We're having trouble deciding between the FS and CP for our August stay in Istanbul. Travel agent recommends CP because of pool and breezes, but we're tempted by the FS. Any advice? Thanks!

Cirigan Palace has stunning views of the Bosphorus, a beautiful swimming pool, a fabulous restaurant. It is also very close to Ortakoy where the beautiful people dine and party. The only minus is that it is out of the way, you'll have to cab it everywhere.

Four Seasons is in Sultanahmet, just a short walk to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar (a longer walk). There is no pool. Also, you are limited in your dining options in Sultanahmet. (I recommed Yesil Ev and Rami.) Sultanahmet is also dead at night, unless you want to watch a whirling dervish show or go to the hookah restaurant across the street from Mavi Ev.

I always stay at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski when in Istanbul.

The views of the Bosphorus, as mentioned by the prior poster, watching the ship traffic, relaxing at the pool, superior service are just a few of the plus factors.
Some of the rooms at the Four Seasons face the inner courtyard- not so great in my opinion.
Ortakoy- shops, restaurants, a sunday market very nice.

The Sultanahmet area ( location of many tourist sights can be easily rached by taxi, but I like to take the ferry boats to reach it. A great ride and a chance to see a little life.

The Four Seasons now constructs a new hotel , perhaps 300 meters from the Ciragen - I wonder why?
perhps this is the greatest recommendation to stay at the Ciragan when your competition acknowledges a superior location.

My preference is the Ciragan (Chir-an) Palace. If you are lucky, you can get upgraded to the Palace itself, which happened to an associate of mine. We walked the 10 minutes or so to the Palace and he had a beautiful duplex suite.

The swimming pool and the Bosphorus seem to blend into each other. Check out the Caviar Bar for some great Beluga at a good price. The champagne...a different story.

Stunning views, and a simple walk to 'town' or cheap taxis to take you there. Taxis are easy to find, and you can use them quickly all over the city.

I'll gladly trade a 'close to something' for a stunning view, and this is a stunning view hotel.

In the lobby, check out the list and pictures of the heads of state that have stayed there, amazing.

CP - NO CONTESt, been to Istanbul over a dozen times in last 5 years and tried InterContinental - very comfortable club rooms and club lounge. Hyatt - ok but to my mind dark and depressing rooms. Four Seasons ok but very stuffy. CP is the winner, if not the Inti in CLUB ROOM

I stayed in one of the courtyard rooms at Four Seasons last year. I have to agree with above posters. I did not find the hotel stuffy but the room itself, while luxurious, offered no interesting view. In the summer it sounds like the Ciragan would be a much better bet with the water and pool. And MM is correct about the nighttime scene..there is none.

The CP, absolutely. Ask for a Bosphorus facing room. Though not a traditional infinity pool, it does appear to blend right into the Bosphorus - we even saw dolphins jumping from the river into the pool. Their sonar must have been off!

Rooms were lovely, but were kind of disappointed in the bathrooms when compared to the Hyatt. This may, however, have only been the loo in our room.

There are two buildings. The original palace building and the new which was rebuilt after a major fire years back. The rooms in the palace, itself are the very expensive suites. Their breakfast restaurant is bright and welcoming; other restaurants are excellent. Can't go wrong in either building.

As to the location, sure taxis, just plan your time in IST accordingly, and it shouldn't be an issue. Still easy enough to get around.

Thanks to all for the advice. Does anyone have any views on the superior sea view versus deluxe room categories? There is quite a substantial price difference between the two categories.