. We were accommodated in two beautifully appointed rooms on highest floor so we had delightful Bosphorus view! Hotel facilities are great, outdoor pool, gym, breakfast and dinner outlets. We dined in Gazebo, Ruya and Bellini, food and ambiance were great in all of them. Concierges are very knowledgeable end efficient, and all hotel staff members are so sweet and cordial that you feel genuinely welcome and truly pampered all the time! This was our third stay and certainly won't be the last one! Hope to see you soon and wishing all the best to Ciragan Palace team! Yours sincerely, Milenko, Marija and Masa Kulauzov, Novi Sad, Serbia

Beautiful hotel, great service, wonderful rooms, amazing view of the bosphorous etc. My wife and I loved this hotel. I would also like to acknowledge the service provided by all of the staff but particularly Melike Karaaslan in guest relations who went out of her way to make our stay memorable. We will be coming back in the near future with our kids so they can experience this world class hotel.