Hotel Empress Zoe, Istanbul

The location can't be beat! The staff were superb and very accommodating. While the hotel is older it is quaint and was perfect for our 5 night stay. Be prepared to climb stairs.

Perfect location for seeing the sights of Istanbul. Never more than 10 min walk from where you want to be

Friendly staff , beautiful inner garden and very comfortable bed ! Breakfast was wonderful . Great wine selection. Roof -top garden for taking in the view of the Bosphorus . Location Amazing !

Room lighting could be updated . Wouldn't work for someone with mobility issues due to the stairs . We loved the layout of the hotel due to the age of the building !

Superb location in Sultanahmet for all the sights, with good cafés, restaurants and shops virtually on the doorstep. Despite a periodically busy street (rush hour) at the front of the hotel, the garden is a peaceful haven. We stayed at the hotel 8 years ago and were pleased to find it unchanged. A lovely place.

Lovely place full of charm and style, with friendly helpful staff. Great location too.

Friendly, helpful staff. Great location

The hotel is lovely, each room decorated in traditional Turkish designs, in a wonderful location close to many of the main sights. The breakfast is fantastic and we enjoyed eating in the garden. The hotel staff is friendly, kind, and very helpful with recommendations.

nothing

Location was excellent, Staff also were friendly, helpful and excellent in every way.

A television would have been nice in the room. Otherwise very happy.

Locality. Authenticity Staff very accommodating

Spiral staircase

Close to tram easy to find and they gave me a really early check in which was great.

The standout feature of Empress Zoe apart from all the staff is the extraordinary courtyard. Tranquillity in a bustling city.

Great location. Characterful hotel. Friendly and helpful staff. Great breakfast in lovely courtyard garden

Loved the garden. The outside eating was great. The ambiance of the place great. The staff excellent, very friendly.Highly recommend.

No Night light in bathroom

I have had a wonderful holiday to Istanbul. Impressive culture, delicious food, and appetizing desserts, altogether made an unforgettable vacation. The hotel Empress Zoe where we stayed was brilliant.; clean, friendly, staff, good and healthy breakfast.

I can't say anything that we did not like, we enjoyed every moment.

We liked everything 👍

The garden breakfast was my favorite part, great breakfast choices. Loved the location, being close to lots of important sites.

It was so beautiful and a real little relaxing haven in the busy city life of the area. The staff were super friendly and accommidating, going above and beyond every time you needed anything. The breakfast was fresh, quality, and excellent variety, while still being a Turkish experience. Location was second to none, and the pillows were better than my own at home in my bed. I will definitely be returning, as I heard many other guest confirm as well. Well done to all the staff, a truly lovely holiday stay. Thank you 😊

The plumbing was out for a few hours one day, but really it was sorted asap, there was no problems with any toilet issues that I experienced, and I'd say it was handled expertly.

Interesting building with an enchanting garden. The breakfast was great and the staff were so helpful.

Lovely quirky building, very clean & helpful staff

Nothing

Excellent staff and very accommodating with booking tour guides, and giving suggestions on things to do and directions

Steep stairs

Great location, wonderful breakfast, quaint accommodation in an old historic building, friendly helpful staff

Room was very small.

Breakfast was great in the garden.

The spiral staircase for someone older, but I manages, and there would not be much choice for them.

On day 2 I slipped and fell while leaving a small store and injured my knee (likely ACL). The entire staff, owners and locals have gone above and beyond providing help navigating stairs, medical supplies, ice packs, drinking water arranging meals and creating a feeling of belonging as I had to cancel my two week boat and bike tour and stay two additional nights to be comfortable/stable enough on crutches to travel back home to Boston. The garden area has also been an oasis with one of the oldest sites of two former hamams on the east perimeter. As a retired single woman I feel so blessed to have booked at Empress Zoe which has taken the sting out of an unfortunate mishap and determination to return next year and share with friends and family!

In my single room the bathroom felt a bit tight, but ironically I had more items I close proximity to hang onto as I couldn’t put much weight on my leg!

Our room was quaint and comfortable. I especially liked having breakfast in the garden area. The staff were very helpful printing some forms we needed while travelling. Thank you

Nothing

Superb setting close to the Sultanamet. Wonderful, helpful staff. Delicious breakfast each morning in a garden courtyard. Great recommendations for nearby restaurants. We especially loved the Ottoman style suite we stayed in. Superb value for a great stay.

At our age the spiral staircase was a challenge although the staff carried our luggage for us. There is also an easier alternate way to enter the hotel to avoid the spiral stairs. Also, they are honest in their description in letting guests know what to expect. The staff do everything they can to minimize the challenges. And, of course, it's not their fault that we are 70! I still would stay there again.