Istanbul, Turkey
The Ciragan Palace, with 19th century origins and once the home of sultans, has one of the best locations in Istanbul; its extensive gardens and infinity pool are set alongside the Bosphorus and most of the rooms have uninterrupted views
Our review
The Ciragan Place is situated in a prime position next to the Bosphorus, with its manicured gardens, swimming pool and large terraces running alongside. All rooms have balconies and many have uninterrupted views of the water. This position is its key feature so my advice would be to get a room with a view, if you expect to be able to take advantage.
The hotel consists of two buildings: the newer building with the restaurants and other facilities and the older building, a former sultan’s palace, reserved for suite guests, with separate entrance, additional privacy and security and connected to the main hotel by a corridor.
We stayed in a Grand De-Luxe Bosphorus View room on the second floor. It had a large balcony with wonderful views across the water to the Asian side of Istanbul. I also appreciated the sofa for relaxing and his and hers sink in the bathroom. Free Wi-Fi was a pleasant surprise.
We had a wonderful, European-style afternoon tea which is highly recommended and the restaurant was packed out on the day we visited.
Buffet breakfast the next morning was almost faultless and up there with the very best I’ve tried. Every conceivable food is available; as well as a variety of cold meats and cheeses and breads and pastries, there was a waffle station and an egg station and other cooked food to order.
Our evening meal was the only slight disappointment. At eight o’clock on a Saturday night with the hotel full, there should have been more than four tables taken in the Restaurant. Parents took up two tables with young children finishing their meal and at the other table was an elderly couple; all resident guests. The food was adequate, but not mind blowing, yet the cost was eye-wateringly high. Service was stiff and bordered on unfriendly. It was such a contrast with the buzzing and busy afternoon tea we enjoyed earlier and the superb breakfast. I like to think we were just unlucky on that day.
The grounds are lovely. The infinity pool invites a quick dip (it’s heated) and the gardens and terraces warrant a stroll. Paul was happy to discover a permanent posh smoking tent – Le Fumoir – with hookahs and heaters among the flowerbeds.
For a relaxing break in one of Europe’s most exciting cities, I would recommend you give this hotel a whirl.
Rooms
Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul offers 317 rooms and suites located in the historic palace building and a contemporary adjacent wing. Accommodation blends Ottoman elegance with modern comfort, featuring marble bathrooms, spacious layouts and views of the Bosphorus or palace gardens. Palace suites provide enhanced privacy, some with private terraces and butler service.
Food and Drink
Tuğra Restaurant is the hotel’s signature dining venue, serving refined Turkish and Ottoman cuisine in an elegant palace setting overlooking the Bosphorus. Bellini offers classic Italian dishes, while Gazebo provides relaxed outdoor dining with waterfront views.
Le Fumoir is a stylish lounge for cocktails and light refreshments, continuing the hotel’s tradition as a social landmark on the Bosphorus.
Wellness
Sanitas Spa offers a comprehensive wellness experience with a traditional Turkish hammam, treatment rooms, sauna and relaxation areas. Facilities include an indoor pool, outdoor Bosphorus-facing infinity pool and a fully equipped fitness centre, alongside a menu of massages and therapies.
Facilities
- Outdoor infinity pool and indoor swimming pool
- Luxury spa and Turkish hammam
- Fitness centre
- Multiple restaurants and lounges
- Landscaped waterfront gardens
- Meeting and event spaces
- Concierge and butler services
- Free Wi‑Fi and parking
Location
Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is situated on the European shore of the Bosphorus in the Beşiktaş district. Nearby sights include Dolmabahçe Palace, Yıldız Park, the Bosphorus Bridge and easy access to Istanbul’s historic and cultural attractions.
Getting there
Address: Ciragan Caddesi 32, 34349, Istanbul Turkey
Arriving by air: Çırağan Palace Kempinski is located near Taksim region and is a 45 minute drive from the Ataturk International Airport.Sabiha Gocken International Airport is 40km from the hotel, about a 60 minute drive
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.