You Can Sleep in a Former Ottoman Palace at This Luxury Hotel

Perched on the European shores of the Bosphorus, the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is the only Ottoman imperial palace transformed into a luxury hotel. Once the residence of sultans, this 17th-century landmark in Istanbul now invites discerning travelers to experience imperial grandeur infused with contemporary touches.

At the pinnacle of this experience is the Sultan Suite, an opulent retreat that sets a high standard for indulgence. Priced from $52,465 (plus tax) per night, the hotel suite spans 4,305 square feet on the second floor of the original palace, and is located in an elegant structure adjacent to the hotel’s modern wing. Framed by arched windows, the suite has panoramic views of the Bosphorus, the storied strait where Europe and Asia meet.

Guests enter through a grand hallway that opens into a spacious living and dining area designed to accommodate 12 people. On either side, two bedrooms combine Ottoman-inspired decor with understated elegance. The master bedroom is the crown jewel, featuring its own marble hammam, complete with a private steam room and rain shower—a modern interpretation of a royal ritual.

Service at Çırağan Palace is nothing short of regal. Guests of the Sultan Suite enjoy chauffeur-driven transfers in the hotel’s vintage 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, along with the dedicated attention of a personal concierge. One special detail is the hotel’s soap tradition: handmade olive oil soaps—offered in scents like mint-lemon-green tea, jasmine, orange flower, and rose-lavender—are presented for use during the stay and to take home as a fragrant souvenir.

Within the palace itself, the Michelin-recommended Tuğra Restaurant treats hotel guests and non-guests alike to one of Istanbul’s most enchanting dining experiences. Diners can enjoy a modern interpretation of Turkish cuisine indoors amid the gilded decor or on the breezy terrace overlooking the Bosphorus. The eight-course tasting menu is the perfect way to taste a little bit of everything.

Beyond the Sultan Suites, the property has 11 palace suites in the restored building and 317 rooms in the modern hotel building, opened in 1991. Over the decades, Çırağan Palace has hosted royalty, statesmen, and global icons, all drawn by its blend of history and refinement. The hotel, at large, has undergone enhancements, including a redesign of its rooms, suites, and restaurants—all of which continue to merge Ottoman opulence with modern luxury.