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Hotel Empress Zoe

Hotel with free breakfast, a short walk to Hagia Sophia

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Hotel Empress Zoe

Outdoor dining
Free daily buffet breakfast
Exterior detail
Standard Double Room | Free WiFi
Lobby sitting area
Amidst Istanbul's historic charm, Hotel Empress Zoe offers a tranquil retreat with a rooftop terrace and lush garden. Indulge in the breakfast buffet, get lost in a good book from the library or explore nearby Hagia Sophia.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Sep 28 - Sep 29
Check availability for tonight Sep 28 - Sep 29

Tomorrow

Sep 29 - Sep 30
Check availability for tomorrow Sep 29 - Sep 30
Available filters for rooms
Showing 14 of 14 rooms

View all photos for Standard Double Room, Garden View

Standard Double Room, Garden View | Free WiFi

Standard Double Room, Garden View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Desk
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Garden Suite

Deluxe Garden Suite | Free WiFi

Deluxe Garden Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Living room
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 Twin Bed and 2 Twin Sofa Beds

View all photos for Suite, Garden View

Suite, Garden View | Living room | LCD TV

Suite, Garden View

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | Free WiFi

Standard Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Desk
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Double Room

Free WiFi

Basic Double Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 12 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Single Room

Single Room | Free WiFi

Single Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Penthouse, Terrace

Penthouse, Terrace | Living area | LCD TV

Penthouse, Terrace

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Sofa Beds

View all photos for Garden Suite

Garden Suite | Free WiFi

Garden Suite

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Separate bedroom
Day bed
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Economy Twin Room

Economy Twin Room | Free WiFi

Economy Twin Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
  • 8 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double Room, Terrace

Double Room, Terrace | Free WiFi

Double Room, Terrace

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 12 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Triple Room

Triple Room | Living area | LCD TV

Triple Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 16 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Double Room

Family Double Room | Free WiFi

Family Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Sofa Beds

View all photos for Suite, Terrace

Suite, Terrace | Free WiFi

Suite, Terrace

Highlights

Terrace
Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

Free WiFi

Standard Twin Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 13 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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About the neighborhood

Located in Istanbul, Hotel Empress Zoe is in the city center. Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Ataköy Marina and Kadıköy Port. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Tupras Stadium or Ülker Stadium.
Visit our Istanbul travel guideOpens in a new window
Map
Cankurtaran Mah. Akbiyik Cad. No 10, Sultanahmet Fatih, Istanbul, 34122

What's nearby

  • Hagia Sophia - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Blue Mosque - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Sultanahmet Square - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Topkapi Palace - 12 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Grand Bazaar - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles

Getting around

  • Istanbul Cankurtaran Station - 2 min walk
  • Sultanahmet Station - 8 min walk
  • Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Intl. Airport (SAW) - 64 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Seven Hills - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Seafront Lounge - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Albura Kathisma Cafe & Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Seasons Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪By Kinyas Restaurant - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Hotel Empress Zoe

Hotel near Hagia Sophia
A short walk from Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square, Hotel Empress Zoe provides a free breakfast buffet, a rooftop terrace, and a garden. In addition to a library and dry cleaning/laundry services, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), a front-desk safe, and luggage storage
  • Concierge services, a 24-hour front desk, and tour/ticket assistance
Room features
All guestrooms at Hotel Empress Zoe boast comforts such as air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • Heating and daily housekeeping

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Offsite parking; discounts available
  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge

Things to do

  • Library

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Rooftop terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LCD TV

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Property is also known as

Hotel Empress Zoe Istanbul
Empress Zoe Istanbul
Empress Zoe
Empress Zoe Hotel Istanbul
Hotel Empress Zoe Hotel
Hotel Empress Zoe Istanbul
Hotel Empress Zoe Hotel Istanbul

Frequently asked questions

Is Hotel Empress Zoe pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Hotel Empress Zoe?

Check-in begins at 2 PM.

What time is check-out at Hotel Empress Zoe?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Does Hotel Empress Zoe provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle.

Where is Hotel Empress Zoe located?

Located in Sultanahmet, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Sultanahmet Square. Grand Bazaar and Basilica Cistern are also within 15 minutes. Istanbul Cankurtaran Station is only a 2-minute walk and Sultanahmet Station is 8 minutes.

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Hotel Empress Zoe Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 110 out of 132 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 132 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 132 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 132 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 132 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ben

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Micah

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Larry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Empress Zoe is a Turkish hotel not an americanized lodge. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The garden breakfast is great. Its location in the Sultanamet is terrific-- just minutes from Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi palace and the cistern. Second time I have stayed there. Love it. One word of wording though, the hotel has 4 or 5 stories and no elevator. While the helpful staff will take your bags up and down, you must climb a wonder spiral staircase. I would not have it any other way but for those who do not like stairs, this is not your hotel.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Darcy, Menlo Park

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved Hotel Empress Zoe, the staff and the location! Great views and walkable to many must see sights.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Samuel, San Jose

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Charming, lack of an elevator means it’s not for everyone. Amazing staff, the penthouse suite on the roof is one of a kind
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

CALVIN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was exceptional and close to all of the sites. The room and courtyard was like an oasis in the middle of the bustling tourist area. The staff was always friendly and very helpful. One the best stays in our vacation history.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location, so close to everything. Lovely staff who were all very helpful. Gorgeous little garden to have breakfast in each morning. Highly recommend this hotel.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Russell

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

6/10 Okay

Sonia

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
Empress Zoe. Stayed 1 week. Area is great. Locals are great. Walkable to everywhere. Airport pickup and drop off was arranged by the hotel for 55 euros. But upon my checkout I did not have 55 Euros only Turkish Lira. The front desk said it was fine and took 1800 in Turkish Lira which is double the amount. When I asked for the receipt the front desk lady told me she doesn't have one. It felt dishonest and I left the hotel feeling cheated. I also had other uncomfortable experiences at the hotel, would not stay there again but definitely would go back to Istanbul and visit the city again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was incredible. It was super cozy and had windows that opened. The mattress was the best! Breakfast was available with seating in the courtyard. The hotel staff were very helpful. I needed help confirming a flight change and they called and handled it for me. The location is good, but there are a lot of restaurant hawkers that will pester you on your way to the sights. The rooms aren't handicap accessible... actually, the whole street isn't handicap-friendly (not the hotel's fault). The rooms are very quiet, but there's a minaret outside that announces prayer that can be annoying to some people.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Tracy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Close to everything but quiet. Very helpful and friendly staff. Tasty breakfast and charming decor.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An oasis in Istanbul. A lovely hotel full of character with a quiet garden courtyard.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

GRAHAM

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Hotel Zoe is located right in the heart of historic Sultanahmet Istanbul. In fact the remains of a 700 year old bath house is located right next door and its less than a five minute walk from the hotel to the Blue Mosque. The hotel is brimming with character. The rooms are spotless and the staff was extremely friendly and welcoming.
Stayed 1 night in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

marine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Truly recommended
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maxwell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had an amazing stay at the Hotel Empress Zoe. Great location with comfortable and unique rooms. The staff from the front desk to the cafe were extremely friendly and went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. Would highly recommend this hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Emil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay at Hotel Empress Zoe! Everyone was extremely friendly and the hotel itself is so charming. They made it easy to get to and from the airport and even arranged for a covid test at the hotel. Have a glass of wine by the fireplace at night, and definitely don't sleep on the breakfast, it's delicious! We'll be staying here the next time we're in Istanbul.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Aelita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jaime

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
couldn't recommend more. great location, great staff. Next to historic byzantine building.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good stay but too small

Cozy and nice place, but sadly too small and narrow, stairs are impossible with any luggage, you feel like workers are stalking you all times and standing and watching you since the place is smaller. Breakfast is ok for that touristic area.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Burak

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Delightful, characterful, excellent location

We stayed twice - the first time had a small but cosy garden view room with a balcony- most atmospheric sitting on balcony listening to ships' fog horns. The second time we took a lovely family room - despite being on the street side it was quiet (November). Tasty fresh breakfast. Covid 'regs' well implemented when we were there. Plenty of guidebooks and reading matter in reception, helpful staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Barb

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel that was clean and comfortable. Excellent location. Staff were wonderful. There are stairs if you have ant mobility problems
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is in a great neighborhood close to historic attractions. The staff was very nice and helpful. A delicious breakfast was provided daily and the rooms were really comfortable. Overall I would highly recommend this hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Álvaro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was friendly and pleasant
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

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