"The nineteen rooms are in dark wood with richly coloured textiles, accessed by a narrow spiral staircase."

"The Empress Zoe is one of the rare places in the area to display any spark of creativity in its concept and design."

"The hotel's lush garden is an extremely tranquil spot to eat breakfast, and there's also an intimate, two-level roof terrace with nice views." Full review

"Equally close to Sultanahmet’s major tourist sites as the Four Seasons, this boutique hotel is both quirkily charming and easy on the wallet." Full review

"It is claimed that Empress Zoe actually lived here. The two buildings have been restored to an exceptionally high standard of taste and design with an abundance of spacious suites."

"If you do strain your back on the way up, you'll be pleased to find extremely comfortable beds and loads of character when you make it to your room." Full review

"A couple of period town houses form the basis for this charmingly simple hotel." Full review

"Hotel Empress Zoe, owned by American sisters Christina and Ann, is a little oasis nestled on old Istanbul’s most vibrant cobblestone streets." Full review

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"Several townhouses join together to form this quirky boutique hotel, all of which huddle around a lovely courtyard garden where you can see ruins of a 15th-century hammam"

"Channels the city’s Byzantine charm and mystery with gorgeous views from almost every room and lush Turkish textiles." Full review

" With facilities catering to business travelers, families, couples, and VIPs, the 11th member of the international Raffles chain of luxury hotels has broad appeal." Full review

"All rooms feature a balcony with the best views overlooking the Bosphorus and the Princes’ Islands." Full review

"Raffles Istanbul is a five-pearl property with dramatic, art-filled interiors situated in an upscale mall and residential complex, about a 30-minute drive from the top tourist sights." Full review

"Unlike the majority of luxury hotels in Istanbul, Raffles does not pay homage to the city’s bygone Byzantine and Ottoman eras, but stands instead as a symbol of a modern, self-confident Turkey." Full review

"Opulent, ultra-mod newcomer overlooking the Bosphorus with a rooftop cinema, lavish spa and Michelin-starred chef." Full review

"Recent travelers are confident in their proclamations that the Raffles Istanbul is one of the best hotels they have ever stayed in." Full review

"Set away from central Istanbul in the shiny Zorlu Centre and the business district – but easily reached by metro – Raffles Istanbul is as stylishly modern as its sleek surroundings"

"A romantic stay at Raffles Istanbul comes with sweeping panoramic views of the Bosphorus, stylish accommodations featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies (yes, there's 24-hour butler service, too), world-class gastronomic experiences, and a spa with couples rooms and Turkish baths"

"Historical references are present, of course, especially in the artwork...every room is assigned a personal butler, and the facilities include the full luxury-hotel treatment" Full review