As your car (which could well be a
Maybach offered by the hotel for
airport transfers) swerves into the
driveway of what is one of the top 10
luxury hotels in the world—the Çiragan
Palace Kempinski, Istanbul—the first
few words that come to mind are
royalty, grandeur and ultimate luxury.
The only luxury palace hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, the Çiragan Palace—once the home of the Ottoman
sultans—overlooking the Bosphorus Strait has a
breathtaking view of the serene, blue waters dividing
the European and Asian sides of the city built on two
continents—Europe and Asia. The hotel gets its name
from the Ottoman times’ Fatma Sultan, who would
often hold torch-lit celebrations or ‘Çiragan’ festivals;
the palace derived its name from this fest and
popularly came to be known as the Çiragan Palace.
Unfortunately in 1910, a fire ruined most parts of the
palace and the place remained untouched until 1987,
when the Kempinski Group took over.
The Çiragan Palace Kempinski lavishly opened its
gates in 1991—infused with the legendary architecture
and rich history alongside the modern amenities that
any luxury hotel offers. With an indoor parking area,
hairdresser, jewellery and antique shops, florists, travel
services, bookstore, limo services, dry-cleaning shop,
along with 24-hour butler services at the palace suites, Çiragan Palace is opulence at its best.
ROOMS WITH A VIEW
In sync with the architectural magnificence of the palace, the
rooms at Kempinski offer all the contemporary facilities of plush
standards—from the well-placed working desk, a two-line and
touch-screen telephone, room automations system, wireless
Internet access, computer and fax hook-ups and an in-room
safe, to the refrigerated private bar, pillow menu and a snazzy
fully-equipped bathroom. What I particularly enjoyed was the
magnanimous bed size—every bit royal and extravagant,
immaculately done up with pillow sets and a lavish spread.
With 284 rooms and 31 suites (including the Sultan’s suite—the
most expensive and grand accommodation provided at the
hotel), spread over the old palace building and the new hotelconstruction, residents at the Çiragan Kempinski hotel are also
offered airport transfers via boat, helicopter or limousine—take
your pick! After a long day spent scurrying your way through
the busy streets of Istanbul’s bazaars, the rooms at Çiragan
Palace are a true call to blissful existence.
SELF INDULGE
When you live life king-size, a necessary aspect of this lifestyle
is self-indulgence! The Çiragan Kempinski Spa is an answer to
just that—in the form of the traditional hamam (Turkish bath),
the Sanitas Signature massage, a foot reflex area massage, a
manual lymph drainage or stone therapy. Besides, if you believe
in the traditional Indian methods of relaxation, Çiragan Palace
meets your needs as well. With its healing techniques,
Ayurveda massages are much sought after with the traditional
and synchronic Bali massages, Shirodhara or Shiatsu.
However, to experience the authentic Turkish treat, try the
hamam. Enjoy the taste of the exotic aromas in the prevailing
heat—just the way the Sultans would indulge themselves.
Round it up with a glass of tea!
And in case you’re a fitness freak, the Çiragan has a wellequipped
gym as well. With proper guidance at hand, you can
easily turn your vacation into one of self and body
consciousness. Or simply relax at the exquisite outdoor
swimming pool of the hotel.
FINE DINING
Feasting in style over a delectable platter of delicacies is very
much a part of a luxurious lifestyle. So, at the Çiragan Palace
Kempinski, cuisine and fine dining is a vital part of its culture.
Each and every restaurant of the Çiragan invites you to a
refined ambience, immaculate service and mouthwatering food.
The Gazebo lounge and restaurant, strategically located at the
waterfront, offers light cuisine and is famous for its High Tea,
which is accompanied by live music. Book a table at the
Laledan restaurant if you’re in the mood for a sumptuous
Sunday brunch. Laledan’s menu also boasts of fish specialities.
The Bosphorus Pier Lounge is a ‘premier venue’ in case you
want to enjoy some lovely cocktails in a panoramic setting,
overlooking the magical Bosphorus, accompanied by live Jazz
music during splendid summer evenings. The Çiragan Barbecue
offers a lavish menu and the Çiragan Bar has the atmosphere of
an exclusive club, with signature cocktails and cigars on the
rack.
However, what you must try at the Çiragan, if you’re a
foodie, is the Tugra Restaurant, offering traditional classical
Turkish and Ottoman cuisine. With its palatial background and
an exquisite view of the Bosphorus, along with a scrumptious
menu, it is indeed a treat.
For Istanbul’s crème-de-la-crème’s glamourous and affluent
functions as well as high-end conferences and get-togethers,
the Ottoman Room, which is the private dining area at the
palace, is the most popular venue, seeped with a dash of
hedonism.
FOR THE SYBARITE
If there’s one mark of luxury infinitum at the Çiragan Palace,
then it is the Sultan Suite located in the main palace. At over
5,000 square feet, the Sultan Suite is one of the largest suites in
Europe. With a scenic view of the Bosphorus, every corner of
the suite echoes luxury. Boasting of only A-list guests, including
the former Presidents of the United States, the suite opens up
to a spacious and grand living room with high ceilings and floor
to ceiling windows offering a picturesque view. The foyer, with
its crystal chandelier, is also a mark of brilliance and absolute
class. The décor is classical with Ottoman antiques and customdesigned
furniture. There are two adjacent bedrooms on each
side of the suite.
The master bedroom, a class apart, comprises a heavenly bed
with a silk canopy cover. The master bathroom is made of
marble, floor-to-ceiling, typical of a Turkish hamam and a
unique rain shower and steam maker. To spell overstated
opulence, the bath taps are gold-plated with crystal. Needless
to say, guests at the Sultan Suite enjoy 24-hour personal butler
and concierge services!
So, if you choose to travel in style and live life king-size, the Çiragan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul is a must visit!
