Nothing, all was lovely

Breakfast great, staff helpful and friendly, room delightful. A very short walk to the main parts of Istanbul, Hippodrome, Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Baslica Cisterns.

Stayed in May 2025

Location fabulous, room great, breakfast was amazing.

Stayed in April 2025

N/A

I loved the hospitality, the food, the view, amd how close it was to everything. If you want peace, silence, amd warming atmosphere this is the Hotel

Stayed in May 2025

The staff were so helpful, and the hotel was perfectly located. They had lots of recommendations for us. Our room was lovely, with a four poster bed and little balcony.

Stayed in April 2025

Charming building full of character, authentic design. The location is great - it is literally 5-10 min away from the main sights. The staff was so warm and welcoming. We have had great stay.

Stayed in May 2025

I highly recommend this hotel, although very central it was a quiet oasis in a very busy city. It would be nice to be able to order a cold drink from the rooftop without having to walk down 3 flights of stairs to place the order!

Brilliant location and interesting history.

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing at all, everything was great!

Beautiful ottoman style architecture! Unique! Staff were really nice and courteous!

Stayed in May 2025

It was all good

The location was amazing. The breakfast was incredible. Highly recommended.

Stayed in May 2025

The stairs!

The location the authentic room the view the staff breakfast the roof terrace

Stayed in May 2025

In terms of its proximity to the historic and sacred essence of Hagia Sofia and Sultanahmet, The Empress Zoe was the perfect compliment. 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. I had a garden view room with lots of room. It felt more like an apartment than a room. I will be back in Istanbul in a few months and I look forward to returning to the tranquility of The Empress.

Stayed in May 2025

I have been to Istanbul several times and this accomodation has been the best so far, where I have stayed. Beautiful room, friendly staff and cats, amazing location and very tasy breakfast in a very cosy breakfast room. Definitely recommended!

Stayed in February 2025

Staff was helpful and very friendly! Breakfast was pleasant, we slept very well here, enjoyed the ambiance.

Stayed in May 2025

We loved the historical ambience and character-all of the other hotels in the neighborhood were modern. It's located right next to Topkapi Palace and Aya Sophia,

Stayed in April 2025

Decent Breakfast

Lovely Staff !

Stayed in April 2025

We have just stayed for four nights at the Empress Zoe and loved our stay there. The location was fabulous and close to all the big tourist spots but also so lovely and quiet. The whole hotel feels so atmospheric with beautiful, old Turkish antiques and furnishing. Our room had a lovely balcony which overlooked the garden and old stone hamman. The breakfast each morning was extensive and delicious and served in the cute dining room or in the courtyard. The staff here are welcoming and kind and made us feel immediately at home. We will definitely return to this wonderful hotel.

Stayed in April 2025

Lots of narrow stairs and a spiral staircase

Superb breakfasts

Stayed in April 2025

Spiral stairs were a little daunting — anyone with accessibility needs should check what’s available

Great location, lovely friendly staff, brilliant breakfast

Stayed in February 2025

Position

Stayed in April 2025

We sis not like sharing garden with family. We didn’t know family room was above

Staff was great. Location great. We loved being by garden

Stayed in April 2025

We absolutely loved our room and views of the garden. The staff were incredible and took care of all the details. They even prepared a breakfast package for our early morning flight. Thank you!

Stayed in April 2025

Nothing. It was perfect.

Beautiful historical property. The breakfast was incredible, it was a perfect location for a first time visitor to Istanbul, staff were so friendly and accommodating, and the property itself was magical.

Stayed in March 2025

The breakfast is amazing with such a wide variety of food, sweet and savoury. The property was clean and everyone working there was smiling and kind.

Stayed in March 2025

Taking spiraling stairs was challenging at times.

Excellent location, friendly and helpful staff . Clean room, nicely decorated. Great rooftop terrace. Breakfast was very good, basically homemade food, which can be enjoyed in a green private courtyard

Stayed in April 2025

Overall a great stay. The room was simple but beautiful. The breakfast was very nice.

Stayed in April 2025