Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Quite simply one of the most luxurious and memorable stays of a lifetime. We stayed in the palace section of the hotel with its amazing views of the Bosphorous. From the moment we arrived we were spoiled - our fragrance selection; our daily fruits and treats; our surprise anniversary gift; and someone always available to attend to our needs no matter how large or small. This stay exceeded our expectations. A special thank you to Necmeddin and his colleagues who made us feel like the Sultans who occupied this magnificently beautiful palace!

I had a very disappointing experience at this hotel. I witnessed a young man at the reception throw a box at a female colleague, and there was no supervisor or duty manager present to step in. As someone who works in the hospitality industry myself, I was shocked to see such unprofessional behavior happening in front of guests. The poor girl didn’t even react — it was truly upsetting and completely unacceptable for a hotel that claims to care about service and respect.

Amazing experience! Lovely hotel! Great room (with a view to the Bosphorus😉), delicious breakfast & very friendly service!

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