Çırağan Palace Kempinski (Istanbul, Turkey)

There are many palaces in Istanbul but you can stay at what was a former royal residence – and that would be at Çırağan Palace Kempinski. This stunning 5-star hotel is a grandiose property on the European side of the Bosphorus was a residence for sultans. The regal feeling is most pronounced in the Palace suites, whose vaulted ceilings, elegant antiques, and textiles evoke the opulence of the Ottoman Era.

Initially Çırağan Palace was constructed by a 17th-century sultan as a present for his daughter, this imperial palace from the Ottoman era has had a multifaceted history. Prior to its conversion into a hotel, it served various purposes including as a royal court, a venue for parliamentary gatherings, a site for beauty pageants, and even as a soccer field for the Beşiktaş team. It emerged onto Istanbul’s hospitality scene in the 1990s, it recently underwent a comprehensive renovation overseen by architect Mustafa Toner and Ottoman art specialist Serdar Gülgün. Additional restoration projects are underway under the guidance of general manager Ralph Radtke. Situated prominently along the Bosphorus, the Çırağan holds a significant place in the hearts of Istanbul residents, often regarded as an integral part of the city’s landscape.

I’ve checked out the Royal Ottoman Suite and I’m at a loss of words how gorgeous, chic and vast the suite is. The 156 m² (or 1679 ft²) suite featured with a large dining room that can easily host 6 guests, a kitchenette, ; two luxurious bedrooms both outfitted four-poster beds, many adorned with tulip-patterned headboards reminiscent of traditional motifs from the era, alongside plush red velvet armchairs. The marble bathroom evoked the ambiance of a hammam and was stocked with specially crafted products from Acqua di Parma. The best part was walking out to the balconies looking out to the sweeping Bosphorus vista.

Some of the rooms within the Royal Ottoman Suite

Pistachio baklava demonstration

We were privileged to witness a demonstration led by one of the pastry chefs at Çırağan Palace Kempinski, showcasing the meticulous process behind crafting the renowned pistachio baklava. Although the most laborious step of hand-rolling the phyllo dough had been completed beforehand, the chef skillfully assembled the delicate layers. Each wispy sheet was meticulously coated with melted butter, generously sprinkled with vibrant green crushed pistachios, and carefully stacked with additional layers of phyllo. The confection was then baked until achieving a lustrous, golden-brown hue. While still warm, a hot sugar syrup was delicately poured over the baklava, allowing it to gradually cool and solidify into a crispy pastry. He quickly cut them into small even cubes and let us try them. The two-bite pastry was magnificent and indulgent.

Dinner at Akdeniz by Esra Muslu

After the lovely baklava demonstration and snacking, we walked to our dinner reservation Akdeniz by Esra Muslu. This Mediterranean restaurant offers delicious and exquisite food combined with the elegant interiors of hotel. Esra Musla is one of the most successful female chefs in Turkey and has also brought Turkish flavors to London where she has the highly regarded restaurant Zahter.

Fresh baked Turkish style pita bread and our drinks

The fresh baked pita bread was sublime. Served warm and it’s fluffy textured that it’s wonderous with the fruity Turkish extra virgin olive oil. Our drinks of Citrus Garden (non-alcoholic) and Egean Spritz were both refreshing and beautiful.

Our seafood and fish dishes of fried calamari, wood oven roasted jumbo prawn with garlic butter and grilled butterflied sea bass were incredibly delicious and we can taste the freshness of the seafood. Each dish were perfectly cooked and well seasoned.

The Mediterranean garden crudité exemplifying the exceptional quality of locally sourced produce. Resembling a lush garden, the assortment of crisp, refreshing vegetables showcased the vibrant flavors of the region. The item that looks like soil is actually dehydrated black olives which is a playful take on the idea of eating a small garden in a bowl.

Despite feeling quite full, we couldn’t resist indulging in dessert. Our trio of sweet delights included the traditional “Gaziantep baklava” paired with “zahter” clotted cream and walnut, walnut “taş kadayif” served with clotted cream, and pistachio and tahini ice cream accompanied by sesame brittle. While each treat was delectable in its own right, the pistachio and tahini ice cream stood out as my favorite, surprisingly offering a lighter option for my palate.

Our stay at Çırağan Palace Kempinski was truly exceptional. The suite seamlessly blended historical antiques with contemporary elegance, offering a captivating ambiance. The breathtaking views of the Bosphorus from every room in the suite left us in awe. Dining at Akdeniz by Esra Muslu was a delightful experience; the restaurant’s exquisite décor echoed the grandeur of Çırağan Palace, complemented by absolutely delicious cuisine. Whether you have the opportunity to stay at Çırağan Palace Kempinski or simply enjoy a meal there, it comes highly recommended for an unforgettable experience, enhanced by the stunning vistas of the Bosphorus.