The most elite hostel in Istanbul - Ciragan Palace Kempinski
It's actually hard to believe. But the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul, with its estimated 13 to 15 million inhabitants, is not one of the most visited tourist destinations, despite its sights, modernity and dominant position between the eastern and western worlds. New York, for example, receives around 50 million visitors, while the much smaller Paris attracts between 25 and 30 million guests per year. "And in Istanbul, there are around 9.5 million visitors a year," explains Ciler Ilhan, Public Relations Manager of the prestigious Kempinski Ciragan Hotel on the banks of the Bosphorus, to Connoisseur Circle.
Certainly, the city is booming, hotels are being built, including luxury hotels such as Shangri-La or Raffles. Other new hotels have opened their doors. In contrast to other cities, the situation in Istanbul is that there seems to be a need for new hotels of all categories. An underestimated destination? "We believe that there is still a lot of potential here. We are therefore delighted when hotels are built. Every new hotel chain also raises the profile of the destination. That helps Istanbul," says Ilhan. And that is why new hotels are not seen as competition. "Because we are not competing with them, but with destinations. And we have full confidence in our strength," is the response from the spokesperson for Ciragan Palace Kempinski, a member of Leading Hotels of the World. It can rightly lay claim to this membership. As well as the title of being the first hotel in the place. The palace of the hotel, probably unique in the world, was once the residence of the last sultan of the Ottoman Empire and offers an atmosphere of history, exceptional service and luxury. Ciragan Palace Kempinksi is an attraction in itself. The clientele is accordingly. The haute volée of the metropolis cavort on the beautiful terrace, seeing and being seen is the order of the day here. But that's not all: whether on a business trip or for a relaxing stay in fascinating Istanbul. Being a guest at this hotel, which opened in 1991, naturally comes at a high price. But this also ensures the discretion that many guests demand.
The Ciragan has 282 rooms and 20 suites. Naturally, there are several restaurants, a bar, a wonderful swimming pool and many other highlights. Transfers to the airport can also be made by boat. It is also the only hotel in Istanbul to have its own helicopter landing pad. If kings and queens or other wealthy personalities book the largest suite for 30,000 euros per night, the helicopter transfer is included free of charge.
www.kempinski.com
Kurt Hofmann in Istanbul
(May 2012)
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