Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Çırağan Palace Kempinski describes itself as the only Ottoman imperial palace that is also a five-star hotel on the Bosphorus. The palace, whose name means "Palace of Lights", after the illuminations that once adorned its façade, was built during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz (1861-1876). A royal residence, it fell into disrepair in the early 20th century and burned in 1910. It became a hotel in 1991: rather than alter the palace, the developers built a new building next to it, whose interiors echo the original style.

Palace and modern wing

The 317 rooms and suites are split between the two buildings. Both buildings offer rooms and suites; the suites in the historic palace come with butler service. Landscaped gardens run down to the Bosphorus, with their pools. The hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, an association of independent luxury hotels, and holds a five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, the American guide that inspects luxury hotels.

The rooms

The rooms have recently been redesigned. The rooms table details the main ones.

The view of the Bosphorus is what makes the difference. The Yildiz Room, on the park side, has no water view; the Çırağan Bosphorus View Room sees the Bosphorus at an angle. For the full panorama, or to sleep three, book the Grand Deluxe; the Lilium Garden, larger, looks out over the gardens.

The Michelin Guide recommends a sea-view suite with a private terrace to experience the palace as its most illustrious guests did.

Pool, Sanitas Spa and restaurants

The heated infinity pool runs along the Bosphorus: it is the hotel's best-known image. The Sanitas Spa offers hammam, treatments and massages.

The hotel has around ten restaurants, bars and counters:

• Tuğra, the Turkish fine-dining restaurant in the palace, featured in the Michelin Guide and awarded three toques by Gault&Millau;
• Rüya Istanbul, contemporary Anatolian cuisine;
• Bellini, Italian cuisine with a Bosphorus view;
• Gazebo, the lobby lounge, for afternoon tea;
• Bosphorus Grill, seafood lunches outdoors;
• Le Fumoir and Çırağan Bar.

See also our food and dining page.

Location

The hotel stands on Çırağan Caddesi in Beşiktaş, on the European shore of the Bosphorus, below Yıldız Park, between Dolmabahçe Palace and Ortaköy. Its immediate neighbour is Four Seasons Bosphorus. The old city is about ten minutes away by car without traffic; Istanbul Airport (IST) about an hour.

Rates

In October 2026, for two nights from 1 to 3 June 2027, the cheapest room was offered at €657 a night for two adults, €1,314 for the stay, room only and non-refundable, including taxes and fees. With breakfast and free cancellation, expect €863 a night.

Sabaro's view

For whom: couples and families who want a palace hotel on the water, with pool and gardens; honeymooners (see honeymoon).

Strengths: a genuine imperial palace; the infinity pool on the Bosphorus; Tuğra restaurant; a Google rating of 4.7 out of 5, from more than 15,000 reviews.

Good to know: some of the rooms are in the modern wing, and entry-level rooms look onto the park or see the Bosphorus at an angle. For a more intimate palace hotel on the water, see neighbouring Four Seasons Bosphorus.