Hotel Empress Zoe Istanbul Exterior photoHotel Empress Zoe Istanbul Exterior photoHotel Empress Zoe Istanbul Room photo

Hotel Empress Zoe – A Favorite for Families in Istanbul

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Check rooms and rates
From$357 /night
Check-in
19Jul
Check-out
20Jul
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Cankurtaran Mahallesi Akbiyik Caddesi No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, 34122
-
Steps from the historic old town
Perfect
9.1
/10
4.8
/5

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.”
Hotel logo
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

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
    12 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Small Double Room
    2 persons
    10 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Single Room
    2 persons
    10 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
July 2026 - July 2027
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Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out

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
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Location

Cankurtaran Mahallesi Akbiyik Caddesi No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, 34122
Explore Istanbul
Explore Istanbul Near Hotel Empress Zoe
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Hagia Sophia Museum
Hagia Sophia Museum
6 minutes' walk
A stunning architectural masterpiece that blends Byzantine and Ottoman history. Admission is free on specific days.
Blue Mosque
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
Basilica Cistern
6 minutes' walk
An ancient underground water reservoir featuring beautiful columns and a mysterious ambiance. Guided tours available.
Topkapi Palace
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
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
    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
Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway
Book now and enjoy exclusive rates on your family vacation!
Check Rates
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.
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:
19

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
Powered by AI
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 606 verified reviews
9.1 /10
Perfect
97 %
Recommend
Location
9.8/10
Staff
9.7/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Free WiFi
9.0/10
Pros
Kind staff
Private garden
Double bed
Soundproof windows
Varied breakfast
Cons
Spiral staircases
Guest reviews
based on 606 reviews
9.1/10
based on 1255 reviews
9.1/10
miriam from germany
Single
standard double room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 31, 2025
9.3/10

what a gem in the heart of everything!

unbeatable location friendly staff peaceful garden
the location was unbeatable, a quick stroll to major attractions! staff members were super friendly and helpful with everything. the garden provided a peaceful escape and the breakfast offered fresh choices, i enjoyed them thoroughly. plus. the hotel even arranged a private shuttle to and from the airport!
the staircase leading to the first floor was a narrow spiral. this was difficult to navigate with luggage.
Service
10/10
the staff was very attentive. they promptly addressed requests and provided helpful recommendations. the private airport shuttle arrangement was seamless and efficient.
Rooms
9/10
my room was clean and well maintained. it featured traditional décor and fresno touches, giving it a unique charm. the little balcony offered a pleasant space.
Dining
9/10
breakfast included a variety of fresh fruits. local delicacies and other tasty items were available. i took breakfast each morning in the beautiful garden. what a treat!
Facilities
9/10
the garden provides a relaxing area . the rooftop had fine views! i especially liked the hotel's central location.
0 Helpful
|
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Joseph from United Kingdom
Single
Standard Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: October 25, 2025
8.5/10

Excellent Location and Charming Details

major attractions included breakfast helpful staff
The hotel is near major attractions. Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque are each a short walk away. Breakfast was included each morning. Staff members were helpful throughout my stay.
The hotel lacked an elevator. I had to walk up stairs to reach my room. This was difficult at times.
Rooms
8/10
My standard double room had comfortable furnishings. Everything was clean, too. The room included standard amenities like a hairdryer and toiletries. We loved that. But the bed was amazing!
Service
9/10
The staff was polite and attentive to my needs. They quickly addressed a minor issue with my room. I appreciated their responsiveness and willingness to help. The service was very nice
0 Helpful
|
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Elena from Spain
Single
Standard Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: August 28, 2025
9/10
fresh fruit pastries option rooftop terrace
the breakfast buffet has delicious options. i especially liked the fresh fruit and pastries. staff offered help with luggage up the stairs, which i appreciated. the rooftop terrace provided views of the surrounding area.
the room walls are thin and some street noise filters through.
0 Helpful
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.

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