Image by Kookay from Pixabay

If you're planning to add a night or two sightseeing in Greece's must-see capital to an island-hopping journey or a road trip, let the Guru help you. Some of the best hotels for a stopover in Athens are in the city centre - perfect for a flying visit to the Parthenon and a night on the town.

8 of the Best Hotels for an Athens stopover

For sightseeing

If seeing the ancient sights is your priority, you'll find some of the best places for a stopover in Athens around Koukaki and Monastiraki – or, if luxury is your priority, around Syntagma.

• Self-catering suites at NLH Fix, a stone's throw from the Acropolis, let you choose your own mealtimes, so it's a perfect stopover base.
• At A for Athens you can soak up the buzz of Monastiraki from a hip rooftop bar, dive into the labyrinthine Flea Market and explore the Roman Forum and Ancient Agora.
• For a luxury short break in the very heart of the Athens, the Grande Bretagne has sybaritic rooms, indoor and outdoor pools and all the perks you'd expect from the grandest of Syntagma hotels.

For access to flights and ferries

Arriving late or leaving early? You'll find some of the best hotels for a stopover in Rafina and Piraeus, the city's two ferry ports, and at Athens International Airport.

Flickr user Jeffrey

• For an upscale stay at the airport, check out the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel. It's across the road from the terminal, with an open-air terrace, indoor pool, fine dining in its Karavi restaurant and a 24-hour buffet.
• For a conveniently-located, family-run place to stay within walking distance of the ferry port in Rafina, you'll find Hotel Corali, on the town's main square and Avra Hotel, a modern property with an outdoor pool and all mod cons, right next to the harbour.
• Our top pick for a comfortable stopover in Piraeus is Piraeus City Hotel, a short walk from the ferry quays. The rooftop restaurant is a bonus.

For a road trip

If you're planning to begin a road trip around Greece from Athens, or using a rental car for day trips to iconic destinations like Delphi and Mycenae, steer clear of the city centre. Instead, look for hotels with secure parking and easy motorway access in neighbourhoods like Kifissia.

• With parking facilities and a location just 2km off the motorway Coco Mat Hotel Nafsika is well placed for drivers, and also offers attractive rooms for a romantic break, a super restaurant, and luxury airport transfers.

Still not sure?

• Browse our full list of the best places to stay in Athens,
• Check our recommendations for hotels with airport transfers
• or contact a friendly guru for advice.

  • NLH Fix Athens (Koukaki) 13 rooms from AU$207

    
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    Families  -  With suites designed to accommodate families and additional services for children available, this hotel is great for parents

    Local exploring  -  Situated at the foot of the Acropolis with great transport links, this hotel is the perfect base for local exploring

    City Style  -  With its focus on local culture, this hotel is a great way to discover Athenian style

    Sights nearby  -  Visit the Acropolis, an ancient citadel containing buildings of great archaeological significance visible from the hotel

    

    This new Athens hotel sits at the foot of the Acropolis in Koukaki. Located in the city's cultural hub, the hotel offers bright, modern rooms with COCO-MAT beds and marble bathrooms. Suites offer a self-catering kitchenette while the attic room boasts a pretty private terrace. A smart city stay. See More

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  • A for Athens Athens (Monastiraki) 35 rooms from AU$163

    
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    Romantic Break  -  A perfect romantic getaway — fantastic food, great cocktails and remarkable Acropolis views from the rooftop restaurant

    Close to nightlife  -  Monastiraki Square is just across the street and is a hotspot for bars, eateries, markets and lively street scenes

    Great walks  -  Centrally located in one of Athens most vibrant neighbourhoods, be sure to wander the streets and soak it all in

    Sights nearby  -  As you can probably tell from the views, you are only a 15 minute walk to the Acropolis

    

    Recommended by  -  Great Small Hotels

    An elegant and sought after hotel overlooking the Acropolis in central Athens. The rooms are simple and stylish with hardwood floors, artsy light fixtures and the odd marble sculpture; some offer balconies. The rooftop bar serves incredible cocktails and their Greek cuisine is excellent. Wonderful! See More

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  • Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens (Syntagma) 320 rooms from AU$618

    
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    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.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    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. See More

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  • Sofitel Athens Airport Athens (Spata) 345 rooms from AU$285

    
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    Short break  -  Located just 300 metres from Athens International Airport, this is a hotel designed for those arriving or leaving Athens

    Business meetings  -  Conference facilities consist of 10 rooms hosting seminars, weddings, galas and conferences for up to 600 guests

    Contemporary  -  Expect sleek minimalist style with large windows, simple modern furniture, and soft hues

    Sights nearby  -  A 30-minute drive will take you to the famous Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

    

    For those arriving late or leaving early in or out of Athens International Airport or on ferries to and from nearby Rafina, the five-star Sofitel is the number one choice. The interiors are sleek and minimalist, there are two good dining options and a lovely pool. An indulgent five-star base. See More

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  • Piraeus City Hotel Athens (Piraeus) 47 rooms from AU$114

    
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    Hideaway  -  Sitting opposite the port, outside of the busy city centre, this hotel is a great hideaway holiday destination

    Local exploring  -  Located a stone's throw from the port, this hotel is a great base for exploring local islands by ferry

    Families  -  The family rooms in this hotel are perfect for parents travelling with children

    Less £  -  With rooms starting well below 100 Euros, this is a well priced base

    

    This newly renovated hotel sits opposite the central port of Piraeus. Rooms are bright and modern with comfortable beds and large windows; the best rooms have a furnished balcony with views of the port. Don't miss the hotel's roof garden restaurant, serving traditional Greek dishes. A smart hotel. See More

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  • Coco Mat Hotel Nafsika Athens 22 rooms from AU$253

    
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    Hideaway  -  Set in the quiet residential area of Kifissia, a tree-filled suburb north of Athens. Relaxing to return to after a day exploring

    Eco break  -  The hotel puts its eco-conscious thos first starting with the Coco-Mat mattresses filled with horse hair or seaweed

    Cycling  -  Use one of the hotel's Coco-Mat wooden bikes to explore the vast Syngrou Park/Forest

    Contemporary  -  Interiors are fresh, airy, and modern creating a tranquil atmosphere

    

    Smart and sleek, Coco Mat Hotel Nafsika is a stylish, modern hotel on the outskirts of Athens. The comfortable rooms feature crisp colour schemes and minimalist furnishings. Downstairs guests can enjoy delicious Greek specialities in the restaurant. Perfect for a romantic break to Athens. See More

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  • Avra Hotel Rafina (Athens) 29 rooms from AU$122

    
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    Value chic  -  Close to the beach, offering comfortable rooms, extensive breakfast buffet and very reasonable prices!

    Great walks  -  Wander along Perea Seafront and take in the sights and sounds.

    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.

    House party feel  -  Be prepared to meet people.

    

    A convenient and affordable stay, outside the bustle of central Athens. A great stopover hotel with comfortable rooms, off street parking, proximity to the airport and the ferry terminal. The sea views and beach action are a real plus! See More

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  • Hotel Corali Rafina (Athens) 15 rooms from AU$98

    
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    Value chic  -  This cheap and cheerful family hotel is within easy ditance of the port and being newly refurbished boasts all mod cons needed.

    Great walks  -  A sunset stroll to the towns main sight, the hilltop church Aghios Nikolaos, is highly recommeded for its picturesque views.

    Sights nearby  -  Check out the the ancient temple of Artemis Tavropolos in Rafina.

    House party feel  -  Be prepared to meet people.

    

    Cheap, comfortable and convenient stopover hotel in Corali for ferries to Andros and elsewhere, as well as airport transfers. Simple rooms overlook lively town square. Close to the airport, and cheap. See More

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Written by Robin Gauldie

posted Wednesday, 13th November 2024