Hotel Empress Zoe, Istanbul

The apartment was very charming, well-appointed, and the host is lovely.

Nothing

The highlight was a delicious breakfast buffet, eaten in a glorious garden surrounded by lush plants and an old Turkish bath.

No lift and a spiral staircase - not for the faint hearted or those unsteady on their feet.

Loved our stay at this unique property. Spacious room, nice terrace for sitting outside, good view from our room. The staff were lovely and very helpful

The breakfast was amazing and the courtyard setting was idyllic—the property abuts ruins, absolutely stunning. We loved watching the kitties drink from the fountain. We really appreciated the filtered water available 24/7.

The location is perfect, very close to Topkapi Palace, Aya Sofia, Basilica Cisterns, Blue Mosque. The garden is a peaceful oasis. The room was thoughtful designed with a small balcony. Really lovely.

If you’re slightly immobile the stairs could be a challenge, but then Istanbul is a challenge as it’s very hilly and quite steep in parts.

The location is amazing. Very close to all the historical sites. If you only have a couple of days it is the place to stay. Very authentic Turkish experience.

Really great place. Really nice people. Great garden and terrace. Great location if you like to be in sultanamet

Express Zoe - just like the pictures is a beautiful oasis in the Old City and on the doorstep of everything. I stayed in 2 rooms over 2 visits and they were both lovely. Breakfast in the garden was a real treat as was a glass of wine on the rooftop overlooking Haiga Sofia on one side and the Bospherous on the other

The area is quite touristy and lots of people selling you something but once you enter the tranquil gardens of Empress Zoe that all disappears

We loved this charming hotel that was beautifully curated. The courtyard was an oasis in the midst of a busy neighbourhood. spent many hours on the roof deck watching the world go by on the Bosphorus.

The location was perfect, very close to the main attractions. Lots of bars and restaurants at our doorstep. We loved the character and breakfast in the garden. Staff were very helpful.

Nothing really, maybe the spiral staircase was a bit narrow and steep, so difficult to walk with bags or suitcases. But the staff helped.

Charming, cats and wonderfull staff

It was like an oasis in the middle of the old town. The rooms were spacious and the balcony lovely with an amazing sea view. All the staff were very helpful. Delicious breakfast, an evening bar and a roof terrace too.

The call to prayer from neighbouring mosques is very loud, but to be expected if staying in that area! It wouldn’t stop us from staying there again though.

Beautiful garden to sit in to enjoy the afternoon sun. Lovely place for breakfast too. The location is amazing!!!!! It’s a 3 minute walk to Hagia Sophia, but it’s quiet and away from the crowds. Enjoy a drink on the terrace overlooking the water to watch the sunset and see the minarets of Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Perfect!

The room we had was a little small and dark, but we had two bedrooms which was perfect for my daughter and me. We loved it!! Not really a negative for us. And, the terrace and garden is where we spent most of our time anyway. Who comes to Istanbul to sit in their room?

Delightful staff and a fabulous location. I had a cute little room - pretty basic but comfortable. As everyone says, the breakfast in the courtyard is delightful.

Unfortunately my shower was not very clean (someone needs to get inside and clean the area that is hidden behind the shower door when it’s open). I also underestimated the volume of the 4:15am call to prayer being so close to the Hagia Sophia! But a small price to pay for the location.

Very nice accommodations, good bathroom and shower. Close to major Istanbul attractions. Very good restaurants at hand. Excellent, helpful staff. Very good value.

Very friendly owners, nice room, very good breakfast, central location near public transport and key monument in walking distance

Istanbul has become very expensive because of the inflation, so we found everything quite expensive in relation to the value (but the friendly owners can't help that of course)

The location is great for first time visitors of Istanbul. Walking distance to major sites like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and the Cisterns. The beds were comfortable with nice linens and the common areas are beautiful. The hamam-like shower is very nice with incredible water pressure.

The WiFi did not work the first day and the AC in one of the bedrooms did not work. We complained about the AC and they told us the unit wasn’t connected to the electric board. But that was the end of story. They did not say they would get the handyman to reconnect it or offer us fans. For some reason, two days later the handyman showed up to fix the unit and provide fans, but by then, it was our last day there. Additionally, we used the airport transfer service organized by the hotel, and our driver when we arrived got into an accident in the airport tunnel. He got out of the car and got into a screaming match with the other driver. They seemed to exchange information and we went on our way. But then our driver saw the other car on the freeway, pulled up beside it and started screaming again, then proceeded to nearly run the other car off the road and made them pull over on the side of a busy freeway. He got out of the car again and another yelling match ensued. We made it to the hotel in one piece, but maybe they need to be a bit more discerning with which drivers they contract for the airport transfer service. It’s not a cheap service, so I was expecting a more professional driver. Our driver when we were leaving, however, was great!

Our favourite hotel in Istanbul, we always come back. Lovely staff, incredibly friendly, delicious breakfasts - maybe be a little more generous with soaps!

The relaxed atmosphere and convenient location set this hotel apart. Situated close to all major attractions, in an area that felt very safe, with plenty of choice locally for dinner. What sets Zoe apart is their very friendly and extremely helpful staff, who were happy to go above and beyond every time. A delicious breakfast featuring fresh fruit, juices, scrummy fresh pastries that changed every day. A sound environmental policy that included a large bottle of water in the fridge in the room that could be refilled in the breakfast room. Leo the reception cat was the icing on this fabulous cake!

The shower in my room had a weak flow, but plenty of hot water. The floors in my room could have been cleaner.

A fantastic location, nice clean rooms with AC, tasty breakfast in the patio. The real winner for me was the balcony and rooftop terrace - I was in room 42 and had a wonderful view! The staff was also very helpful in confirming a taxi, storing luggage, and helping to carry my gear up all the stairs.

Be prepared to climb stairs. Also, my room (42), which faced the street, was not very quiet. Loud music and crowds could be heard until late into the night.

great location. friendly and knowledgeable staff. cats.

a little pricey , but a unique vibe. we would recommend for those who look for something out of the ordinary

Proximity to the old city main attractions and surrounded by restaurants.

Excellent staff

Nothing

It was lovely but our room was very small.

I should have rented a larger room. If you have trouble with stairs be aware the are many stairs in the spiral staircase.

Excellent location for visiting some of the key sites, just a few minutes walk away. This is great as you can go back to hotel for a quick break if needed. Staff very friendly and helpful. Breakfast buffet is amazing in terms of range. Amazing views from roof top garden as well

Would prefer breakfast to have been from 8am (started at 8.30) but that's a personal preference. Wine and beer were available from 4-11 but would also have liked a soft drink option.

Great staff and a lovely breakfast. Great for the main tourists attractions of Cistern, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Lots of stairs! Probably not the best for the elderly but was just fine for us. Very friendly and helpful staff

Location of hotel was excellent. Staff friendly and helpful. Nice courtyard to eat breakfast and lovely rooftop terrace.

Small spiral staircase up to rooms.

The breakfast was delicious and included in the room rate. Staff were exceptionally helpful and friendly. Due to a last minute cancellation, we paid extra for a standard double room which was very comfortable. The location of the hotel is perfect for sightseeing.

Unique location, unique staff, a calm and friendly island in this bush and eternal city. The breakfast: all original, all freshly handmade Turkish bakery. Exceptional embedding of the hotel within historic buildings.

Nothing. Take care - no lifts. But no worries, the staff helped us with all our luggage.

Love the history of the building. Great location, walking distance to centre of Old town & many restaurants. Views to the water from our room. Lots of Places to sit with a book at the end of the day. Staff are all fantastic!

Nothing didn’t like

Location and ambience.

Many hundreds of years old so there were inconveniences. But the charm made it worthwhile.

Breakfast great, staff helpful and friendly, room delightful. A very short walk to the main parts of Istanbul, Hippodrome, Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Baslica Cisterns.

Nothing, all was lovely

Location fabulous, room great, breakfast was amazing.

I loved the hospitality, the food, the view, amd how close it was to everything. If you want peace, silence, amd warming atmosphere this is the Hotel

N/A

The staff were so helpful, and the hotel was perfectly located. They had lots of recommendations for us. Our room was lovely, with a four poster bed and little balcony.

Charming building full of character, authentic design. The location is great - it is literally 5-10 min away from the main sights. The staff was so warm and welcoming. We have had great stay.

Brilliant location and interesting history.

I highly recommend this hotel, although very central it was a quiet oasis in a very busy city. It would be nice to be able to order a cold drink from the rooftop without having to walk down 3 flights of stairs to place the order!

Beautiful ottoman style architecture! Unique! Staff were really nice and courteous!

Nothing at all, everything was great!

The location was amazing. The breakfast was incredible. Highly recommended.

It was all good

The location the authentic room the view the staff breakfast the roof terrace

The stairs!

In terms of its proximity to the historic and sacred essence of Hagia Sofia and Sultanahmet, The Empress Zoe was the perfect compliment. The history of the hotel itself, its homely charm and garden, and the genuineness of its staff, all made my first taste of Istanbul memorable. I had a garden view room with lots of room. It felt more like an apartment than a room. I will be back in Istanbul in a few months and I look forward to returning to the tranquility of The Empress.

I have been to Istanbul several times and this accomodation has been the best so far, where I have stayed. Beautiful room, friendly staff and cats, amazing location and very tasy breakfast in a very cosy breakfast room. Definitely recommended!

Staff was helpful and very friendly! Breakfast was pleasant, we slept very well here, enjoyed the ambiance.

We loved the historical ambience and character-all of the other hotels in the neighborhood were modern. It's located right next to Topkapi Palace and Aya Sophia,

Lovely Staff !

Decent Breakfast

We have just stayed for four nights at the Empress Zoe and loved our stay there. The location was fabulous and close to all the big tourist spots but also so lovely and quiet. The whole hotel feels so atmospheric with beautiful, old Turkish antiques and furnishing. Our room had a lovely balcony which overlooked the garden and old stone hamman. The breakfast each morning was extensive and delicious and served in the cute dining room or in the courtyard. The staff here are welcoming and kind and made us feel immediately at home. We will definitely return to this wonderful hotel.

Superb breakfasts

Lots of narrow stairs and a spiral staircase

Great location, lovely friendly staff, brilliant breakfast

Spiral stairs were a little daunting — anyone with accessibility needs should check what’s available

Position

Staff was great. Location great. We loved being by garden

We sis not like sharing garden with family. We didn’t know family room was above