Arrival/Check-In: Before my trip to İstanbul, whenever someone asked where I was staying and I named Çirağan Palace Kempinski, I was met with the same reply, “That’s the best place to stay in İstanbul!” Now, after my stay, I can say with confidence to another traveler to the Turkish city that the hotel definitely will not disappoint. After an overnight flight from New York, having a personal check-in at a little desk off to the side was much appreciated. After a few minutes of paperwork, I was en route to my Bosphorus-view room, ready to catch two hours of rest and relaxation before dinner that evening.
Guest Quarters: The view delivers a peaceful atmosphere to the room. It was the first thing I noticed upon entering, and the ample balcony allows guests to spend time enjoying the vista. To the right of the entrance the large bathroom features a number of amenities and a significant amount of vanity space. The toilet and bidet are in a separate room. A warning: The large step up into the tub/shower could be problematic for some; however, the mounted showerhead offers great water pressure, unlike other showers found in European hotels.
A wall of closets to the left of the entrance offers more than enough space for hanging clothes or storing items. The king-sized bed seemed larger — and more comfortable — than most. With two nightstands, a desk and an armoire/dresser, guests do not need to worry about running out of space or outlets. The flat-screen TV mounted on the wall across from the bed offers several English-speaking channels of all varieties. A sitting area includes two chairs with a small table.
Services/Amenities: The historic hotel houses guestrooms in the former Ottoman palace area of the property. Even if your guestroom is not located there, be sure to check out the exquisite surroundings and read up on the hotel’s history.
Four dining outlets include the fine-dining Tuğra, Gazebo Lounge, Bosphorus Grill and Laledan Restaurant, where guests can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast buffet daily. The luxury spa’s traditional hammam is only one of the highlights, and the facility also includes a top-of-the-line fitness center (open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.), an indoor pool, a sauna and whirlpool and a heated outdoor infinity pool. Add to the deluxe guestrooms and amenities the stellar location, and it all makes for one memorable stay.
The Experience: The true star of my stay at Çirağan Palace Kempinski was the staff. I’ve never experienced hospitality quite as I did throughout Turkey, and the hotel was no exception. From start to finish, the staff was pristine, helpful, friendly and genuinely happy to be at guests’ service.
GT CHECKLIST
[checklist]
[item check=yes]Doorman/valet[/item]
[item check=yes]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item]Separate tub and shower[/item]
[item check=yes]Large vanity[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality towels[/item]
[item]Powerful, unattached hair dryer[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality bed linens[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, flat-screen television[/item]
[item check=yes]Large desk with convenient outlets[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, complimentary laptop safe[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-room WiFi[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary bottled water[/item]
[item check=yes]Stocked minibar[/item]
[item check=yes]Ample lighting[/item]
[item]In-room coffeemaker[/item]
[item check=yes]Iron and ironing board[/item]
[item check=yes]On-site restaurant[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour room service[/item]
[item]24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center[/item]
[item check=yes]Turn-down service[/item]
[/checklist]
Çirağan Palace Kempinski
Çirağan Caddesi 32
34349 İstanbul,Turkey
tel 90 212 326 4646
kempinski.com
Read This Next
Women in Travel
2016
Sep 22, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 24, 2023Windstar Cruises Announces New Whole-Food, Plant-Based Menu
Windstar Cruises partnered with the National Health Association to create a new vegan menu available on all six of the line’s yachts. The plant-based dishes are prepared without added salt, oil or sugar, and are also gluten-free.
Sponsored Content
Enter to Win $500 and Get Six Months’ Free Access to the New GT App
Now through May 8, sign up for a free six-month trial of the Global Traveler app and be automatically entered for a chance to win a $500 gift card of your choice for Amazon, Apple or American Express.
Daily
Mar 24, 2023Viceroy Announces Partnership with Out & Equal
Viceroy Hotels & Resorts recently announced a partnership with Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, the premier nonprofit organization working exclusively on LGBTQIA+ workplace equality. O&E will provide Viceroy with LGBTQIA+ executive leadership development; comprehensive Diversity, Equality & Inclusion training and consultation; and opportunities for professional networking, creating and sustaining an inclusive and welcoming work environment.
Daily
Mar 24, 2023One of Kyoto’s Newest Boutique Hotels Offers Japanese Traditional and Modern Design
Maana Homes is a boutique hospitality company in Kyoto with a mission to develop projects cultivating meaningful connections between Japanese culture and the rest of the world. Since the company’s beginnings in 2017, they have pushed the boundaries of traditional Japanese machiya by repositioning and giving them a new identity in the modern world. Machiya are traditional Japanese wooden townhouses popular with Kyoto merchants and craftspeople until just before World War II. Because Kyoto was not bombed during the war, many fine machiya survived to the present day.
Daily
Mar 23, 2023The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko in Japan Introduces Spring Experiences
The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko in Japan offers travelers exciting experiences this spring. Opened in July 2020, the property overlooks Lake Chūzenji and Mount Nantai in Japan’s Northern Kanto region. With cherry blossoms (Sakura) set to bloom in April, the area is the perfect destination for a spring getaway.
Austrian Airlines to Bring Back Flying Chefs
Daily
Mar 22, 2023Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 22, 2023eFlyer News
Mar 22, 2023Meadow Homes, New Boutique Vacation Rental Platform in New England, Launches
A new upscale vacation rental platform invites travelers to enjoy boutique properties across New England. Meadow Homes debuts with more than 20 properties in the countryside of upstate New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont, with a keen focus on large, private homes close to popular lake and ski destinations.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
eFlyer News
Mar 22, 2023Chase Sapphire Unveils Sapphire Lounge in Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Chase Sapphire recently unveiled the Sapphire Terrace on March 20 at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The new space provides Sapphire Reserve cardmembers with a place to relax and fuel up before flights. The indoor-outdoor space comes with lounge-like amenities.
ShareThis