Fodor's Expert Review Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Once a residence for the Ottoman sultans, the late-19th-century Çırağan Palace (pronounced chi-rahn) is Istanbul's most luxurious hotel, with ornate public spaces that feel absolutely decadent and a breathtaking setting right on the Bosphorus—the outdoor infinity pool seems to hover on the water's edge and most rooms, full of Ottoman-inspired wood furnishings and textiles in warm colors, have balconies overlooking the Bosphorus as well. Large bathrooms feature marble tubs. At Tuğra Restaurant, you can dine in imperial splendor on Turkish and Ottoman specialties. Most lodgings are in the new wing, though there are 11 VIP suites in the palace itself, including the €30,000 per night Sultan's Suite—start saving now.