Hotel Empress Zoe

Hotels
9.1 (1609 reviews)
Cankurtaran Mahallesi Akbiyik Caddesi No 10 Sultanahmet , Istanbul , tr

Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
24-hour front desk
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
Garden
Laundry
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Charming atmosphere
Excellent value
Cons:
Small rooms for couples
Narrow staircase
Not suitable for heavy luggage

Categories

Cleanliness
8.85
The room was quite small but clean and neat for 1 person.
Service
9.85
Staff were super friendly, accommodating and helpful.
Location
9.85
Perfect location in the historic section, walking distance to major attractions.
Room Quality
8.35
Unique rooms, but some mentioned that they were small.
Amenities
8.85
Quirky hotel with a lovely indoor garden.
Value for Money
9.35
Great value for the price, especially for the location.
Food and Beverage
8.35
Breakfast is good, though may not suit everyone's tastes.
Overall Experience
9.35
Overall, a wonderful stay with minor complaints.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-12 08:21

Property Description

Charming Hotel Empress Zoe in Istanbul

Convenient Location: Situated just 400 meters from Hagia Sophia, with other major attractions like the Blue Mosque and Column of Constantine nearby.

Comfortable Amenities: Enjoy a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and a hair dryer, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Start your day right with a delicious continental breakfast served each morning.

Personalized Service: Benefit from non-stop assistance at the reception, where multilingual staff are ready to help. Don't miss the chance to relax on the hotel's terrace overlooking the city.

Experience the charm of Istanbul at Hotel Empress Zoe. Book now for an unforgettable stay!

Important information:

Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Parking

    No parking available.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 5 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 15 years old stay for € 10 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.1
Based on 1609 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.85
Service: 9.85
Location: 9.85
Room Quality: 8.35
Amenities: 8.85
Value for Money: 9.35
Food and Beverage: 8.35
Overall Experience: 9.35
S
Sachit family_with_children us
10
2026-07-04 via Nuitee
R
Rachel solo_traveller gb
9
Fabulous stay, can’t wait to go back!
Pros:

Great location, the staff were all amazing and so helpful and the breakfast was super. I loved the private garden and the roof terrace too, they really enhanced the stay.

Cons:

There was some redecoration going on to the main reception area and a couple of rooms were not accessible. It didn’t affect my overall experience it was just a shame that you had to use a side door to enter and leave the building.

2026-07-02 via Nuitee
D
Donna solo_traveller au
10
2026-06-30 via Nuitee
S
Sylvie family_with_children us
9
Idyllic hotel in central location with so much charm
Pros:

Wonderful staff. Great breakfast. Excellent location. Loved our room with balcony.

Cons:

It was lovely- no complaints

2026-06-30 via Nuitee
T
Thomas couple us
8
Sorry to leave.
Pros:

Breakfast was excellent. Location is superb. Views are fabulous. Staff was cheerful, helpful, competent.

Cons:

Stairs to our room got a little old.

2026-06-27 via Nuitee
S
SJWilson solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

Great location. Friendly helpful staff. Good price.

2026-06-27 via Nuitee
L
Linda couple gb
7
The hotel is very atmospheric and charming but the property needs a refurb.
Pros:

The location. Very close to the main sites Lovely staff. Very clean.

Cons:

The soft furnishings were shabby and well used. It was a bit too rustic for me. Most items in my suite were mis matched, plus well worn. The sheets on the bed barely fitted.
The breakfast is more suited to European tastes with salads and olives etc for breakfast. Not a lot of choice for British:American tastes. Although everything was very well done and well presented. The staff were lovely and accommodating.

2026-06-26 via Nuitee
L
Linda couple gb
6
Very charming if Rustic hotel. Staff were lovely and accommodating. I loved the position, within walking distance to all
Pros:

We were upgraded to the suite at the very top of the hotel. A nice touch as we were there for 5 nights in total. The balcony was great with fantastic views including the Blue Mosque.

Cons:

The room although large wasn’t very comfortable. The 2 daybeds in the living room could be used as settees however with a pillow behind they weren’t comfortable at all. The bed was very small with sheets that didn’t fit.
The breakfast had very little choice for British:Americans. Lots of Salad items for breakfast it was possibly a Turkish breakfast. Nicely presented however

2026-06-26 via Nuitee
T
Tim solo_traveller au
10
Perfect for a city stay in Istanbul
Pros:

We stayed in the Penthouse which had a large lounge area and had amazing views from the room and the wonderful terrace. The room had a private terrace but had easy access to the large shared terrace with views over the Bosphorus.
Delicious breakfast in the lovely garden.
Location was perfect, only a few minutes walk to restaurants, tram and Blue Mosque and Haghia Sofia and yet quiet.
Friendly service made our stay perfect!

Cons:

It didn't bother us but there are no lifts and staff helped with our luggage.

2026-06-24 via Nuitee
C
Christine couple lu
10
wir hatten eine wundervolle Zeit
Pros:

überaus nettes und hilfsbereites Personal

2026-06-23 via Nuitee
M
Magdalena family_with_children us
10
Tranquility in Istanbul
Pros:

Unique, authentic, welcoming, quiet garden, an oasis in the middle of Istanbul. Breakfast was very tasty.

Cons:

All was good, I don’t mind stairs.

2026-06-23 via Nuitee
M
Melida solo_traveller us
10
Pros:

Very comfortable and safe. Great location and the breakfast was delicious.

2026-06-21 via Nuitee
S
Sandra couple ie
9
A charming, character‑filled hotel in an unbeatable location, with a beautiful garden courtyard, cos
Pros:

A superb location for a quirky, charming hotel. We didn’t want a big, impersonal, nondescript place that could be anywhere — we wanted something authentic, and Empress Zoe delivered. It’s just a short walk from the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, with easy access to the Grand Bazaar.

The hotel’s garden courtyard is gorgeous, especially in the morning sunshine while you enjoy breakfast (often with a friendly cat or two). Our room was beautifully furnished and, thankfully, equipped with a super‑silent, efficient air conditioner — a blessing after a day out in the heat.

The neighbourhood is full of excellent restaurants, many with rooftop terraces offering spectacular views of the city. I’d happily stay there again if I make it back to Istanbul.

Cons:

The bathroom lighting was quite dim, especially with the dark tiles, which made the space feel a bit shadowy. Brighter lighting would make a wonderful improvement.

2026-06-17 via Nuitee
H
Hannah family_with_children us
10
2026-06-17 via Nuitee
S
Sabine couple de
10
A Boutique Hotel Full of Character and History
Pros:

I absolutely fell in love with Empress Zoe. Built among fascinating Byzantine ruins and archaeological remains, it feels like a hidden treasure in the heart of Istanbul.
The hotel is full of character, with charming winding pathways, beautifully decorated spaces, and uniquely designed rooms – no two seem alike. The magical garden is a peaceful oasis where you can relax away from the city’s bustle.
Breakfast was outstanding, with fresh and surprising homemade dishes every day rather than the usual hotel buffet.
The location could not be better: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and many other highlights are just a few minutes away on foot.
A truly unique hotel that combines history, charm, and warmth. I would happily stay here again.

Cons:

Honestly, we couldn’t think of anything that needed improvement.

2026-06-16 via Nuitee
I
Irwin istein solo_traveller us
9
2026-06-14 via Nuitee
M
Mikayla solo_traveller au
10
2026-06-13 via Nuitee
M
Marie couple fr
10
Parfait nous reviendrons belle découverte
Pros:

L’hôtel est très bien situé le personnel exceptionnel gentillesse attentionné
Propreté de l’établissement

Cons:

Dommage pour la porte mais c’est pas grave

2026-06-12 via Nuitee
M
Marija solo_traveller si
10
Pros:

An exceptional location right in the heart of Istanbul, yet it feels like you're in the countryside, surrounded by peace and quiet. It's only a 2-minute walk to Hagia Sophia. The rooms are beautiful, and the breakfast is absolutely excellent.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-06-10 via Nuitee
solo_traveller nl
9
2026-06-09 via Nuitee