Hotel Empress Zoe

Sevin's Turkish breakfasts were a highlight, especially with different salads every day. Since I have a dairy allergy, she was very helpful about telling me each morning which dishes contained dairy. We had a lovely four night stay, with cosy rooms and friendly staff. The location was convenient for the main attractions, and we could also walk to Galata Bridge and the ferries that leave from there.

The room was a little small, but clean, comfortable, and very nice. The hotel is in an ideal spot for visiting Istanbul's major tourist sights. We really enjoyed our two days here, and the friendly staff helped arrange transport to the hotel and back to the airport, set us up with a guide, and shared general information.

Breakfast is served at the hotel, but there are no other meals. That wasn't a problem at all, since restaurants surround it in every direction and there's food to suit anyone. The friendly owner and staff, along with the location in the old town, made this little boutique hotel feel like a gem. Everything matched the description. There are no lifts and quite a lot of stairs, so it won't suit people with mobility issues. I loved my stay and will come back.

The garden was a lovely place to have breakfast, especially with the friendly cats around. The staff treat them like family and make sure they’re fed and protected. The cats are adorable, and if you're lucky, one might curl up in your lap for a nap while you enjoy the tasty breakfast. I haven’t even checked out yet, but I already want to book Empress Zoe again if I find myself craving Menemen and Turkish Coffee. This is easily the most unique, beautiful, and accommodating hotel I’ve stayed in. Empress Zoe has a kind of wonder that hotels can only dream of. I can't imagine a hotel back home in the U.S. matching it, even at ten times the price. Every detail feels magical, and the staff make you feel at home.