W IstanbulvsHotel Empress Zoe
Both properties are endorsed by travel writers. Overall, W Istanbul scores slightly higher than Hotel Empress Zoe. W Istanbul comes in at #7 in Istanbul with approval from 11 reviewers like Frommer's, Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.
W Istanbul Show All Reviews
Suleyman Seba Cad. No:22 Akaretler, Besiktas, Istanbul 34357, Turkey
From $118/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Frommer's
"From a block of abandoned row houses built in 1875 by Sultan Abdülaziz, to a stylish Starwood-branded W Hotel targeting the young, hip, and yes, even club-going set." Full review
Concierge
"Istanbul is fast becoming Europe's capital of cool, and its hip-o-meter certainly clocked up a couple more notches with the April 2008 opening of the W in the unlikely... neighborhood of Beşiktaş."
Fodor's
"An 1870s Ottoman block of row houses has been restored and enhanced with posh ultramodernity—sexy lighting, chic East-meets-West decor, and cool amenities." Full review
Insight Guides
"The hotel is... the last word in stylish modernity, just with a luxurious Ottoman twist."
Oyster
Luxury
"The 134-room W Istanbul delivers on all the hallmarks of the W brand: Trendy decor, excellent dining, and happening nightlife." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"The W Lounge is a bit heavy on the self-consciously hip trance music, but its mojitos are the best in the city; Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Spice Market restaurant is justifiably popular." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"With a great location close to Nisantasi... the W is housed in the historical Row Houses, erected in 1875 as accommodation for the high officers of the Ottoman Empire."
Time Out
"This stylish hotel is in the center of Akaretler, surrounded by cafes and design galleries. The W features 2 restaurants, a modern gym and a day spa." Full review
Star Service
"Housed inside buildings that were previously derelict, The W Istanbul is a superb example of urban revival." Full review
i
Avoid rooms on the lowest floors as they have little view since the position of the building leaves them feeling as if they are underground.
Condé Nast Traveler
"Features an entry lounge with an "interactive art installation" mixing lights, mirrors, and video installations...and a traditional Turkish-style hammam in the W Spa." Full review
Hotel Empress Zoe Show All Reviews
Akbiyik Caddesi 10, Sultanahmet, Istanbul 34122, Turkey
From $54/night
- Free Internet
- Free Breakfast
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
- Multilingual
- Air Conditioning
Rough Guide
"The nineteen rooms are in dark wood with richly coloured textiles, accessed by a narrow spiral staircase."
Concierge
"The Empress Zoe is one of the rare places in the area to display any spark of creativity in its concept and design."
Fodor's
"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
Travel + Leisure
"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
DK Eyewitness
"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."
Frommer's
"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
The Telegraph
8.0
"A couple of period town houses form the basis for this charmingly simple hotel." Full review
Afar Magazine
"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
The Guardian
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Independent
"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"