Hotel Empress Zoe, Sultanahmet

Hotel Empress Zoe is a small but very comfortable boutique hotel with loads of personality and a little eccentric. The decor is nicely traditional with a few modern touches. There is a cute bar and breakfast eating area that opens up on to a peaceful and secluded garden where you can also eat breakfast. It’s also an oasis of calm after coming in from the busy streets. It’s owned by an American woman and run by very helpful and lovely locals. And there is also the addition of three very friendly cats. There are simple double rooms for around 85 euros a night or suites that overlook the sea and the garden with their own terraces. Each of the rooms are individually decorated. The rooftop terrace has excellent views. Empress Zoe is in the heart of Sultanhamet just a stones throw from the Aya Sofya, Istanbul’s most famous monument. I highly recommend it.