Not a drop of blue blood? Now you can experience all the princely pleasures for yourselves at these luxurious palace hotels.
By: Becca HensleyÇiragan Palace Kempinski, Istambul
Once the domicile of a 19th-century Turkish sultan, the 313-room Çiragan Palace on the banks of the Bosphorus River conjures up all the exotic enchantments of the ancient Ottoman Empire, but with modern luxuries like a heated infinity pool and a large spa. Enter through a massive set of doors to be immersed in resplendent fabrics, Moorish-inspired furnishings and lamps, gleaming marble floors and elaborate carpets. Stay in one of the classically furnished rooms with a view of the wide river and the Asian side of the city, and you’ll feel like all of Istanbul is yours to command. Room rates start at $700 a night.
What to Do: Book a guide to help haggle your way through the unforgettable bedlam of the famous Grand Bazaar. (Be sure to bring along an empty suitcase for your purchases.) And don’t leave town without visiting the Hagia Sophia and the immense domes of Blue Mosque, and be sure to cruise the Bosphorus aboard a private yacht, striking a queenly pose.
Photo Credit: The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey
Photo Credit: Çhigran Palace Kempinski
Photo Credit: Çhigran Palace Kempinski
