Suite of the week: Sultan Suite, Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul, Turkey

Suite name: Sultan Suite
Location: Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul, Turkey
Size of accommodation: 458 m² (4930 ft²)
Cost per night: 30,022/night (Euros) or 32,586/night (USD)
Who’s stayed there: Orlando Bloom, Jennifer Lopez (JLo), Stevie Wonder, Madonna, Kobe Bryant, and U2 to name a few!
What makes it special: One of the largest and most expensive suites in the world, the Sultan Suite is a one-of-a-kind accommodation where visitors can feel the soul of a historical palace that Ottoman sultans once called home.

Starting at $35,000 a night, the Sultan Suite at Ciragan Palace one of the largest suites in Europe, boasting over 4,930 square feet in the hotel’s historical wing. Staying in the Sultan Suite is truly a luxurious privilege. Upon arrival in Istanbul, guests are provided a complimentary limousine transfer from the airport to the property (which is provided upon departure as well). For guests who truly want to arrive in style, Ciragan Palace is home to the only registered helipad on the Bosphorus.

Not only is a personal butler available 24/7 throughout the stay, but guests can also take part in an old tradition dating back to the ancient water therapies of the Turkish bath via an on-property Soap Butler Service – where 100% pure olive oil handmade soap available in 12 different scents is sliced and packaged by the butler.

Entering the suite through a large hall, guests walk into a fancy living room with a dining area fit for 12 and will find two large bedrooms located on both sides of the dining room. A kitchenette is conveniently located on the right side of the entrance hall. The master bedroom has one of the suite’s most unique features: a handmade marble “hammam”, a Turkish bath with a private steam room and rain shower with gold plated and crystal bathtub faucets. The guest bedroom also has its own bathroom with a large window overlooking the stunning Bosphorus and historical peninsula.

With its colossal and beautiful doors, two fireplaces, chandeliers, decorative columns and an extraordinary Bosphorus view, this magnificent suite combines the best of today’s modern amenities – 65-inch LCD TV in both of the rooms, remote control automation system, with classical Ottoman architecture to recreate the splendor of the Palace. The suite also has replicas of paintings from the famous palace artist, Fausto Zonaro. All of the furniture, including several with Ottoman motifs and accessories dating back to the 19th century, is made in Turkey.

The Sultan Suite has had many royals and noteworthy guests walk through its doors since its opening, such as the King of Spain -H. E. Juan Carlos II and the Queen; King of Jordan -H. E. Hussein and the Queen; the US former President Mr. Bill Clinton; Presidents and Prime Ministers of Turkey; Luciano Pavarotti and Liza Minelli, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Lopez and more.

No matter what time of year you visit, the infinity pool and spa are amenities you can’t miss. Located at one of the best spots on the Bosphorus, Ciragan Palace’s infinity pool is a must-visit for anyone who wants to cool off during the hot summer months – or experience the pleasure of swimming in a heated pool surrounded by snow in the winter – while immersed in the historical splendor of Istanbul. The property’s award-winning Sanitas Spa also offers unique therapies and ultimate relaxation with special massage services, such as a Selvert gold facial or a synchronic Bali massage – available in-room or in a private booth located in the lush green gardens by the infinity pool. The spa also includes an authentic Turkish hammam, gym, whirlpool and indoor pool.

Ciragan Palace reigns supreme in Istanbul’s top-end dining scene. Their nine dining experiences include four fine-dining restaurants as well as bars and pop-up venues. Guests can find themselves at the award-winning Tugra Restaurant, located on first floor of the historical palace, which offers guests the ultimate Ottoman dining experience, complete with timeless, palatial rituals. Or during the summertime, the Bosphorus Grill is a delicious, seasonal outdoor restaurant right on the shores of the Bosphorus – offering mouth-watering seafood platters and an open-buffet selection of meat, fish and vegetables for lunch and dinner. The venue is strategically located at one of Istanbul’s most coveted locations, offering a prime vantage point to fully appreciate the city and its glittering lights – from Ciragan Palace to the historical peninsula and Maiden’s Tower, all the way along the Asian shore of the Bosphorus.

Dating back to the 17th century, the 5-star Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is the only Ottoman Imperial Palace and Hotel on the Bosphorus where Sultans once lived. Facing the Asian continent and overlooking the ancient city, Ciragan Palace is an ideal getaway that provides you with both luxury and privacy, as well as easy access to all of the happenings in Istanbul.

Ciragan Palace has 11 suites in its historical palace that offer a royal Ottoman experience in line with local tradition, featuring large sash windows, high ceilings, and captivating views of the Bosphorus, the historical peninsula, palace courtyard or Yıldız Park. Ten of the palace suites are maisonette-style duplex suites, which exude a cozy and residential warmth, enhanced by the sophisticated style and soft color palettes. Naturally, guests staying in the historical palace can also enjoy time on private terraces, relishing the refined tranquility of this truly royal experience – or, the Palace also has a private reception area and a lounge of its own where guests can enjoy afternoon high tea, cocktails drinks and canapés in the evening hours. Another unique feature: the suite names nod to its historical past with special names, such as Lale, Vezir, Vali and Pasha – which are reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire.

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