Name: The Empress Theodora Hotel
Address: Alemdar Cad. No:16 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul Province
Price range: US$42+
Rating: 8.2

The Empress Theodora Hotel Istanbul Exterior photo

The Empress Theodora Hotel Istanbul Interior photo

The Empress Theodora Hotel Istanbul Corridors photo

Key details

About the Hotel

Alemdar Cad. No:16 Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Steps from the Historic Old Town

Great

8.9

/10

3.6

Loved by The Empress Theodora Hotel guests

Helpful staff

Excellent location

Great view

Clean rooms

The Empress Theodora Hotel - A luxury stay with Greek-inspired rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and a prime location in Istanbul's old city center

The Empress Theodora Hotel offers 18 luxury rooms blending Greek tradition with modern amenities, including designer coffee tables, minibars, and rain showers. A rooftop restaurant overlooks Sultan Zeynep Mosque, and guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast indoors or outdoors on the terrace. Situated in Sirkeci, the hotel is within walking distance of landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern. Private transfers from airports take 45 minutes from Atatürk and 90 minutes from Sabiha Gökçen. Rooms feature flat-screen satellite TVs, free Wi-Fi, and Bentley kettle sets. Many dining options, including Matbah Ottoman Palace Cuisine and El Pescador Restaurant, are within 300 meters.

Pros

The rooftop restaurant provides views of Sultan Zeynep Mosque.

Complimentary buffet breakfast is served indoors and outdoors on the terrace.

Walking distance to major historic sites, including Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Private airport transfers available for convenience.

Cons

Some rooms lack windows.

The hotel's central location means the surrounding area can be busy.

Select your room type

The Empress Theodora Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Standard Room
2 persons
185 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Triple Room
2 persons
205 sq. feet
1 Double bed and 1 Single bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Economy Double Room without Window
2 persons
175 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details

Room Rates & Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The Empress Theodora Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.7/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Allergy-free rooms
Currency exchange
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Shops/Commercial services

Dining

Restaurant

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots

Spa & Leisure

Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Parquet floor

The Empress Theodora Hotel Location

Alemdar Cad. No:16 Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Map view

City landmarks

Mosque

Blue Mosque

3400 ft

Square

Sultanahmet District

2100 ft

Museum

Topkapi Palace

2600 ft

Mosque

Suleymaniye Mosque

1.1 mi

Landmark

Topkapi Palace harem

2500 ft

Bridge

Galata Bridge

5000 ft

Landmark

Mosaic Museum

2500 ft

Landmark

Hodjapasha Cultural Center

2200 ft

Landmark

Walled Obelisk

2900 ft

Gallery

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

1.4 mi

Mosque

Little Hagia Sophia

3700 ft

Monument

Serpent Column

2100 ft

Landmark

Theodosius Cistern

2700 ft

Mosque

Rustem Pasha Mosque

5200 ft

Mosque

Sokollu Mehmet Pasa Mosque

3200 ft

Mosque

Bayezid II Mosque

4500 ft

Nearby

Museum

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

1200 ft

Yerebatan Caddesi

Basilica Cistern

900 ft

Cankurtaran Mahallesi Ayasofya Meydani No:2 Fatih

Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami

900 ft

Binbirdirek Mah. Divanyolu Cad. No:84 Sultanahmet

TGC Press Media Museum

2000 ft

Historic Areas of Istanbul

1300 ft

Sultanahmet Meydani

Obelisk of Theodosius

1400 ft

Profesör Kazım İsmail Gürkan Cad. No: 34

Cagaloglu Hamami

1400 ft

Alemdar Mah. Alemdar Cad. Eminonu/Cagaloglu

Gulhane Park

300 ft

Museum

Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam

1300 ft

Fountain

German Fountain

1300 ft

Caferiye Sk. Sogukkuyu Cikmazi No:5

Caferaga Madrasa

200 ft

Museum

Hagia Irene

1400 ft

Museum

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

1800 ft

Restaurants

Sultanahmet Koftecisi

1200 ft

Buyukdere Cad. Astoria Alisveris Merkezi No:127 K:3 Sisli Esentepe

Caferaga Medresesi

200 ft

Cankurtaran Mahallesi

Kosk Kebap

700 ft

Alaykosku Cad. No:21 Alemdar Mah.

Ottoman Life Park

1000 ft

Alemdar Mahallesi Yerebatan Caddesi No10 Giris Kat Sultanahmet / Fatih

Maya's Corner

900 ft

Alemdar Mh.

Cafe Rumist

2200 ft

Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi

Food Lab Istanbul

700 ft

Hocapasa Mahallesi. Hocapasa Sokak. No:37A

Nist Cafe

1300 ft

Alemdar Mahallesi

Yeni Oz Karadeniz

1300 ft

2 cagagoglu Hamami sokagi

Explore Istanbul

Nearby Attractions, Dining & Entertainment

Hagia Sophia Museum

5 minutes' walk

This iconic former church and mosque, now a museum, showcases stunning Byzantine architecture and rich history.

Topkapi Palace

10 minutes' walk

Once the residence of Ottoman sultans, this palace features exquisite gardens and rich artifacts, including the Harem section.

Basilica Cistern

4 minutes' walk

An ancient water reservoir, this atmospheric site features beautiful columns and serene waters, perfect for a unique exploration.

Sultanahmet District

8 minutes' walk

Home to numerous historical sites, this vibrant district is ideal for strolling, shopping, and enjoying local coffee.

Turkish Bath Experience

4 minutes' walk

Relax at Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami, offering traditional Turkish baths and massages. Advance booking recommended.

Historical Walking Tours

5 minutes' walk

Join guided tours exploring Ottoman architecture and history. Perfect for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Biking along the Bosphorus

18 minutes' drive

Rent a bike and enjoy scenic paths along the Bosphorus. Rentals available nearby, showcasing beautiful views.

Photography Walks

10 minutes' walk

Capture stunning photos around Sultanahmet's landmarks, with various tours available specializing in photography.

Sultanahmet Koftecisi

5 minutes' walk

A local favorite, this casual eatery specializes in juicy meatballs and traditional Turkish dishes. Reservations not required.

Caferaga Medresesi

1 minute' walk

Offering a cozy ambiance, this restaurant serves fresh Mediterranean cuisine with vegetarian options and delightful desserts.

Kosk Kebap

3 minutes' walk

Famous for its grilled kebabs and local specialties, this casual spot provides hearty dishes in a friendly setting.

Maya's Corner

3 minutes' walk

A charming café featuring international cuisine and homemade treats, perfect for relaxing with a coffee or light meal.

Little Hagia Sophia

14 minutes' walk

A serene venue with beautiful architecture, hosting various cultural events and performances throughout the year.

Beyazit Square

19 minutes' walk

A lively square featuring local vendors and occasional street performances, perfect for a vibrant atmosphere.

Galata Bridge

18 minutes' walk

A scenic spot for enjoying views, with bars and restaurants underneath, popular for fishing and evening strolls.

Rustem Pasha Mosque

19 minutes' walk

Known for its exquisite tile-work, this mosque offers not only tranquility but often hosts cultural gatherings.

Getting around

City Centre
Istanbul 8 min · 2000 ft
Airports
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International (SAW) 66 min · 27.0 mi
Istanbul (IST) 70 min · 28.7 mi
Train
Sultanahmet Tram Station 5 min · 1400 ft
Sirkeci Train Station 8 min · 2000 ft
Underground
Vezneciler 21 min · 1.1 mi
Halic 22 min · 1.1 mi

Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?

Get exclusive rates right now!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:59

Check-out

until 12 pm

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, Russian, Turkish, Arabic

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Empress Theodora Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Empress Theodora Hotel enjoys a convenient location close to many attractions, including Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Blue Mosque, reachable within a short walk; the tram is also nearby for easy access to other parts of Istanbul. Guests often compliment the rooftop terrace where breakfast is served. While the beverage selection at breakfast receives praise, some guests have found the warm food options to be somewhat limited. Overall, guests consider this hotel to be a good value for money.

Review score

Based on 5 verified reviews

8.2 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Location

9.6/10

Staff

9.5/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.6/10

Facilities

8.7/10

Pros

Helpful staff

Clean rooms

Convenient location

Abundant breakfast

Room upgrade

Cons

No elevator

Sarah from United Kingdom

Single

standard room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 13, 2026

9/10

perfect location savory options fresh food

The hotel's location was really great for seeing the main sights. it was a short walk to hagia sophia and the blue mosque. breakfast offered several savory options. They seemed fresher than usual.

My room lacked soundproofing. Traffic noise bothered me during the night.

0 Helpful

Jonathan from United Kingdom

Single

standard room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 04, 2026

9/10

daily service local cheeses

the room was cleaned daily i appreciated that service the breakfast included pastries and local cheeses. the staff was helpful with directions i used public transportation easily from the hotel.

the wifi signal was sometimes weak during peak hours

0 Helpful

martin from germany

Single

standard room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 29, 2025

6/10

street noise basic breakfast

the location was acceptable as it was close to many attractions.

The noise was bad. I heard everything from the street. also, the breakfast was very basic, and there wasn't much choice available. i found that disappointing.

0 Helpful

Rita from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 29, 2025

8.3/10

Wonderful Location and Service

central location helpful staff clean room daily service

The location was EXCELLENT, I could easily walk to major attractions and find restaurants nearby. The staff was friendly and helpful, especially at the reception desk. My room was clean, and housekeeping provided daily service, ensuring a tidy space. Breakfast offered sufficient variety to begin my days exploring.

Service

9/10

The reception staff offered great help with directions and local tips, and they were available 24/7. The staff also arranged a reliable airport transfer for me, very convenient. The hotel staff speak multiple languages, this helped communication.

Rooms

8/10

My room included a comfortable bed and a desk. The bathroom featured a shower and complimentary toiletries. It was cleaned daily. The air conditioning worked well, helping me control the room temperature, though it was noisy at times.

Dining

8/10

Breakfast included fresh bread, cheeses, and olives. Hot beverages, such as tea and coffee, were readily available in the dining area. Breakfast hours were convenient and allowed for a relaxed start to the day, though it was crowded.

0 Helpful

benjamin from germany

Single

standard room

4 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 24, 2025

8.7/10

cozy stay near major attractions

fantastic location short walk good options

the location was fantastic, near topkapi palace. it was a short walk to the mosques. the breakfast had good options.

the housekeeper seemed unfriendly. she did not respond when i said good morning. this.

Service

9/10

the staff was ready to assist guests with any need. they were helpful and quick to respond. i noticed their dedication to ensure everyone has what they need.

Rooms

8/10

rooms were clean and well kept. the towels were changed every day. the air conditioning works quietly and efficiently, a great feature, especially during warmer days.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel offers breakfast on the rooftop terrace. it presents a fresh scent throughout the hotel. the location is near a tram station, that goes to the city center.

0 Helpful

Show more reviews