Sultanahmet Palace HotelvsCiragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
Both hotels are rated highly by travel writers. Overall, Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul ranks significantly better than Sultanahmet Palace Hotel. Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul comes in at 90 with endorsements from 10 reviewers like Concierge, Let's Go and Frommer's.
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
Otel Sultanahmet Sarayi Torun Sokak, No:19, 34122 Fatih, Istanbul 34400, Turkey
From $56/night
- Free Internet
- Free Breakfast
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
- Restaurant
- Business Center
Frommer's
"You either love this one or hate it. That's because in all of the deluxe rooms, each small bathroom doubles as a marble-clad mini-hamam." Full review
Fodor's
"Grand marble stairways, columns, Greek statues, and fountains grace the public spaces, and rooms have touches like ornate ceiling mouldings... and cushioned divans for reclining." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"This is the ideal place to spoil yourself. Less authentically refurbished than some other establishments, it is, nevertheless, a refined hotel that deserves its palace title."
Star Service
"This low-lying reddish-pink boutique-hotel in the heart of Old Istanbul was designed to look old in a faux-Classical style that some will like while leaving others cold." Full review
i
Staffers are friendly although a bit distant and not quick on their feet to respond to guest requests.
Oyster
Mid-Range
"The Sultanahmet Palace Hotel is a solid three-pearl option for travelers who want to be in the historic quarter as close to the Blue Mosque as possible." Full review
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
i
Just make sure you leave enough room to sample the goodies from the chocolate room.