Hotel Empress Zoe

We stayed here years ago and were excited to return, great location, friendly staff, and special room (401).

Great rooms and friendly staff. Location was perfect too.

The hotel location, staff, and breakfast was amazing. The outside spaces like the courtyard and rooftop terrace were amazing to have breakfast, chat with friends and get down time after a busy day. The staff are very helpful for directing guests to eating establishments nearby.

There breakfast was very diverse. Each morning there was staples but you got all lot of variety with breakfast salads. They had tradition Turkish breakfast items along with a smattering of other tasty items. The breakfast started at 8:30 to 11, which was amazing.

It’s a perfect old building with so much history and the rooftop garden and courtyard are amazing

Spiral stairs to my third floor room.

The location and the architecture. The staff was amazing

The stairs!!

The staff and Location was great. The brekfast spread was amazing! Their cats are so cute!

The rooms were kinda smaller than i expected. Hardly any space to open luggage.

Great staff. Comfortable and authentic Turkish rooms.

Stairs!

Location is perfect - very close to the main tourist activities but also quiet. Also the staff was super helpful and the breakfast was great. The garden is fantastic and the rooftop stunning. We visited during the winter, so didn't get to spend much time up there, but could imagine how nice a coffee or drink would be up there.

Rooms are a bit on the small side and awkward shape. I think this is fine for an old hotel, but they are a bit dingy.

The hotel itself is beautiful with a lovely garden to enjoy for breakfast or anytime of day.Our room had not only a view of the garden from one window but a view of the Bosphorus and a minaret from the other. It was stunning. Breakfast was wonderful too and homemade by a very friendly woman. Also, the location was super convenient for only having a few days in Istanbul as it was walking distance to all of the sites.

Nothing not to like! Also, they let us check in hours early due to flight arrival time, at no extra charge. Because of this we got a few hours rest before the adventure began, absolutely amazing service as far as we were concerned!

A terrific little hotel in a great location near the Blue Mosque. Quirky, with friendly staff and good breakfasts.

Perfect location in the old town. The staffs were all extremely friendly and helpful. They made me feel that I was staying with my families.

The spiral staircase was very narrow, and there's no elevator in the hotel. I was glad that I was not carrying a huge and heavy luggage.

After many visits over the years the Zoe has never let us down. From the comfortable room to the amazing breakfast and the BEST staff ......the tranquil garden is an Oasis of peace and calm. I can't imagine staying anyplace else.

An absolutely perfect location for exploring the Old Town sights in Istanbul. Almost everything is within short walking distance . . . and for more distant destinations, the Tram 1 station is also a short walk away. Hotel management was extremely helpful, accommodating and friendly ... and arranged easy transportation to and from the airport, eliminating another worrisome detail. We stayed in a suite with terrace: comfortable, spacious, with its own private entrance up a short flight of stairs, and conveniently located just above the breakfast area. Breakfast was a delight, with an amazing variety of delicious dishes and outdoor tables arrayed across a very peaceful and beautiful garden. We enjoyed a delightful view across the Bosphorus Strait to New Town. Our room also overlooked Kutlugün Sokak, which we accessed by the hotel's rear entrance . . . a very short walk to the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern.We heard very little city noise in this quiet corner of town -- just the calls to prayer which are part of the pleasure in visiting Istanbul. We walked to dinner -- and highly recommend Albura Kathisma, just 2 blocks from the hotel (expect to be hounded by every restaurant you pass, but that's part of the charm). We also enjoyed Khorsani, just a few blocks west of the Basilica Cistern. For lunch, you can't beat Cankurtaran Sosyal Tesisleri, - a short 10 minute walk to a beautiful, quiet and reasonably priced restaurant away from tourist sites and a splendid view across the water to the Asian side.

Not a thing

Omg everything is exceptional here. From the clear and prompt communication to the airport transfer arrangements to the cute cats (2) at the hotel to the lovely rooftop views and breakfasts. Just great. Love the room very big, and close to walk everywhere. We could stop by in the noon to nap before going back out to the city because it's so close city center. 10+ stars!

Superb breakfast, very attentive staff, a beautiful and peaceful interior garden and courtyard, a comfortable, spacious suite.

Atmosphere and good location. Near all sightseeing highlights.

Spiral stairway.

I loved everything about this delightful and charming hotel. Not only are the rooms beautiful and so very comfortable, the entire hotel has a wonderful convivial atmosphere. You can have drinks on the rooftop terrace and watch the sunset or afternoon coffee post sightseeing in the lush garden . Always a chance to chat to your fellow travellers. But the best thing about this hotel is the most delicious breakfast in Istanbul. Fresh traditional Turkish pastries made onsite by a master baker . What a smell to wake up to! Fresh fruits and salads , cheeses Turkish coffee as well. I would go back to Istabul simply for the pleasure of this hotel.

I didn't like that I had to leave.

Beautifully maintained with a lovely outside space and super friendly staff

Our room was on the street side near reception, which meant it was noisy into the night

This is a beautiful, historic hotel in old town - close to Hagia Sophia and the cistern. Lively area with nice restaurants. Be sure to check out the roof top for wonderful views of the Bosperous. The staff goes out of their way to be of help. Nice breakfast

The spiral staircase by which to access the rooms may not be suitable for everyone. Too many cats at breakfast (which will be a plus for some people!)

Garden for breakfast was lovely. So was the general location; super convenient walk to all main sights. Exactly what you think it is. Quaint, safe, and excellent location.

Toiletries. Safe in room could be bigger to fit a laptop.