Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Since the sixteenth century a number of palaces have stood on this spot, an unparalleled location amid lush gardens at the edge of the scenic Bosphorus. And perhaps in a bid to halt the seemingly endless series of razings and rebuildings, the Ciragan Palace hotel has chosen a novel method for updating the stately and sprawling former Sultan’s residence: leave it alone, and build a new modern-style hotel just next door.

Don’t fret about the new addition, however; the interiors are patterned after those of the original, in contrast with the disturbingly bland and antiseptic expansions at too many other historic palace hotels. And either building offers a range of room options, from humble park view doubles to extravagant sea-facing suites. If it’s a foot in the door you’re after, then by all means go with something affordable; but to fully experience the Ciragan Palace in the manner of its most noted guests (who tend to arrive by helicopter), you’ll want to splurge for a sea view suite with a private terrace, at least.

Though the hotel is located near the heart of the city, a resort atmosphere pervades, and leisure carries the day; swimming pools and an array of landscaped gardens dot the property, and the spa offers a comprehensive list of treatments, from traditional Turkish Hammam to the latest in algae wraps and reflexology. You’ll eat like a Sultan as well, whether in the traditional Ottoman dining room, out on the terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, or in the Russian-style caviar bar.