Amy Adejokun
Section editor
Like the phoenix, the Çiragan Palade has risen from the ashes to produce a high-ranking and very charming hotel. An exceptional location by the Bosphorus in order to stay in the same place where sultans lived.
Right on the river, the Çiragan Palace is the only upmarket hotel located right on the European bank of the Bosphorus. It is located by the lively area of Ortaköy, fifteen minutes by taxi from Taksim Square and 20 minutes from the old town. Allow about half an hour for transfers to the airport (14 miles).
All the rooms have a balcony offering a nice view over the Bosphorus or the gardens. Like the rest of the hotel, the decor is original but overloaded for Western taste. Comfort is standard: telephone with international direct line, satellite television, a free safe and a mini-bar. The bathroom is large, with marble on the floor and the walls. It has a bathtub, a washbasin set in wood, a storage cupboard and toilet. For your comfort you will also have a hair-dryer and a bathrobe. Room-service with a nice menu (main dishes and snacks) available in your room 24 hours a day.
The Çiragan (pronounced chelagan) was initially the residence of Ottoman sultans. It was first built in wood at the end of the 16th century, and then rebuilt in marble for Sultan Abdülaziz in 1857. Destroyed by a fire in 1910, it was abandoned until 1986 when the hotel was rebuilt. The hotel is today divided in two parts. First, the palace renovated from the old palace, and also a modern building, which has been built in the old gardens of the palace. The latter will be the part of the hotel where you will stay. The 311 rooms, completely renovated in 1999, are set over 5 floors between the main building and the 3 wings. The communal areas have been entirely decorated in Ottoman style: very luxury ambiance but also a bit overloaded. The gardens have a large pool by the Bosphorus. An imposing engraved marble gate gives access to a small jetty that acts as a terrace in summer.
The main restaurant of the Çiragan is open for the three meals. The breakfast buffet is particularly abundant with sushi, omelettes, pastries, several salads, fruit in syrup, fruit juices... Breakfast and dinners are served a la carte (some 10 starters and dishes). To change your routine you can go and have dinner in the Palace. Indeed it has two restaurants. The Tugra serves Ottoman specialities whereas the Caviar Bar (open only in winter) is a restaurant offering Russian specialities. For nibbles during the day go to the Gazebo Lobby Lounge (pastries, sandwiches...). After a full day, relax in the cozy ambiance of the bar where all sorts of international spirits are offered. Six times per week, the Çiragan organises a dinner-show in the Palace with folk dances and performances evoking the lost splendour of the Sultanate.
The hotel has a fitness centre with a heated indoor pool, sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi, nice fitness room and massages at extra cost.
(paying)
massage, beauty salon, sauna, hammam, keep fit, (paying), spa, wellness
gym, golf, water-polo, fitness
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