LOUNGE /
TRAVEL
March 19, 2019
Turkey: Gateway to Exotic Lands and Elegant Aegean Resorts | TRAVEL
TRAVEL | [Short Series] 9 Reasons to Visit Turkey Now
An unparalleled opportunity for Japanese travelers.
Go to Turkey: The Gorgeous Frontier! Vol. 2
In Istanbul, there are scenic spots that have been converted into five-star hotels, utilizing former Ottoman palaces. You can not only tour the interiors but also stay overnight, making it the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the opulence of Turkey's golden age. Staying here, anyone can feel like a sultan.
Text by Takashi Tsuchida
Reason 4: Experience the Sultan's Splendor
Çırağan Palace is located on the Asian side, facing the Bosphorus Strait. Built in 1872 by the 32nd Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, it was originally his private residence. A fire in 1910 destroyed much of it, leaving only the outer walls. In 1987, the Japanese company Kumagai Gumi acquired the property, undertook extensive renovations, and completed its reconstruction in 1989. A hotel was added during this process, and since 1990, it has been operated by the German-based Kempinski Group.
Top: Living room. Bottom left: Bathroom in the second bedroom. Center left: Second bedroom. Bottom right: Main bedroom. All are Sultan Suites.
Including the newly added hotel wing, there are a total of 313 rooms. Of these, 11 suites are located within the historic palace building. The most luxurious suite is the Sultan Suite, spanning 400 square meters, with a 24-hour dedicated butler, a private entrance, and a private balcony. It is said to have hosted global VIPs.
In the banquet room, you can experience a Sultan's Dinner. This event, which meticulously recreates the menus once enjoyed by Ottoman sultans, begins with Ottoman classical music and the serving of a drink called sherbet. The flavors, emblematic of the Ottoman era, are presented on antique plates with silverware, inviting you on a culinary journey through time.
Additionally, the hotel offers a Royal Escape program. This package includes a suite stay and allows guests to savor the authentic charm of Istanbul. While not the Sultan Suite, guests stay in a suite in the old palace wing and explore the hotel's surrounding landmarks with a dedicated driver or concierge.
•Dolmabahçe PalaceBuilt in the 18th century, one of the most glamorous palaces in the world.
•Beylerbeyi PalaceThe summer residence of Ottoman emperors, built in the 1860s.
•MiniatürkA theme park showcasing models of Turkey's famous historical sites, located along the northeastern shore of the Golden Horn.
•Night tour of Hagia Sophia with a private guideA historic structure of great significance to both the Byzantine and Ottoman eras.
These are the highest-tier experiences available at this five-star hotel. However, you don't need to prepare for exorbitant costs to feel like a sultan. Simply staying in a standard room offers a similarly regal experience. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the courtyard-facing restaurant, and as you wander the hotel grounds, you'll feel as though time has stood still in this otherworldly space. Relax by the infinity pool overlooking the Bosphorus or indulge in a luxurious time at "Le Fumoir," which offers water pipes.
Top left: The hammam, once used by sultans, has been restored and is now open for viewing. Top right: The breakfast area facing the courtyard. The gate in front is original. Center: The hotel's pool facing the strait, a symbol of Istanbul's opulent past, cherished by locals. Bottom left: "Le Fumoir" tea lounge, its ambiance enhanced after dark. Bottom right: People enjoying water pipes, perfect for a leisurely time.
Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
ADDRESS | Çırağan Caddesi 32 Beşiktaş İstanbul – 34349 Turkey
TELEPHONE | +90 212 326 46 46