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The Empress Theodora

Hotel with free breakfast, steps from Hagia Sophia

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Empress Theodora

Outdoor dining
Triple Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board
Staircase
Free daily buffet breakfast
Hallway
The Empress Theodora captures Istanbul's essence, blending history with modern amenities. Guests love the strategic location and rooftop terrace with Hagia Sophia views. Enjoy practical conveniences like in-room WiFi and laundry services for a comfortable stay.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Room service
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Single Room

Minibar, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Single Room

Highlights

Separate dining area
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Minibar, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Double Room

Highlights

Separate dining area
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Coffee/tea maker
  • 20 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Double Bed

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed

Highlights

Separate dining area
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Coffee/tea maker
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Triple Room

Triple Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Triple Room

Highlights

Separate dining area
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Coffee/tea maker
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Twin Beds

Economy Double Room, No Windows

Highlights

Separate dining area
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Minibar
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Economy Single Room, No Windows

Highlights

Separate dining area
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Minibar
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Double Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
Cankurtaran Mah. Alemdar Cad. 16, Istanbul, Istanbul, 34122

What's nearby

  • Blue Mosque - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Sultanahmet Square - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Hagia Sophia - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Topkapi Palace - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Grand Bazaar - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • Gulhane Station - 3 min walk
  • Sirkeci Marmaray Station - 6 min walk
  • Istanbul Airport (IST) - 56 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Gülhane Sur Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Le Safran - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Espressolab - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Gulhane Sark Sofrasi - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Kurtaran Kebap - ‬2 min walk

About this property

The Empress Theodora

Hotel near Hagia Sophia
A short walk from Topkapi Palace and Sultanahmet Square, The Empress Theodora provides a free breakfast buffet, an airport shuttle, and a rooftop terrace. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as a library and dry cleaning/laundry services.
You'll also find perks like:
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), express check-out, and express check-in
  • A front-desk safe, a computer station, and tour/ticket assistance
  • Multilingual staff, a 24-hour front desk, and coffee/tea in the lobby
Room features
All guestrooms at The Empress Theodora feature perks such as air conditioning and separate dining areas, as well as amenities like free WiFi and safes.
Other amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TVs with cable channels
  • Separate dining areas, free infant beds, and electric kettles

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Innova Sultanahmet Istanbul

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  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, 470 reviews
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Library

Family friendly

  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Separate in-room dining area

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

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

Business services

  • Computer station

Outdoors

  • Rooftop terrace

More

  • 3 floors
  • Built in 2011
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Free crib

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable/satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar
  • Separate dining area

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 1 PM
Express check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
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
Free cribs are available on request at the property

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: TRY 270 per vehicle (one way)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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 major credit cards

Property is also known as

Empress Theodora Boutique Class
Empress Theodora Boutique Class Hotel
Empress Theodora Boutique Class Hotel Istanbul
Empress Theodora Boutique Class Istanbul
Empress Theodora Hotel Istanbul
Empress Theodora Hotel
Empress Theodora Istanbul
The Empress Theodora Hotel
The Empress Theodora Istanbul
The Empress Theodora Hotel Istanbul

Frequently asked questions

Is The Empress Theodora pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Empress Theodora?

Check-in begins at 1 PM.

What time is check-out at The Empress Theodora?

Check-out is at noon.

Does The Empress Theodora provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of TRY 270 per vehicle applies.

Where is The Empress Theodora located?

Located in Sultanahmet, this hotel is steps from Gülhane Park, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern. Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque are also within 15 minutes. Gulhane Station is only a 3-minute walk and Sultanahmet Station is 6 minutes.

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Reviews

The Empress Theodora Reviews

8.4

Very Good

8.8

Cleanliness

9.4

Location

8.6

Staff & service

10

Eco-friendliness

8.2

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 56 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 56 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 56 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 56 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 56 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Zainab

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best hotel staff and best hotel experience ever!!

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Liked: Amenities
Nous avons réserver 4 jours dans cet établissement, on nous a donner une chambre au dernier étage qui était très très décevante l’équipement de la chambre était incomplet pas de chevet, les sols et les murs encore en travaux.......nous sommes parti à la réception pour un changement de chambre. Le buffet laisse à désir pas trop varié.Ensemble très décevant.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019

6/10 Okay

jose, España

Liked: Staff & service

Hotel centrico, un poco ruidoso

Hotel céntrico, un poco ruidoso por el paso del tranvía
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

sauberes Zentrales Hotel

Das Hotel liegt sehr zentral. Die Sultan Ahmet Moschee und das Hagia Sophia Museum sind zu Fuß in 2 Minuten erreichbar. Außerdem liegt eine Tram Haltestelle in unmittelbarer Nähe, sodass man direkt zum Pier kommt, man könnte allerdings auch hin laufen. Das Hotel und die Zimmer waren sehr sauber. Das Personal Ahmet, Mahran und Mostafa, waren sehr sehr nett und immer hilfsbereit. Ich kann das Hotel auf jeden Fall weiterempfehlen und würde bei meinem nächsten Aufenthalt wieder das Hotel wählen.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

A

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

Good stay

Very nice stay. Comfortable and good value for money
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Excellent location Great service

We stayed 4 nights here. It's a small hotel in a great location for sightseeing, walking, getting a tram. Service was outstanding. Whatever you needed the guys got it done and always watched out for whatever you need. No elevator but somebody took care of getting our luggages to and from room . Breakfast wa very good and satisfying lots of fruit , and food typical to a turkey.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018

4/10 Poor

Rafael

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nao me entregaram o oferecido

Quarto nao confere com o descrito. Fomos acomodados em um quarto no anexo do hotel, sem guarda roupa, sem escrivaninha, sem minibar e sem mesa, sendo que tudo deveria estar incluido. O quarto era minúsculo, mal cabia a cama. O funcionário prometeu fazer a troca no dia seguinte, mas quando chegou o dia, disse que tava cheio e prometeu novamente para o dia seguinte e aconteceu a mesma coisa. A agua que caia do chuveiro invadia todo o banheiro, pois passava por debaixo do box.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018

8/10 Good

Ali, Berlin

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Guten laufweg

Guten laufweg Central schönes Hotel immer wieder gerne
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018

8/10 Good

Sam, UK

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

Nice hotel Good location

Good location near Gulhane tram station. Excellent reception staff. Nice new room. Breakfast basic good spread. Would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Amir, Amsterdam

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

zeer vriendelijke personeel, perfecte ligging.

wij hebben een zeer aangename verblijf gehad. hotel personeel waren erg vriendelijk en behulpzaam. ligging was echt perfect. mooi centraal, dicht bij de meest belangrijke bezienswaardigheden en tramstation. zeker een aanrader!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

Good

Good hotel. Good service and location but very hard for taxis to reach

10/10 Excellent

Sinan

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

Güzel otel

Otelin konumu çok iyi gülhane parkı ile Sultan Ahmet meydanı arasında tramvay yolu üzerinde temiz sorun yaşanmayacak bir yer
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018

2/10 Terrible

Reijo, Finland

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

Bought a hotel for hyandicap

When I was selecting the hotel, the picture in the net was from an other hotel. I needed a handicap room and there was noy even a lift. I had to claim to the first level. Breakfast was on the 3rd florr. Impossible for me. I had to change the fotel for second night and pay it on top. I newer got my money back from the first hotel. Out of any classification!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Dimitar

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

Highly Recommend

We stayed at The Empress of Theodora Hotel for 3 nights and this is the nicest hotel in the city!! The room was nice and clean, great bed and breakfast! We enjoyed our time there! We will definitely come back, because those 3 days were amazing!

6/10 Okay

Harry, Vught

Liked: Staff & service

Gunstige ligging ten opzichte van de highlights.

Personeel aardig en attent. Moet beter aangegeven worden dat er geen lift is. Vooral ontbijt is op de 3e verdieping. De kamer was op onderdelen niet schoon (haren in de douche, doodgeslagen muggen op de muur en zeer vuile vloerbedekking). Fijn dat er een kluisje was. Minibar werd niet koud. Personeel erbij geweest maar werd toch niet koud.

10/10 Excellent

Safwan, Cairo, Egypt

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

Great small hotel

I liked the convenience of the location. Breakfast included in the rate was very well served People were nice and friendly I hoped there was a setting arrangement in the room; seat and coffee table

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Netter Service und Hotel sehr zentral!

Sehr schöne Woche verbracht. Sonnig und viele Sehenswürdigkeiten.

10/10 Excellent

Anita, New York

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

The best place

I am so happy, my dream come true

10/10 Excellent

hichem, tunis

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

Petit hôtel agréable et confortable pour un repos

Petit hôtel agréable et confortable pour un repos bien mérité après de chaudes visites, idéalement situé pour un accès rapide aux principaux monuments de la vieille ville, personnel dévoué, buffet du petit déjeuner très copieux, terrasse bien agréable.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

VOYAGE A ISTANBUL

ISTANBUL EST UNE BELLE VILLE TOURISTIQUE AVEC UNE BELLE CULTURE, DE MERVEILLEUX MUSEES ET MONUMENTS A VISITER. A VOIR IMPERATIF.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Location is Good

Very near by Ayasofya. Staff kindly explained valuable points for sightseeing and concerns for tourist, it was quite helpful for me.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good Location

There are many tourism, so easy to manage trip plan. (Especially for Japanese because Japanese staff is in Overseas Travel next to the hotel)

8/10 Good

ibrahim, erzurum

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Hoş bir konaklama

otomobille gidecekler için park ciddi problem. Ama çalışan personel, otel hizmeti ve kahvaltı süperdi..

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Room comfort
Bon séjour. Accueil agréable. Situation privilégiée.

8/10 Good

Carlos, Toronto, Canada

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

A good one!

Unbeatable location. Very friendly staff. The carpet in my room was a old (a little worn out and stained) but the room was very clean. Breakfast was pretty good. Only that it didn't have real coffee (only instant coffee offered), and started at 8am (a little late, if you need to catch a tour).

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