|
The
Çirağan Palace Hotel Kempinski in Istanbul, located along the
Bosporus, was originally the home of the last Ottoman sultans, and
different incarnations of the property have been built (and torn down)
since the 16th century. The building was bought by the Kempinski hotel
group in 1986 and underwent a renovation in 1991. Today, the hotel
comprises two structures (the actual palace and the new hotel), and the
Sultan's Suite is the most expensive room there.
The entire hotel is decorated in an opulent Arabic style, with marble,
gold and mother-of- pearl accents, together with silk and velvet drapes,
gilt chairs and crystal chandeliers. The Sultan's Palace Suite, located
in the palace building, is 5,000 square feet. The two-bedroom suite
comes with its own butler, and the floor-to-ceiling windows have a
direct view of the Bosphorus. The master bedroom is decorated in deep
red and gold, with silk-covered walls, a large sitting area and a
crystal chandelier. The living room is done in shades of yellow and
cream, with mosaic tile accents.
Within close walking distance of the Hotel is the harbourside
district of Ortakoy,a fascinating area full of seafood
restaurants,specialty antique,ceramic and jewellery shops.
On the weekends there's a colourful street market with a fine selection
of Turkish handcrafts in a delightful setting beside the famed Ortakoy
Mosque.
Close to this area are some of Istanbul's most famous open-air
restaurants and nightclubs.
From Besiktas you can take a ferry boat ride and enjoy the historical
sights of the Bosphorus,one of the busiest waterways in the world.From
the Ciragan Palace Hotel it is a short taxi ride to Akmerkez,an award
winning shopping complex where you will find all the world renowned
brand names.
Included in nearby attractions is the area of Taksim a well known
entertainment district of cinemas,restaurants and nightclubs. |