Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul sits on the Bosphorus, the only former Ottoman imperial palace that operates as a hotel, with a noble past dating back centuries and a resort atmosphere in the heart of the city. There are 317 rooms and suites split between a modern hotel building and the historic palace, the latter home to suites named for Ottoman royalty, including the 458-square-metre Sultan Suite, one of the largest suites in Europe, with butler service. Dining spans Tugra for Ottoman and Turkish fine dining drawn from palace archives, Ruya for Anatolian cooking, the Italian Bellini in the palace, the all-day Gazebo with its palatial afternoon tea, the seafood Bosphorus Grill and the garden Le Fumoir. The Sanitas Spa has an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna and steam room, with Turkish-bath rituals and Asian therapies, alongside an outdoor heated infinity pool over the water and a fitness centre. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, it suits couples and families who want an imperial-palace stay with a resort feel by the Bosphorus.