Athens is one of the world's great sightseeing cities, with cultural attractions that span thousands of years. But in the heat of a summer afternoon, after a morning spent trekking around the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora or shopping in the Athens Flea Market, the prospect of cooling off in a fabulous hotel pool is very alluring. You'll find hotels with indoor and outdoor pools in the city centre around Syntagma and Kolonaki, in Plaka and in leafy Kifissia on the outskirts of Athens.

The best hotels with pools in Athens

For a pool with a view

Watching the sun set over the columns of the Acropolis and the rooftops of Plaka from a rooftop pool is a joy. You'll find rooftop pools atop luxury hotels and boutique properties in the city centre.

Fresh Hotel

  • The rooftop pool at the St George Lycabettus has panoramic views over the city, Mt Lycabettus and the distant Acropolis. Rooms are luxurious, and the classy café life and shopping of posh Kolonaki are on the doorstep.
  • The view over Plaka from the pool at Fresh Hotel is an Athens classic and the rooftop bar is perfect for a sunset cocktail, while rooms are spacious and stylish.
  • The epic view of the Acropolis from the pool of the Electra Metropolis is another stunner.
  • At Novus City Hotel the rooftop pool on the eighth floor overlooks the cultural hub of Karaiskaki Square and has a colourful terrace bar.

For a private pool

For the ultimate poolside experience in Athens, splash out on a suite with a private pool.

  • The Penthouse Suite at the classically opulent King George Palace has its own pool with a great view over Syntagma.

Pools for all seasons

Most of the best hotels with pools in Athens have outdoor pools that are open only from April to October and are unheated – so a dip in April or May can be surprisingly bracing. For year-round swimming, seek out a hotel which also has an indoor pool.

Divani Caravel

  • The Grande Bretagne offers indoor swimming to complement its fab rooftop pool.
  • The huge Divani Caravel has an expansive indoor/outdoor rooftop pool that offers the best of both worlds, complementing top notch facilities and bright, modern rooms.

Garden Pools

Swimmers and sunbathers at most of the best hotels with pools in Athens find themselves poised at rooftop level, looking out over seemingly endless cityscapes. But look further afield and you can find a select few hotel pools in greener surroundings.

Life Gallery Hotel

  • The LIfe Gallery hotel is located in Athens' northern suburbs, but this means you get a unique glass-walled swimming pool surrounded by fragrant pine trees and lawns for relaxing.
  • The garden-level pool at the Semiramis is a lush oasis, and from poolside bungalow rooms at this gorgeous resort-style hotel you can step straight into its embrace.

Still not sure? Browse through our list of the best luxury hotels in Athens, expand your search to include all our Athens recommendations, or contact a friendly guru for advice.

The 10 Best Hotels with Pools in Athens

King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Athens (Syntagma)

A neoclassical grand dame hotel, in the historic Syntagma Square. Opulent interiors with hardwood floors, classical furnishings and stunning views of the Parthenon. Everything you would expect of five-star luxury — with some contemporary twists. A luxe city base.

  • Sights nearby - A short walk to the Acropolis, containing the remains of several ancient buildings, the most famous being the Parthenon
  • Honeymoons - Book the Penthouse Suite with private outdoor pool overlooking the famed Acropolis — you can't get more romantic!
  • City Style - Oozing glamour and old world charm, with chandeliers and period furnishings creating a unique neo-classical look
  • Hotel Entertainment - Sip cocktails on the seventh floor balcony over looking the spectacular Ancient Citadel, The Acropolis
from $353 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Fresh Hotel

Athens (Omonia)

Luxury meets minimal to make a statement at this colourful boutique hotel in the centre of Athens. Spacious and stylish rooms come with all the mod-cons. Admire the sunset from the rooftop pool and open-air bar. Top notch breakfast buffet at Magenta Restaurant. Great for romantics and explorers.

  • Romantic Break - A hip spot for young couples — Tassos Zepos design interiors and achingly cool rooftop bar with pool and views of the Acropolis
  • Total relaxation - For those looking to unwind, book the suites featuring Zen Gardens and make the most of the Hammam, spa and steam rooms!
  • Hotel Entertainment - The new ArtWall/Project Space hosts a new visual and/or performance art show every month
  • Sights nearby - Acropolis and Syntagma Square are very easily accessibly by foot
from $123 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
St George Lycabettus

Athens (Kolonaki)

Classic luxury meets 21st-century style at this Athens Grand Dame. Dignified and charming, with great rooftop pool and contemporary rooms. Some rooms have views of the Acropolis. Not super central so good rates, and in upmarket, quiet residential area.

  • City Style - In the city's most exclusive neighbourhood, with excellent views of the Acropolis from the sleek rooms and hip rooftop bar
  • Luxury - The hotel sets itself apart by offering unique amenities including a cinema, art gallery and yoga sessions
  • Museums - The Cycladic Museum, the Byzantine Museum and the National Gallery are all walking distance
  • Views - Enjoy a drink with panoramic views from both the rooftop bar and Le Grand Balcon restaurant
from $151 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Life Gallery

Athens (Anixi)

A modern luxury hotel set in the sophisticated suburb of Ekali. Expect minimalist design, contemporary artworks, a superb restaurant, and a luxury spa. Rooms, studios and suites are romantic, contemporary, and sophisticated. A unique hotel for luxury travellers.

  • Spa - The extensive spa includes a state-of-the-art wet area, a hot tub, a sauna and a hamam as well as a wide range of treatments
  • Designer - The design is chic and contemporary with minimalist furniture, large swathes of glass, and modern Greek artwork
  • City Style - Although its location is not the most central Life Gallery is a very chic option and with great facilities too
  • Luxury - With chic design, high-end service, a spoiling spa, and excellent restaurant — this is a luxurious stay
from $191 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Semiramis Hotel

Athens (Kifissia)

5* designer hotel in quiet suburb of city. Eclectic interiors have eye-catching lighting features, white furnishings and quirky bathrooms, with floor to ceiling windows. Outdoor pool, spa, sauna and gym. Fusion Mediterranean cuisine in chic restaurant, buzzy bar lounge. Colourful, modern and unique.

  • Luxury - A hotel worthy of spending time in whether you want to admire the artworks, enjoy a spa treatment, or dine in the fab restaurant
  • City Style - A hip design hotel down to every detail offering a quirky twist to a trip to historic Greece
  • Artworks - Owner’s extensive art collection including pieces by Jeff Koons, Sue Webster and Tim Noble
  • Designer - The futuristic design is created by the the renowned designer, Karim Rashid
from $150 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Grande Bretagne

Athens (Syntagma)

A historic hotel in the heart of Athens. Find elegance in abundance throughout. Gorgeous rooms with high ceilings, large windows and filled with antiques. The marble-clad bathrooms are pretty special too. A fine-dining restaurant and glamorous bar for nights of indulgence. Highly recommended.

  • Historic - The grand building dates back to 1842 (it was once a favourite of Winston Churchill). It's packed with antiques and oil painting
  • Close to nightlife - There are many bars in the surrounding area but why go further than the hotel's award-winning Alexander's Bar
  • City Style - The height of glamour with its grand neoclassical style, this is a must stay for total indulgence
  • Local exploring - Well located for easy access to the city's main attractions.
from $399 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Divani Caravel Hotel

Athens (Pangrati)

A luxury hotel perfectly located in central Athens. Functionality is the key word, with restaurant, shop, bar and lobby laid in an open plan style. Rooms range from simple bright and contemporary to more sumptuous suites. Expect top notch facilities including a rooftop pool, spa and superb cuisine!

  • Local exploring - An ideal base for exploring with good transport links and easy access to the Kolonaki shopping district, museums and monuments
  • Museums - Set close to the city’s major museums including the National Art Gallery, the Museum of Cycladic Art, and the War Museum
  • Families - Well designed for families with babysitting services, kids' menus, and spacious family suites
  • Designer Shopping - Close to Kolonaki, an upscale neighbourhood and one of the main shopping areas in Athens
from $147 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Electra Metropolis

Athens (Syntagma)

A luxurious 5-star hotel offering elegant rooms and suites. Centrally located in downtown Athens, bustling urban entertainment is around every corner. The design is retro-chic and undeniably cool. A breathtaking rooftop with bar, pool and epic views of the Parthenon make this hotel a must-stay.

  • Families - Families will love this all-facilitating hotel - family suites, TVs, pool, spa and urban entertainment - something for everyone
  • Local exploring - Get lost in the winding streets of this history-centric city. At the crossroads of modern urban culture and ancient history
  • Romantic Break - Athens is a romantic city full of history, art, ruins, museums, bustling night-life and cafe-culture on every street corner
  • Sights nearby - The absolute perfect location for visiting the world's most famous ancient ruins atop of the Acropolis
from $205 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Novus City Hotel

Athens (Vathi)

This modern, four-star hotel is situated in Karaiskaki Square, the cultural centre of Athens. Rooms are individually styled in a lively palette, with hand-selected design pieces; the best suites offer a private terrace. Relax by the hotel pool or at the sleek rooftop bar. A contemporary city stay.

  • Local exploring - Set in the heart of the artsy district of Athens, there is plenty to do locally such as the theatre, museums & historic sites
  • Museums - Visit the nearby Paxinou-Minotis Museum, dedicated to the work of Greek film and stage actress Katina Paxinou
  • Families - Family rooms are great for those travelling with children, and kids will love the hotel pool
  • City Style - With a bright and modern finish, this four-star hotel is stylish and luxurious
from $163 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Written by Robin Gauldie

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