Hotel Empress Zoe – Family Hotel in Istanbul | From 52$/Night

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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, Turkey, 34122

Steps from the historic old town

Perfect

9.1

/10

4.8

Loved by Hotel Empress Zoe guests

Cozy comforts
Cute staff
Delicious breakfast
Private courtyard garden
Atmospheric hotel

"Well located, beautiful boutique hotel with the most delicious home made breakfast out in the gorgeous garden."

Saying from Hong Kong

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"Or room had a bathroom and also a traditional style wash area in the style of a Turkish bath."

Callan M

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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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Rooms with Character

Hotel Empress Zoe occupies two period town houses with 22 air-conditioned rooms. Accommodations include double rooms with parquet floors, a triple room, and suites with private terraces offering views of the Blue Mosque and sea. All rooms feature free WiFi, LCD televisions, private bathrooms with showers, and amenities like electric kettles. Some suites include fully equipped kitchenettes with refrigerators.

Turkish Breakfast Included

A complimentary full Turkish breakfast is served each morning, featuring fresh bread, pastries, cheese, honey, jams, yogurt, and egg dishes. Guests help themselves from the counter in the breakfast room and bar. The bar offers Turkish wines, cold beers, and spirits.

Garden and Terrace

The property features a peaceful garden with palm trees, giant yucca plants, and shaded areas under the domes of a disused Ottoman hamam. Guests can relax on the rooftop terrace with panoramic views. The garden provides a quiet retreat after sightseeing.

Historic Sultanahmet Location

The hotel is on Akbıyık Street in Sultanahmet, steps from Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Gulhane Park. Many restaurants and shops are within walking distance. Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is 45 km away.

Multilingual Front Desk

The 24-hour reception staff speak English, French, Russian, Ukrainian, and Turkish. Services include dry cleaning, luggage storage, and a roundtrip airport shuttle. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

“Empress Zoe distinguishes itself with a lush garden setting incorporating sections of a historic Ottoman hamam, offering a tranquil contrast to Istanbul's vibrant energy. From what I've gathered, the hotel's charm extends beyond its architecture; the multilingual staff seems genuinely dedicated to personalized service. The central location simplifies exploring major attractions, and the Turkish breakfast appears to be a highlight-all contributing to a stay that emphasizes both cultural immersion and relaxation.”

Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Location: Perfect

9.8/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningGarden Breakfasts!

The courtyard garden made breakfast special. Home-cooked food, shady spots, and ancient artifacts made for a unique dining experience.

Oliver from United Kingdom

Review on

BathroomHammams!

My room had an original bathroom. The shower area had an old hammam inside it! It was wonderful!

Isabelle from France

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Room FeaturesBalcony Views

The room had a private balcony. The views of the Bosphorus and nearby Ottoman ruins were spectacular.

Kenji from Japan

Review on

Sports & FitnessCross Continental Swim

The hotel prepared an early takeaway breakfast on the day of the big Bosphorus swim!

George from Australia

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Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included

Double Room Garden View

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Garden view

Shower

Heating

room details

Small Double Room

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Single Room

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Large Double Room

2 persons

270 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Availability and pricing for your selected dates

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Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones

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, Turkey, 34122

Map view

Cankurtaran Mahallesi Akbiyik Caddesi No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey, 34122

City landmarks

Mosque

Suleymaniye Mosque

1.7 mi

Landmark

TGC Press Media Museum

4100 ft

Bridge

Galata Bridge

1.3 mi

Landmark

Column of Constantine

4100 ft

Landmark

Mausoleum of Mahmud II

2500 ft

Mosque

Laleli Camii

1.3 mi

Square

Beyazit Square

1.2 mi

Mosque

Little Hagia Sophia

2.6 mi

Landmark

Mosaic Museum

2.4 mi

Mosque

Sokollu Mehmet Pasa Mosque

2.6 mi

Nearby

Museum

Hagia Sophia Museum

1600 ft

Mosque

Blue Mosque

1600 ft

Alemdar Mahallesi

Basilica Cistern

1600 ft

Square

Sultanahmet District

1600 ft

Museum

Topkapi Palace

1600 ft

Cankurtaran Mh.

Topkapi Palace harem

1600 ft

Museum

Istanbul Archaeology Museums

1600 ft

Cankurtaran Mahallesi Ayasofya Meydani No:2 Fatih

Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami

1600 ft

Historic Areas of Istanbul

1600 ft

Monument

Serpent Column

1600 ft

Binbirdirek

Walled Obelisk

1800 ft

Prof. Kazim Ismail Gurkan Cad. No: 24 Eminonu

Cagaloglu Hamami

1600 ft

Alemdar Mah. Alemdar Cad. Eminonu/Cagaloglu

Gulhane Park

1600 ft

Museum

Hagia Irene

1600 ft

Museum

Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam

1600 ft

Caferiye Sk. Sogukkuyu Cikmazi No:5

Caferaga Madrasa

1300 ft

Museum

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

1800 ft

Kabasakal Cad. No:2 Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi

Tomb of Sultan Ahmet

1200 ft

Sultanahmet Meydani

Obelisk of Theodosius

1600 ft

Fountain

German Fountain

1600 ft

Restaurants

Albura Kathisma Cafe & Restaurant

1800 ft

Cankurtaran Mah. Yeni Akbiyik Cad. No: 36-38

Divella Bistro Restaurant

1500 ft

Cankurtaran Mah. AkbIyIk Cad. Adliye sok. No:11/A

Kosk Restaurant

1600 ft

Cankurtaran

Mesopotamian Terrace Restaurant

1500 ft

Akbiyik Cd

Titu Alaturka Otelcilik

1600 ft

Cankurtaran Mahallesi Akbiyik Caddesi No: 3

Terrace Restaurant

1500 ft

Ebusuud Cad. Amisos Hotel No:2 Fatih Sirkeci

just Topdeck Cafe & Bar

1600 ft

Cankurtaran Mahallesi

Turk Art Terrace Restaurant

1800 ft

Cankurtaran Mahallesi

Explore Istanbul

Explore Istanbul Near Hotel Empress Zoe

Hagia Sophia Museum

6 minutes' walk

A stunning architectural masterpiece that blends Byzantine and Ottoman history. Admission is free on specific days.

Blue Mosque

6 minutes' walk

An iconic symbol of Istanbul with breathtaking domes and minarets. Visit for its remarkable interior and serene atmosphere.

Basilica Cistern

6 minutes' walk

An ancient underground water reservoir featuring beautiful columns and a mysterious ambiance. Guided tours available.

Topkapi Palace

6 minutes' walk

The opulent former residence of Ottoman sultans, offering lavish rooms and stunning views of the Bosphorus.

Sultanahmet Arkeolojik Park

6 minutes walking

A serene park with historical ruins, perfect for leisurely strolls or family picnics amidst ancient sights.

Biking along the Bosphorus

10 minutes' drive

Thrilling biking routes available near the Bosphorus Strait. Rentals provided at local shops for a quick adventure.

Albura Kathisma Cafe & Restaurant

2 minutes' walk

A charming eatery offering traditional Turkish dishes with a lovely ambiance and outdoor seating options.

Mesopotamian Terrace Restaurant

1 minute walking

Casual dining with Middle Eastern fare and stunning views of historical landmarks. Reservations recommended on weekends.

Mosaic Museum

9 minutes' drive

Showcases intricate mosaics from the Byzantine era in a low-key setting. Great for art enthusiasts.

Sultanahmet Night Market

6 minutes walking

A vibrant market featuring crafts, street food, and live music. A perfect family-friendly evening outing.

Tips on navigating the city

City Centre

Istanbul11 min · 3000 ft

Airports

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International (SAW)65 min · 26.8 mi

Istanbul (IST)76 min · 31.1 mi

Train

Sultanahmet Tram Station6 min · 1700 ft

Underground

Vezneciler24 min · 1.2 mi

Halic27 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 for free.

Breakfast

At the hotel Empress Zoe guests are invited to a full breakfast served 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:

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Hotel Empress Zoe is known for its excellent location, a short walk from attractions like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, while still offering a quiet escape. Guests frequently praise the Turkish breakfast, enjoyed in the charming garden, and some rooms feature access to rooftop terraces with water views. A few guests have mentioned that breakfast starting at 8:30 am might be a little late for early risers, but overall, the hotel's unique character and convenient location provide a memorable stay.

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Review score

Based on 603 verified reviews

9.1/10

Perfect

97%

Recommend

Location

9.8/10

Staff

9.7/10

Facilities

8.8/10

Free Wi-Fi

9.0/10

Pros

Kind staff

Private garden

Double bed

Soundproof windows

Varied breakfast

Cons

Spiral staircases

No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.

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FAQs

About Hotel Empress Zoe

What is the check-in and check-out policy at Hotel Empress Zoe?

Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is at 11:00.

Is there an airport transport service available at Hotel Empress Zoe?

The hotel offers a paid airport shuttle service.

What are the closest major attractions to Hotel Empress Zoe?

Nearby attractions include Hagia Sophia (0.5 km), Blue Mosque (1 km), and Column of Constantine (2 km).

Which amenities are provided in the rooms at Hotel Empress Zoe?

Rooms feature air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries.

What dining options are available at Hotel Empress Zoe?

A delicious continental breakfast is served each morning, with additional nearby dining options such as Albura Kathisma Cafe & Restaurant and La Esquina Cafe & Restaurant, both 0.5 km away.

Is there a garden at Hotel Empress Zoe?

The hotel features a peaceful garden with palm trees and greenery.

What languages do staff speak at Hotel Empress Zoe?

Staff at the hotel speak English, French, Russian, Ukrainian, and Turkish.

What leisure activities are offered at Hotel Empress Zoe?

Guests can enjoy walking tours organized by the hotel.