Ciragan Palace Kempinski IstanbulvsAjia Hotel
Both hotels are recommended by reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is the choice of most reviewers compared to Ajia Hotel. Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul has a TripExpert Score of 90 with approval from 10 publications including Time Out, Star Service and Oyster.
Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul Show All Reviews
Ciragan Caddesi 32, Besiktas, Istanbul 34349, Turkey
From $282/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
Frommer's
"The guest list reads like a who's who of international royalty, all lining up for a Bosphorus-view room (not all get one)." Full review
Concierge
"Well, all you need to know these days is that this is one of only two grand hotels on the European shores of the Bosphorus."
Lonely Planet
"The best things about the place are its location right on the Bosphorus and its amazing infinity pool." Full review
Oyster
Luxury
"Formerly the palace of an Ottoman Sultan, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski is the grand dame of Istanbul." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"Staying at this former Imperial Ottoman Palace—an elaborate, Arabian-style compound that the empire’s sultans called home—may easily give you delusions of grandeur." Full review
Time Out
"In a 19th-century Ottoman palace, this 5-star hotel features an infinity pool with views of the Bosporus." Full review
Star Service
"Directly on the Bosporus, across the shore road from Yildiz Park, and midway between Dolmabahce Palace and the first Bosporus Bridge, this hotel is arguably one of the best in Turkey." Full review
Fodor's
"Once a residence for the Ottoman sultans, the late 19th-century Çırağan Palace (pronounced chi-rahn) is Istanbul's most luxurious hotel." Full review
Let's Go
"Congratulate yourself for finding one of the rare budget accommodations in Besiktas, an area otherwise dominated by international luxury chains." Full review
Afar Magazine
"The five-star Çırağan Palace Kempinski Hotel, right on the Bosphorus near Ortakoy, boasts some the most expensive and elegant hotel rooms in town." Full review
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Just make sure you leave enough room to sample the goodies from the chocolate room.
Ajia Hotel
Cubuklu Cad. Ahmet Rasim Pasa Yalisi No:27 Kanlica, Beykoz, Istanbul 34812, Turkey
From $159/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Frommer's
"The contemporary design of this sleek and stylish romantic getaway carries this traditional Ottoman yali into the 21st century." Full review
Lonely Planet
"Ajia is long way from the sights of Sultanahmet and the entertainment district of Beyoğlu, but it's a perfect place for a romantic retreat."
Travel + Leisure
"The Ajia Hotel, a waterfront property in Kanlica, Istanbul, is housed in an 1870s Ottoman mansion." Full review
Star Service
"As a result, its tourist mix of guests spans the continents but typically skews toward those willing to pay for the privilege of excellent views and classy surroundings." Full review
Jetsetter
"In this city of many moods and layers, a quiet place like the A’jia is a welcome retreat. A’jia’s private yacht enables guests to explore the city while still enjoying the hotel’s privacy."
The Telegraph
8.0
"Perhaps its biggest strength is the hard-to-beat location; you can't get a pad much closer to the Bosphorus Strait." Full review
National Geographic
"Deluxe hideout on the Asian-side waterfront, removed from downtown commotion." Full review
Mr & Mrs Smith
"Fifteen large and comfortable rooms and suites offer various luxurious flourishes, but all include gorgeous bathrooms of creamy marble and tile. " Full review
Time Out
"A’jia is a 16 room boutique hotel and restaurant designed by Reşit Soley. The restaurant serves Italian cuisine, selecting dishes that cannot typically be found in Istanbul’s other Italian restaurants" Full review