Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

This is a five-star establishment that warrants its five stars – and maybe a bit more. One is greeted by attentive and welcoming staff, ushered through the airport style security system, (a bit surprising maybe, but it is Turkey,) quickly booked in and escorted to a fabulous room with a vast balcony overlooking the Bosphorus, accessed through doors in the full length and height picture window. The room is equipped as one would expect with a large and luxurious shower room, lots of wardrobe space, seating couch and armchairs around a long coffee table, desk, mini-fridge, coffee machine and the obligatory large flat screen idiot’s lantern. The balcony is complete with a small table and a couple of chairs. In the room there was a number of complimentary goodies; a bottle of more than passable red wine, fruit, some baclava to nibble on and soft drinks in the fridge. The last three were replaced or topped up daily; still and sparkling water more frequently. The Wi-Fi was strong throughout. The grounds around the hotel and old Palace were immaculately kept as well as being extensive. Being October, we did not make for the pool – but it is apparently heated, so more fool us. The breakfast buffet is rightly renown for its extensive range of high quality foods catering for Turkish and more international tastes. It would be very difficult to starve (and very easy to overeat!) We also ate in the Gazebo Restaurant on our first night and could find no fault with either the food or the service. Gripes? None. Suggestions from a very picky satisfied customer? If you insist. It would complete the luxury feel if the (very effective) room curtains were electric in operation and could be operated from the bedside so one could wake up to THAT view and the rising sun. Then there are the restaurant chairs which are too low and comfy for one who likes to sit ON a dining chair rather than folded up IN one. And finally, a really picky suggestion: a bit more generosity with the Hollandaise on the eggs Benedict would be welcome. But overall a really excellent hotel in an unbeatable location.

The Ciragan Palace Kempiski is a little old fashioned but it fits the unique location on the Bosphorus perfectly. The service is flawless, the rooms large and comfortable. We will come back

• Location & View: The hotel’s location and view are truly stunning. With more attention to small details, the unique Çırağan experience could feel even more exceptional. • Meeting Rooms: Service was fast and professional. Refreshments and lunch service were sufficient and satisfying. • Restaurants: The Gazebo menu felt a little limited to standard options. At C Bar, I was surprised not to see any quality wine choices; a collaboration with a distinguished Turkish vineyard would be a wonderful touch, especially by the Bosphorus. • Breakfast: The buffet was tasty, but during peak hours the atmosphere became a bit chaotic. It would be more comfortable for guests if plates were cleared either all at once or after a pause, rather than piece by piece throughout the meal. • Spa: The children’s pool inside the main pool area distracted from the overall atmosphere. After hammam treatments, a bit more time to relax in the hammam area would improve the experience. In addition, a female staff member from the spa reception came to the changing room around 4:30 pm to remind us to settle the bill, even though there was still plenty of time before closing. This felt a little rushed. • Rooms & Common Areas: The beds and pillows were very comfortable, but towels were rather standard. In-room amenities could be more varied; for example, small touches such as earplugs, lip balm, or hair ties would better reflect Çırağan’s comfort. The balcony also felt quite bare; a few elegant plants or flowers on the table or in the corners would add a sense of refined charm. In the lobby restrooms, more stylish products could replace simple tissues. The poolside restrooms clearly needed care, with visible yellowing surfaces—thorough cleaning and refurbishment would enhance the overall ambience. • Service: I was very happy with the hair salon; the service was professional and attentive. All waiters and room service staff were without exception polite, kind, and professional. I would like to especially thank Adem Bey from the housekeeping team for his attention and support. Overall, aside from the small spa-related issue, we found all staff members to be warm and genuinely welcoming. Overall, it was a very enjoyable stay. The dedication and friendliness of the staff added great value to the experience. While there were a few details that did not fully reflect the grandeur expected from Çırağan, addressing these small points would make the hotel’s unique location and professional team deliver an even more flawless experience.

We stayed in a Palace Bosphorous Suite. It was so amazing and fairy-tail like! It was well worth the extra money. Memories forever!’

Staying at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul was an unforgettable experience, combining historic grandeur with modern luxury. The hotel is set in a former Ottoman palace directly on the Bosphorus, offering breathtaking views that change beautifully from sunrise to sunset. The architecture and interior design are simply stunning, with elegant details that reflect the palace’s rich history while still providing the comfort of a five-star hotel.