Photo of Empress Zoe

“Well designed combination of period style and modern facilities in this Ottoman house and adjoining 15th-century Hammam. Attractively furnished rooms with antiques, Turkish rugs, wall-hangings and Islamic folk art. An ‘archaeological garden’ for relaxing in. A tranquil crashpad in central Istanbul.”

“Well designed combination of period style and modern facilities in this Ottoman house and adjoining 15th-century Hammam. Attractively furnished rooms with antiques, Turkish rugs, wall-hangings and Islamic folk art. An ‘archaeological garden’ for relaxing in. A tranquil crashpad in central Istanbul.”

Hotel Review

A gaggle of adjoining Ottoman houses and a 15th-century hammam have been corralled together to create an attractive place to stay in the very centre of Sultanahmet. The roof terrace, with its panoramic views of the old city, is a big selling point. The rooms are attractively furnished with antiques and Turkish rugs and wallhangings, and there’s an ‘archaeological garden’ were you can meditate on the past surrounded by fragments of ancient statuary.

 

Written by Robin Gauldie

Recommended For

  • Hideaway
  • A quaint hideaway right in the city centre with stylish rooms, a lovely rooftop terrace and a tranquil leafy garden.
  • Museums
  • This hotel is walking distance from the former church and mosque turned incredible museum- the Hagia Sophia Museum.
  • Other Activities
  • Indulge in one of the local Turkish Baths, the perfect way to unwind after a long days sightseeing.
  • Local markets
  • Explore the warren alleyways of the Grand Bazaar and discover its hidden jems.
  • Sights nearby
  • Close to all the main sights including the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
  • Close to nightlife
  • Delve into the city's lanes and explore the local bars and food outlets.
  • No restaurant
  • Breakfast only
  • Views
  • Townhouse
  • Full of character
  • Sit-out Terrace
  • B&B
  • Roof terrace
  • Free wifi
  • Charming
  • Traditional
  • Boutique
  • Child friendly
  • Chic

Facilities

  • No restaurant
  • Breakfast only
  • Wifi
  • Sit-out Terrace
  • Library
  • Roof terrace
  • Bar
  • Views
  • Free wifi
  • Air conditioning
  • Satellite / Cable TV
  • Child friendly
  • Garden

Activities

  • Museums
  • This hotel is walking distance from the former church and mosque turned incredible museum- the Hagia Sophia Museum.
  • Other Activities
  • Indulge in one of the local Turkish Baths, the perfect way to unwind after a long days sightseeing.
  • Local markets
  • Explore the warren alleyways of the Grand Bazaar and discover its hidden jems.
  • Sights nearby
  • Close to all the main sights including the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
  • Close to nightlife
  • Delve into the city's lanes and explore the local bars and food outlets.

Map & Location

What's Nearby

Other Reviews

Hotel Empress Zoe

"Lots of natural wood and stone are enlivened by carefully-chosen oriental rugs and textiles. The peaceful garden is graced by palms and a cypress tree."

Originally published by The Telegraph (view article)

10 of the best boutique hotels in Istanbul

"Rooms come in all shapes and sizes – the finest garden suites have their own tiny hamams although rooms in the main building are tiddlier. At the heart of the hotel are two secluded courtyard gardens, one of them backing onto the ruins of a 15th-century Turkish bath."

Originally published by The Guardian (view article)

Hotel Empress Zoe

"With a small flower-filled garden, a rooftop bar that looks over the Sea of Marmara and the ruins of a 15th-century hammam all on site, things could hardly be more peaceful."

Originally published by Independent (view article)