I was in Istanbul on a press trip for the launch of the new Turkish Airlines menu. I stayed nearby at Kempinski Palace. I was very impressed with my stay, and I would highly recommend you try it out if you’re planning a luxury trip to Istanbul.
In this post:
Introducing the Kempinski Palace Hotel
Kempinski Palace is a luxury 5-star hotel and the only Ottoman imperial palace and hotel on the Bosphorus. Kempinski has 76 hotels worldwide, from Munich to Tel Aviv and Cancun.
The hotel is located between the Besiktas and Ortaköy districts. It’s a 36-minute drive from Hagia Sophia and a 29-minute drive to the Grand Bazaar. Although a bit of transport is needed to get to the major sights of Istanbul, it is worth it to stay right on the Bosphorus!
Check-In
If you opt for an airport transfer, they will drive right into the hotel grounds. It’s a very secure and gated complex. On entry, the staff greeted us before we reached reception. The hotel has a bag scanner, which you must use every time you enter the hotel.
We also had a lovely greeting from the reception staff.
There were even staff to help with the lift and anything else we might have needed. Everything was done for us, including working the lift.
Since my visit, the hotel has renovated some areas. Here’s how it looks now:
The New Redesign Of Kempinski Palace
A redesign of some of the hotel rooms and suites was recently finished. This includes refurbishing the rooms and suites in the hotel building to complement the history and architecture of the site.
My Room – The Yildiz Room
I was very impressed with the room. It was easy to find via the lift and along a grand corridor which showcased Çırağan Palace’s history.
Although this is the cheapest room type you can book at the hotel, I was impressed with the standard. There was a large entrance with the bathroom to the side. There was a large comfortable bed, two balconies and a seating area on entry.
The room had two balconies, one at the front with slightly obstructed views of the Bosphorus. There was also a balcony at the side of the room. You can also get rooms with direct views.
The staff had left a large selection of food and drink in the room. There was a bottle of red wine and many Turkish delicacies, including macaroons, nuts, and Turkish delight!
The Bathroom
The bathroom was one of the largest I have seen in a hotel with plenty of attention to detail.
The bathroom had a large bath which I enjoyed using in the morning.
Other Room Types
There are LOTS of room types available!
Yildiz Room and Çırağan Bosporus View Room
The standard room is the Yildiz room. These rooms overlook Yıldız Park and feature a king bed and comfortable seating. You’ll also have a balcony overlooking the park or street. The Çırağan Bosphorus View Room is the same but with much better views.
Since my visit, the hotel has renovated some areas. Here’s how it looks now:
Deluxe Cirigan Bosporus View Room
If you want to upgrade your stay, upgrade to a deluxe room. The room is more extensive, with direct views of the Bosphorus. The rooms have a king bed and an even more luxurious bathroom.
Grand Deluxe Çırağan Bosphorus View Room
These rooms offer the best Bosphorus views out of the hotel room choices. In addition to the facilities of other rooms, you’ll also have a large seating area.
Since my visit, the hotel has renovated some areas. Here’s how it looks now:
Hotel Suites
Executive Suite (Sleeps 3) – Elegantly furnished with 1 bedroom, this suite also boasts a living room and a hammam steam room in the bathroom. Step onto the balcony for breathtaking Bosphorus views and a stunning glimpse of the palace.
Bosphorus Executive Suite (Sleeps 3) – Newly redesigned, this suite accommodates up to 3 guests and features a king bed. The expansive balcony has fantastic Bosphorus vistas.
Haseki Sultan Suite (Sleeps 3) – This suite has vibrant yellow decor, deviating from the traditional blue or red. Along with a fantastic view, it offers an abundance of space.
Pasha Suite (Sleeps 5) – This grand suite features a panoramic balcony overlooking the Bosphorus, two bedrooms, a hammam and steam room, a living room, a kitchen area, and a dining room.
Since my visit, the hotel has renovated some areas. Here’s how it looks now:
Royal Ottoman Suite (Sleeps 5) – This suite is distinguished by its three balconies, providing ample viewpoints. It has a hammam, steam room, dining room, living room, and two bedrooms.
Since my visit, the hotel has renovated some areas. Here’s how it looks now:
Palace Suites
Situated in the historic palace building, the suites have a 24-hour butler!
Palace Yildiz Suite (Sleeps 3) – Spread over two floors, this suite has a guest bathroom and living room at the entrance and a king bedroom with an additional bathroom upstairs.
Palace Bosphorus Suite (Sleeps 3) – Similar in layout to the Palace Yildiz Suite but with its own unique decor, the Palace Bosphorus Suite’s main draw is the stunning Bosphorus vistas from the balcony.
Harem Suite (Sleeps 5) – Located at the back of the hotel with a view of Yıldız Park, this suite is ideal for small families. Spanning two floors, it has a living room with a dining table for 4, a guest bathroom, and a kitchenette.
Valide Sultan Suite (Sleeps 5) – Situated on the second floor, this spacious suite features a 24-hour butler service and a panoramic Bosphorus view. It has a large living room, kitchenette, two king bedrooms, and a separate bathroom upstairs.
Sehzade Suite (Sleeps 7) – As one of the largest suites in the palace, it accommodates up to 7 guests with two twin beds and a king bed across three bedrooms, each with an en-suite.
Sultan Suite (Sleeps 4) – Regarded as the pinnacle of luxury, the Sultan Suite is one of Europe’s finest. It offers spectacular Bosphorus views, two king beds, a grand living room, and a dining room for up to 12 people. In this room, you are treated to a chauffeur-driven luxury transfer service and point-to-point city transfers in the hotel’s Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. The suite also features a jacuzzi and a spacious bath.
Breakfast
On arrival, I was shown around the different areas. There was a large selection of bread and juices at the entrance and several rooms of different dishes.
Once seated, I was asked if I would like hot drinks or juices. I opted for a Cappucino, one of the best I’ve tasted! I even ordered a second one.
Restaurants and Bars
As well as being served a delicious breakfast, many bars and restaurants showcase Turkish and world cuisine on-site. You can embark on a culinary journey without leaving the premises.
The Gazebo – The Gazebo has just been renovated with a new menu and service style and has new decor inspired by roses, tulips and carnations. This is also where afternoon tea is served.
Since my visit the hotel has renovated some areas, here’s how it looks now:
Akdeniz Restaurant – Introducing our newest gem for 2023, the Akdeniz Restaurant. Helmed by the renowned Ezra Muslu, the restaurant perfectly presents Mediterranean cuisine: Savour à la carte meals amidst a stylish setting. View the opening times here.
Since my visit the hotel has renovated some areas, here’s how it looks now:
Tuğra Restaurant – This fine dining restaurant has amazing Bosphorus views and serves signature Ottoman dishes. Make sure you eat here! It’s been featured in the Michelin guide!
Le Fumoir – Treat yourself to cocktails and premium wines and spirits. The bar is located in the gardens of the hotel complex.
Bellini Pasta & More – Located within the palace, you can savour Italian dishes with a Bosphorus view. Try the homemade Limoncello, pasta, and signature dishes by Sicilian chef Giovanni Vaccaro.
Bar 47 – Perched by the Bosphorus, Bar 47 is your go-to for bespoke drinks. Sip on signature cocktails accompanied by music.
Bosphorus Grill – Speciality seafood grill dishes in the palace garden.
Berthold – Wines by the glass from boutique wineries from across Türkiye.
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Hotel Facilities
There are so many things to do at the hotel that you would find it easy not to leave the complex!
Sanitas Spa and Indoor Pool
When I entered the spa area, I was given an in-depth tour. There are sauna and steam room facilities with a relaxation area to book for a private 30-minute slot. There is also a large heated indoor pool (although it was pretty cold on my visit), a Jacuzzi and a fully equipped gym. The Jacuzzi Is one of the biggest I’ve seen.
The pool area has a door to the outside pool area. The stunning outdoor infinity pool is right on the Bosphorus. I did not get a chance to use this area, but it has comfortable sunbeds and fantastic views!
The spa is one of the most luxurious spas in Istanbul. Various treatments are available, from traditional Turkish washes to facials and massages.
Here’s a glimpse of the spa menu:
Shops
Just down the corridor from reception, there is a row of shops. Stepping onto the corridor gives the feeling of being in a boutique shopping area. A rug shop and shops sell everything you need without leaving the complex. Purchases can be shipped back home.
Concierge
Whether you want to book a spot at an in-demand restaurant, book impossible-to-get seats or uncover the hidden gems of Istanbul, the concierge service is on hand to help.
Wedding and Meeting Space
The meeting rooms have a very royal atmosphere, and you can book for corporate and social events. There also are over 17 venues suitable for conferences of varying sizes. You can also get married here! It would be the perfect location.
Buggy Service
A buggy service is run by the butlers that transport guests from the palace part of the hotel to the modern building.
How to Stay at Kempinski Hotels for Less
You can join Kempinski Discovery for instant savings and benefits.
Most rewards are recognised in discovery dollars at over 800 hotels across the GHA discovery collection.
Here’s how to progress in the loyalty program.
Silver:
- Get 4% of your stay back in Discovery $ to spend within six months.
- You can spend $ on local experiences and access amenities and facilities of Kempinski hotels near you.
Gold ($1000 or 2 nights):
- Benefit from Member-only rates AND earn 5% of your bill back in Discovery $.
Platinum ($5000 or 10 nights):
- Member rates and 6% back in Discovery $
- Welcome amenity
- 15:00 check-out
- Room upgrade
Titanium ($15,000 or 30 nights):
- Room availability 48 hours before arrival
- 11:00 check-in
- 16:00 check-out
- Double room upgrade
- Status sharing
If you book with our partners GTC you get the following benefits included:
- Breakfast for two
- USD100 credit
- Upgrade subject to availability
- Early check-in and late check out subject to availability
Getting to Istanbul
Istanbul has two airports, Istanbul Sabiha and Istanbul. Istanbul airport is the best airport to fly into.
I flew with Turkish Airlines from London Heathrow. You can also read about my return flight on Turkish Airlines A321NEO here.
As well as Turkish Airlines, you can also fly to Istanbul from the UK with:
- Pegasus Airlines
- Aegean Airlines
- KLM
- Air France
- Lufthansa
- FlyUIA
- British Airways
- LOT Polish Airlines
- WizzAir
- EasyJet
Getting to Kempinski Palace from Istanbul Airport
Istanbul airport is 27 miles from the hotel; You can use the hotel’s helipad or pre-book their transfer service for a hassle-free hour-long drive. Taxis are readily available at the airport too.
If you are okay with a longer journey, you can reach the hotel via public transport with multiple changes.
Final Words
Çırağan Palace Kempinski Hotel was an absolute delight, and it gets my highest recommendation for anyone seeking luxury in Istanbul. Even the most basic rooms are spacious and have everything you would ever need. Coupled with an array of facilities, an abundance of dining options, and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, this hotel would allow you to make the most of your stay in Istanbul truly.
1 comment
There is something very important that you did not wrote about GHA Discovery program. Platinum and Titanium could be achieved and maintained when staying in 2 and 3 branded hotels in every calendar year. Titanium for 3 stays in a different brand hotels vs 30 nights or $15,000.
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