Double Room Garden View
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Air conditioning
Hotel · Istanbul · Istanbul Province
Hotel Empress Zoe
A characterful hotel in the heart of Sultanahmet, known for its Ottoman-style decor, leafy garden and rooftop views over the Bosphorus.
- 6-minute walk from Gulhane Park
- Rooftop terrace with Bosphorus views
- Garden suites with private hamam-style baths
8.9
Great
1553 reviews
Booking.com 8.9 · 1553 reviews
About
Hotel Empress Zoe
Hotel Empress Zoe sits on Akbiyik Caddesi in Sultanahmet, Istanbul's Old City, a 6-minute walk from Gulhane Park. The hotel blends Ottoman-inspired decor with modern comforts like air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception. Guests gather in the leafy garden for breakfast or on the sun terrace to take in the skyline.
The property offers a range of rooms and suites, from compact singles to the Chez Zoe Garden Suite with its own balcony. Several rooms open onto the garden, and the penthouse and terrace suites come with private balconies. Staff are consistently described as warm and attentive, and the hotel provides practical extras like luggage storage, laundry and airport shuttle arrangements.
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
4 reasons to book- Exceptional service from a devoted team — Guests repeatedly mention the staff's warmth, helpfulness and local knowledge, from breakfast cooks to receptionists.
- A setting that puts the Old City at your door — Sultanahmet's main sights are within a short stroll, and Gulhane Park is a 6-minute walk away.
- Charming Ottoman-inspired decor and gardens — Themed rooms, a leafy garden and a rooftop terrace with Bosphorus views create a distinct sense of place.
- Rooms with thoughtful touches — Many rooms come with private balconies, and some garden suites include a private hamam-style bath.
–
Worth weighing
4 to weigh- No pets allowed — The hotel does not accept pets, so those travelling with animals will need to look elsewhere.
- Strict check-in window — Check-in is only from 14:00 to 23:59, which may be inconvenient for late-night arrivals.
- Public parking only — The hotel does not offer on-site parking; guests with cars will need to use public parking nearby.
- Some rooms are compact — The Small Double and Budget Twin rooms are intended for tighter budgets and may feel snug for some.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Small Double Room
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Air conditioning
Single Room
- 1 Double bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Air conditioning
Large Double Room
- 2 Single beds
- Shower
- Heating
- Air conditioning
Double Room Terrace
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
Standard Twin Room
- 1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Air conditioning
Triple Room
- 3 Single beds
- Shower
- Heating
- Air conditioning
Budget Twin Room
- 2 Single beds
- Shower
- Heating
- Air conditioning
Penthouse Suite
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
Standard Double Room
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Air conditioning
Suite Terrace
- 1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
Chez Zoe Garden Suite
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
Suite Garden View
- 1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Air conditioning
Chez Zoe Deluxe Garden Suite
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
Comfort & Climate
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Flat-screen TV
- Sitting area
Food & Drink
- Dining table
- Electric kettle
- Cookware/Kitchen utensils
- Outdoor dining area
- Dinner
Outdoor & Views
- Terrace
- Patio
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- Garden furniture
- Beach umbrellas
Services & Practicalities
- 24-hour reception
- Express check-in/ -out
- Luggage storage
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Paid airport shuttle
- Fax/Photocopying
- Safe deposit box
- Key access
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 8.9/10 from 1,553 reviews
Booking.com · 8.9 · 1553 reviews
8.9Verified guest“The room had stunning sea views and a marble bathroom with central heating, a safe and a fridge. The location right by Sultanahmet square couldn't be better.”
8.9Verified guest“My room was nicely decorated and had a fridge, air conditioning and a safe.”
8.9Verified guest“The garden-view double was beautifully set up when we arrived. It's very central in the old town and the staff were caring and full of good tips.”
8.9Verified guest“I loved the themed rooms with garden views. The staff were exceptionally helpful and knew the area well.”
8.9Verified guest“Great location, close to the main sights.”
8.9Verified guest“The rooftop terrace has fine Bosphorus views, and the garden suite with a private hamam-style bath was pure bliss.”
04 — Location
Getting around Istanbul
The property sits in Istanbul.
Gulhane Park: A 6-minute walk from the hotel, this historic park offers green space and views over the Bosphorus, perfect for a morning stroll.
Sultanahmet Square: The heart of the Old City, home to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace — all within a short walk from the hotel.
Cankurtaran Mahallesi Akbiyik Caddesi No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul Province, 34122, Türkiye
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 14:00-23:59
- Check-out
- By 11:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 19 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:59, and check-out is until 11:00.
Does the hotel allow pets?
No, pets are not allowed at Hotel Empress Zoe.
Is there parking available?
The hotel does not offer on-site parking, but public parking is available nearby.
Does the hotel provide airport transfers?
Yes, a paid airport shuttle can be arranged.
Are there family-friendly facilities?
Cots are available, and the hotel offers rooms that can accommodate families, such as the Triple Room and suites with sofa beds.
Is breakfast included?
The hotel serves breakfast, but the input does not specify whether it is included in the room rate. Please confirm with the hotel.
The bottom line
Hotel Empress Zoe is a well-loved base for exploring Istanbul's Old City, combining a prime Sultanahmet location with genuine hospitality and characterful spaces. It suits travellers who value atmosphere and service over formality, and who don't mind a walk to their room or the lack of on-site parking.
8.9A charming, people-first stay in the heart of the historic peninsula
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