Name: Hotel Empress Zoe, Istanbul
Address: Cankurtaran Mahallesi Akbiyik Caddesi No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul Province, 34122
Price range: US$52+
Rating: 9.2

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Hotel Empress Zoe Istanbul Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Cankurtaran Mahallesi Akbiyik Caddesi No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, 34122

Steps from Sultanahmet District

Perfect

9.2

/10

4.8

Loved by Hotel Empress Zoe guests

Friendly staff

Delicious breakfast

Perfect balcony

Great location

Clean bathroom

"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."

Tas from Australia

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"We stayed in a room with a private balcony, which had a spectacular view of both the Bosphorus and the ruins of an Ottoman hamam next door, which we loved."

KrisMF

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"Breakfast was amazing with a selection of fresh fruit, pastries/breads, salad, cheese, scrambled eggs, other vege dishes and so many types of olives."

Nonstop_Kiwi from New Zealand

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Boutique hotel in Istanbul with stunning views of the Bosphorus

Location

Hotel Empress Zoe is situated in the historic Sultanahmet district, just a short walk from major landmarks such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Its location allows guests to explore the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul easily. The hotel overlooks the Bosphorus Strait, providing guests with scenic views of the water and city skyline.

Accommodations

The hotel offers a range of room types, including standard rooms, suites, and a private villa. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, and some accommodations feature balconies with stunning views. The villa is designed to provide a more private and exclusive experience for guests seeking luxury.

Dining

Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options at Hotel Empress Zoe, where the on-site restaurant serves traditional Turkish cuisine. Meals can be enjoyed on the terrace, providing a picturesque backdrop of the city and the Bosphorus. Room service is available for those who prefer to dine in the privacy of their room.

Wellness

The hotel is home to a wellness area where guests can rejuvenate with massages and treatments tailored to relax the body and mind. The terrace provides a great place for yoga sessions or simply unwinding with a book. A small library is also available, allowing guests to indulge in some leisure reading.

Additional Amenities

Hotel Empress Zoe offers guests convenient services including laundry and airport transfers. A rooftop terrace invites guests to enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul while sipping a drink. The hotel also provides special packages for couples and families looking to enhance their stay.

Highlights

Location: Overlooks the Bosphorus Strait

Accommodations: Offers a private villa

Dining: Restaurant serving traditional Turkish cuisine

Wellness: Wellness area available for relaxation

Additional Amenities: Rooftop terrace with panoramic views

“This hotel distinguishes itself with a tranquil garden setting built around historic Ottoman architecture. Its location, just a short walk from Istanbul's major attractions, is ideal. In my opinion, the personalized service and authentic Turkish breakfast enhance the experience, making it feel both refined and deeply connected to the city's history.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.8/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningBreakfast bliss

Breakfast in the garden was amazing. Fresh pastries, local honey, and Turkish specialities made each morning a delight.

Oliver from Canada

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Room FeaturesUnique Ambiance

The room featured wooden furniture and insulated windows. It was cozy, quiet, and impeccably clean every day.

Mei from China

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BedroomAuthentic Comfort

Our room had an authentic Turkish canopy bed. A balcony offered a relaxing rooftop space.

Jack from United Kingdom

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Guest ParkingStress-Free Arrival

Airport pickup/dropoff was very helpful. It made our arrival and departure seamless and worry-free.

Anders from Sweden

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Select your room type

Hotel Empress Zoe offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Double Room Garden View
2 persons
12 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Small Double Room
2 persons
10 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Single Room
2 persons
10 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Hotel Empress Zoe offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.8/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

Outdoor dining area
Dinner

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots

Spa & Leisure

Beach umbrellas
Sun terrace
Garden area

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Parquet floor

Hotel Empress Zoe Location

Cankurtaran Mahallesi Akbiyik Caddesi No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, 34122

Explore Istanbul

Nearby Attractions, Activities & Dining

Hagia Sophia Museum

6 minutes' walk

A former mosque and cathedral, renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. A must-visit cultural landmark.

Blue Mosque

6 minutes' walk

Famous for its beautiful blue tiles and grand domes. It is an active mosque with serene courtyards.

Topkapi Palace

6 minutes' walk

Former residence of Ottoman sultans with impressive collections of art and artifacts. Guided tours are available.

Basilica Cistern

6 minutes' walk

An ancient underground water reservoir featuring stunning columns and atmospheric lighting, offering guided tours.

Sultanahmet Arkeolojik Park

6 minutes' walk

A peaceful park perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics, showcasing historical ruins throughout its grounds.

Local Markets Tours

15 minutes' walk

Experience Istanbul's vibrant local markets featuring unique shops and culinary delights. Join guided tours for convenience.

Cultural Performances at Hodjapasha

20 minutes' walk

Traditional Turkish dance and music performances await at this historical site. Ideal for couples or solo travelers.

Bosporus Boat Tour

10-minute drive

Enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul from the water on guided cruises. Ticket reservations recommended.

Albura Kathisma Cafe & Restaurant

2 minutes' walk

Relaxed atmosphere serving delicious local and international dishes, famed for its warm hospitality. Reservations not needed.

Divella Bistro Restaurant

1 minute' walk

A cozy venue offering Italian cuisine perfect for casual meals. Vegetarian options are available.

Mesopotamian Terrace Restaurant

1 minute' walk

Rooftop views complement authentic Middle Eastern dishes. A delightful spot for couples; reservations recommended.

Kosk Restaurant

1 minute' walk

Elegant dining experience focusing on local Turkish delicacies. Known for accommodating vegetarian diets.

Hodjapasha Cultural Center

20 minutes' walk

Home to cultural performances, this venue offers a taste of Turkish music and dance in an intimate setting.

Karakoy Gulluoglu

25 minutes' walk

Experience traditional Turkish desserts like baklava in this family-friendly pastry shop. A sweet stop for all ages.

Nardis Jazz Club

10-minute drive

A cozy jazz venue featuring local talents, ideal for music lovers seeking a lively evening ambiance.

Bomba Pizza

15 minutes' walk

Enjoy live music events while relishing unique pizzas. Perfect for a casual night out with family or friends.

Getting around

City Centre
Istanbul 11 min · 3000 ft
Airports
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International (SAW) 65 min · 26.8 mi
Istanbul (IST) 76 min · 31.1 mi
Train
Sultanahmet Tram Station 6 min · 1700 ft
Underground
Vezneciler 24 min · 1.2 mi
Halic 27 min · 1.4 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Hotel Empress Zoe from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Hotel Empress Zoe is frequently praised for its superb location, putting guests within easy reach of major attractions like Aya Sofia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. The breakfast, often served in a charming garden, is another highlight, featuring fresh options. Many guests appreciate the unique character of the hotel and its rooms, with some rooms even offering balconies or access to the rooftop terrace with good views; some guests have, however, mentioned smaller room sizes. Good bathroom and shower facilities are also commonly mentioned.

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Review score

Based on 611 verified reviews

9.1 /10

Perfect

97 %

Recommend

Location

9.8/10

Staff

9.7/10

Facilities

8.8/10

Free WiFi

9.1/10

Pros

Excellent location

Delicious breakfast

Helpful staff

Cons

Steep staircases

Small rooms

Adrian from Germany

Single

Small Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 14, 2026

7/10

fresh fruit friendly staff convenient location small room dark room cramped bed

i liked the breakfast. it had fresh fruit and pastries. the staff was friendly and professional i think. the hotel location is close to attractions, so that was convenient.

my room didnt look like the pictures. the room was small. it was also a little dark. i stubbed my toe on the wall while sleeping cause the bed was cramped.

0 Helpful

Sarah from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 19, 2025

9/10

lovely garden turkish flavors

the garden was like a tender dream, so lovely. breakfast was a true art with turkish flavors, it started each day with such gentle beauty.

the room had a tiny tv that didn't work, it felt a little sad.

0 Helpful

mark from united kingdom

Single

standard double room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: November 12, 2025

9.3/10

excellent stay near major attractions

helpful staff fresh options quiet courtyard

I found the staff excellent. they were helpful with directions and recommendations. the breakfast was plentiful and had fresh options. i especially enjoyed the courtyard. It was a quiet and relaxing space.

the spiral staircase may be challenging with mobility issues.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel includes a charming courtyard that provides a peaceful retreat from the city. the rooftop terrace provides amazing views for evening drinks. the location is a short walk from significant historical sites.

Dining

10/10

breakfast features fresh fruits, local delicacies, and cereals. the courtyard is a beautiful setting for breakfast. the breakfast experience was AMAZING!!!

Rooms

9/10

the rooms are beautifully furnished with gorgeous interiors. the bed was very comfortable. there was free water available in the room.

0 Helpful

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