Forbes Star for Çırağan Le Fumoir Bar

Luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships The world's only global rating system for Forbes Travel Guide, announced the winners of the Star Bars Awards. Located in Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, one of the most important symbols of the city with its unique location, eye-catching architecture, rich history and unparalleled beauty, The Smokehouse, achieved a significant success by entering the Star Bars list prepared specifically for 2025.

The Star Bars list, which includes only 19 hotel bars from 58 countries by Forbes Travel Guide, was determined with data collected through meticulously conducted secret audits around the world as part of the organization's 2024 and 2025 Star Ratings. The Star Bars list is created by the editors of Forbes Travel Guide, which has been setting luxury accommodation standards since 1958, using independent assessments and comprehensive service analyses. The inclusion of 58 bars on the list is a tribute to Forbes Travel Guide's deep-rooted heritage, which began in 1958 as Mobil Travel Guide. The bars that qualified for the list stood out with their superiority in beverage programs and presentations, as well as the uninterrupted luxury service and extraordinary guest experience they offered. Honored as one of the most exclusive bars in the world, Le Fumoir was shown as one of the best hotel bars not only in Istanbul but also in the world with its historical texture and elegant atmosphere on the shores of the Bosphorus.

Surrounded by palm trees in the lush historical palace garden of Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Le Fumoir is one of the favorite addresses of both Istanbulites and guests from all over the world with its magnificent city view, modern design, sophisticated ambiance and unique beverage menu. This special venue, which has become one of the iconic venues of Istanbul, is an unforgettable stop for those who want to get away from the daily rhythm of the city and experience pleasant moments in a timeless atmosphere. Open to the cooling breeze of the Bosphorus, Le Fumoir takes the gastronomy experience beyond just a beverage offering and positions itself as one of the best examples of luxury hospitality on a global scale. At the same time, the venue offers a very enjoyable and brand new seating area under the magnificent magnolia tree in its garden, offering another magnificent environment for those who want to enjoy the palace gardens facing the Bosphorus.

Ralph Radtke, Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul General Manager and Kempinski Residences Türkiye Regional Director, shared his thoughts about this important award with the following words: “Le Fumoir’s inclusion in the Star Bars List by the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide shows that the quality of service we offer to our guests is appreciated at international standards. With this prestigious award, as Çırağan Palace Kempinski, which introduces the legendary Turkish hospitality to travelers from all around the world thanks to its flawless service approach; we have once again crowned our success in offering not only luxurious accommodation but also a unique entertainment experience. This valuable award further reinforces our vision of becoming one of the global reference points of luxury hospitality. We are pleased to host our guests in this venue where they can have a great time every season.”

Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide, “The 2025 Star Bars represent the pinnacle of hotel bar experiences. Global rating system Forbes Travel Guide’s in-person audits in over 90 countries offer unparalleled insight into hotel bars. We’ve dug deep into two years of rigorous data to bring out the best of the best,” he said.

Bastien Gardrat, Forbes Travel Guide Global Beverages Ambassador “These awards highlight sophisticated atmosphere, top-notch service, expertly curated wine lists and expertly crafted, creatively presented cocktails. These are the elements that come together to create an unforgettable hotel bar experience. Congratulations to the exceptional bars featured on this year’s inaugural list.”

Source: HORECA TREND and Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul