You’ll live like the Sultans of Constantinople at Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul’s most luxurious waterfront retreat.
Nestled on the European shores of the majestic Bosphorus Strait, in the vibrant Besiktas district, Çırağan Palace Kempinski stands both as a timeless testament to Istanbul’s imperial past and as the epitome of a contemporary luxury hotel, one that’s welcomed everyone from Madonna, Sir Richard Branson and Zaha Hadid to Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Sophia Loren, Robert De Niro, Silvio Berlusconi, and U2.
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What sets the Kempinski apart from the other five-star hotels that call this vibrant destination home is that it’s housed (at least part of it) in an actual palace. Built in the 19th century by Sultan Abdulaziz on land used for imperial residences since the 1600s, the Çırağan Palace served as the residence for Ottoman sultans for decades and, like Istanbul itself, boasts architectural influences from Europe and Asia. With its sprawling gardens, opulent interiors, and unparalleled views of the Bosphorus, it became a symbol of Ottoman grandeur.
Opened as a flagship property in 1991, most of the Kempinski’s rooms and amenities are found adjacent to the palace, in a building refreshed in 2023 by Toner Architects with help from Ottoman art expert Serdar Gülgün that elevated its interiors to palatial levels. With classic design elements infused with innovative flair, the renovation has ensured the 317-room Kempinski remains as popular with locals, who descend on the property for special occasions, as it does with its well-heeled international clientele.
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When you book your room, try and secure one with a balcony facing this timeless waterway – you’ll thank me for years to come. My Grand Deluxe Çırağan Bosphorus View Room is beautifully appointed, with a king-sized four-poster bed, lavish linens, an elegant couch, a marble-lined bathroom with Atelier Rebul toiletries, and a spacious balcony from which we watch the endless procession of cargo and pleasure boats as they ply the waters that lead to the Black Sea.
The hotel also boasts a series of suites adorned with Turkish motifs in the main building, ranging from the 100 sqm Haseki Sultan Suite, dominated by shades of vibrant and lively yellows, to the 156 sqm two-bedroom Pasha Suite, with its private dining room and hammam. However, for the ultimate royal reception, you can’t go past the 11 suites of the Palace wing. These include the 458 sqm Sultan Suite, a lavish expanse that echoes the grandeur of the palace’s royal past and which regularly ranks among the best hotel suites in the world thanks to its opulent interiors, 12-person dining room, hot and cold running butler service, and magnificent views. Did I mention guests also have access to a chauffeur-driven 1974 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow? It’s good to be the Sultan.
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Step outside the main hotel building and it’s immediately apparent that the Çırağan Palace Kempinski is as much an urban waterfront resort as it is a city hotel. The waterfront of the hotel is dominated by a spectacular swimming pool wreathed by sun loungers and manicured gardens. Steps away you’ll find the Sanitas Spa, secreted into a subterranean space that’s home to treatment rooms, an indoor pool and a traditional hammam.
Elevating the culinary experience to an art form, Çırağan Palace Kempinski also hosts a repertoire of restaurants that cater to the most discerning palates. These include Akdeniz by Esra Muslu, the hotel’s elegant new signature Mediterranean restaurant; and Gazebo, a sublime lobby lounge inspired by the Ottoman Gardens and serving the city’s most popular afternoon tea. In the Palace wing, you’ll also find Bellini Pasta & More, which marries the Italian cuisine of Sicilian chef Giovanni Vaccaro with majestic Bosphorus views.
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However, for a truly unforgettable encounter, we book ahead for a terrace table at Michelin-recommended Tuğra, which serves the Ottoman-inspired dishes of chef Emre Inanir, paired with the marble pillars and decadent interiors of Çırağan Palace. The venue is nothing short of enchanting, and, with intuitive service, an indulgent menu, and the warm wind coming off the water, it’s easy to pretend you’re a sultan, enjoying a night on the Bosphorus.
