Hotel Empress Zoe, Istanbul

Excellent breakfast. Location was very good in old town. Front desk was very helpful and spoke English well.

The historic building has narrow staircases. We were on the 4th floor.

Lovely staff and great location for sightseeing

Bit gloomy inside and water not always good pressure

Charming quaint and old fashioned but comfortable. Lovely staff. Great place for sightseeing and good value

Water a little on and off tho when on good pressure. Breakfast ok but not hugely great for brits! Quite noisy at night as tourist area. Our bed was comfy but our daughter's not

We had a wonderful stay. The room felt authentic, and the view was absolutely breathtaking. The terrace was a beautiful spot to enjoy a drink or a meal — those sunrises are ones I’ll never forget. The location is perfect, close to all the major sights you’d want to see while visiting this beautiful city. The staff were kind and attentive throughout our stay.

We traveled with our lively 5-year-old, so I was a little nervous on the terrace and going down the many stairs at times but we were aware of that when booking!

Friendliness of the staff especially Tariq who was super helpful and accomodating. The breakfasts were fabulous and the ladies who served them very wonderful. The atmosphere of the hotel was wonderfully and relaxed

Nothing really the stairs could be a bit of a challenge but we wear aware of those before we arrived

Fantastic location, warm staff, beautiful spacious room with antiques and superb views (including from little terrace and roof terrace). Wonderfully original bathroom with old hammam in shower area. Excellent breakfast in the lovely courtyard. Quiet despite the central location. Very quaint and original! A quick breakfast was given to me on the night before an early departure, so I could consume it in the room with a cup of tea before leaving.

Platform bed was a little short and mattress could be better. Otherwise perfect.

This is in a brilliant location for exploring the historical centre, it is about a 3 minute walk to the Hagia Sofia. Absolutely wonderful staff, thank you so much to the concierge for all his help and advice. We loved the period style rooms, with a wonderful view of the sea, but very comfortably air conditioned.

It was a little expensive for the amount of facilities but you’re paying for the location!

We loved everything about this place. Great location, beautiful building and garden and terrace.

There is nothing not to like.

The garden area for breakfast and very welcoming staff.

Maybe the stairs to get to the room but staff offered to carry any bags which was so nice

The location of this hotel was central to Istanbul's main historical sites so perfect for a first time visitor. The staff were both welcoming and exceptionally helpful including concierge and house keeping. Every morning a spectacular breakfast was served which was enjoyed in a beautiful courtyard, which offered respite from the August heat. One felt that the decor enhanced the experience of Istanbul's beauty and history, providing a warm welcome to weary travellers such as ourselves.

Given the age of the building there is no elevator and we had to climb 68 steps to reach our room which featured a gorgeous terrace. The climb was worth it given the view. However if experiencing any mobility issues I would advise to liaise with staff to ensure your room is accessible.

It is quaint and quirky, with a great story, wonderfully helpful and friendly staff and an amazing historical setting.

It would be so wonderful to have a kettle in the room to make one’s own tea.

Beautiful garden! Lovely view from the room and spacious balcony. Warm and friendly staff. Fabulous breakfast. Excellent location. Good value for money. Great choive to stay while in Istanbul. Walking distance to all the main sites and a variety of good choices. Beautiful locals. Just excellent!! Highly recommended

Mosquitos at night. But the hotel staff was helpful with a device to plug on the wall which kept the mosquitos away.

It felt very authentic and not like a hotel at all. Very relaxed. Gorgeous garden for enjoying a delicious breakfast.

Rustic and boutique style, in keeping with the old Ottoman style.

Brilliant Hotel, a peaceful oasis in the middle of bustling Istanbul

Roof terrace, quiet garden

This hotel is full of charm and character and shares an interesting history. The staff were so caring and welcoming making you feel right at home. We loved the daily breakfast served in the tranquil garden settings. In an excellent location just a step away from the major attractions, with a great range of restaurants and bars right at the doorstep. We enjoyed our stay here!

The location, the style of the building, staff communicated well before our trip with our queries, were friendly and helpful, the breakfast was delicious and the resident cats were friendly. It was also located right next to an archaeological site which was really interesting.

Atmospheric hotel in the heart of the old city.

Couldn't get a room for our second stay in Istanbul.

The location is amazing, to see all the postcard sites of Istanbul!

Bathroom is a little compact!

It was terrific

Everything

The hotel was charming and relaxed. It was a lovely cool and calm haven to return to after a day of sightseeing. It was incredibly well situated- everything we wanted to see was within a 10 minute walk. The staff were exceptionally kind and helpful. We loved our stay at Hotel Empress Zoe.

There was nothing we didn’t like!

Hotel empress Zoe was an oasis in the city! We loved the quiet courtyard and had a wonderful time enjoying the property. The staff was attentive and kind. The room was perfect for our family of 4 as it’s difficult to find rooms to accommodate 4 people. Breakfast was lovely. What a dreamy little place.

Charming courtyard and room. Rooftop sitting area with Bosphorus breeze.

Beautiful garden in the middle of the touristical área of Istambul. Just a couple of steps from Main atractions. Área full of restaurants. Great breakfast, that You can take beneath the trees of the garden. Family rooms a great option There was a light cut in the área and hotel had a power generator which was great

It was not a problem for us but it has many many stairs!!! (Although steps are everywhere in Istambul) They take the bagagge so no problem with that anyway!

The location was perfect, right next to Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet square. The staff was very helpful and accommodating, they even lent us an Istanbul Travel Pass that we could charge up for use with public transport. The breakfast had decent selection, but very good. Comfortable bed mattresses.

If your room faces the street, it gets very loud/noisy at night, especially with an open window. The power went out in the whole district for two nights in a row (of course not the hotel's fault). There were loud noises coming from the shower drain and from other floors (creaky wooden floors, loud footsteps). Be aware of most restaurants in the area being tourist traps.

Everything was beyond our expectations. The hotel is small and super cozy. The terrace has a fantastic view. Breakfast is amazing, and breakfast area is super cute. The hotel's location is convenient, everything is in walkable distance. The staff is friendly and helpful. I couldn't find a better place to stay.

It is our third visit to this hotel and this time we came with our boys (aged 20 and 21) and the hotel Did not disappoint. It has such character, great location and an amazing roof terrace just for residents where you can see the Bosphrous and the Blue Mosque. The staff were again lovely and very helpful. Breakfast was delicious and taken in their garden courtyard in the company of the hotel cats Leo and Sophie.

Location is fantastic. All main attractions within walking distance from here. Basilica cistern, blue mosque, Hagia Sophia, Tokapi no more than 10 minutes walk. Tram across to East if needed. Breakfast was included.

I would like a top sheet, not just a duvet but small issue only. It was hot.

Turkish breakfast was delicious enjoyed within a beautiful secluded garden. Close to historical sites. Room felt more like an apartment.

The breakfast was very varied and absolutely delicious. The views from the rooftop terrace stunning and the garden was a lovely oasis from the busy streets. All the staff were very friendly and helpful, but İsmail, in particular was great, giving fantastic suggestions of places to visit and booking restaurants ahead for us when needed.

Location could not be better in the old quarter. Walking distance to all main attractions. Breakfast included stay to start each day.

Well located, beautiful boutique hotel with the most delicious home made breakfast out in the gorgeous garden. A truly lovely place that we will be back to experience again!

The hotel is full of character and ambiance. Very laid back with a staf that feels like family. A bit awkward to move about in for steep stairs and no elevator. Wonderful breakfast. Very unique. Great location and neighborhood for access to Istanbul s main features. I would definitely go back.

Quirky and beautiful with the most helpful staff possible. Fabulous breakfast in a gorgeous courtyard with comfortable and spacious rooms and a stone’s throw from all the major sights and very walkable everywhere.

Nothing!

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.