The 12 Most Luxurious Hotels in Athens

AthensImage by WeeFee_Photography fr

Athens is a wonderful place for a city break in a luxury cocoon. Few cities in the world can match the millennia of human heritage crammed into its compact historic centre. If you're a foodie, you can snack on street food delights like souvlaki and bougatsa, eat multiple meze dishes at a mezedopoleion, or indulge in contemporary Mediterranean-fusion dining while discovering the best of new-style Greek wines. Many of the best luxury hotels in Athens cluster around Syntagma Square in the heart of the city, within walking distance of key sights. But you'll also find plenty of smaller, intimate luxury hotels in traffic-free Plaka and distinctive places to stay on the outskirts of town, in the cool and leafy upscale neighbourhood of Kifissia on the slopes of Mt Pendeli.

For Classic Grandeur

Polished mahogany, gleaming brass, creamy marble and an aura of hushed opulence prevail in the classical surroundings of the best luxury hotels in Athens.

Hotel Grande Bretagne

  • Stay at the Grande Bretagne for fine dining, immaculate service, and facilities including indoor and outdoor pools.
  • Next door, the King George shares its neighbour's super location and adds state-of-the-art facilities to neoclassical elegance.
  • Completing a trio of grand Syntagma hotels, NJV Athens Plaza is a sleek contemporary hotel.

For Boutique Style

If you prefer a more intimate kind of luxury, you'll find plenty of cute and romantic boutique hotels in the city centre. Many of them are in lovingly-restored historic mansions.

AthensWas

  • For stylish minimalism and a location right next to the Acropolis, AthensWas is hard to beat. Oozing with chic, it's housed in a former apartment building, totally smartened up with gleaming marble and walnut and modern-vintage furnishings. A rooftop restaurant completes the picture.
  • Lovers of modernism may also like the monochrome colour schemes at Hotel Periscope, where white Egyptian cottons offset charcoal-coloured walls.
  • Restrained luxury in a neo-classical setting is the keynote of the Athens Mansion Luxury Suites, where suites feature balconies with views over the historic centre.
  • You'll find luxurious rooms with balconies too at Inn Athens, a chic choice just off Syntagma Square.
  • For urban style, The Zillers is one of The Guru's favourite boutique hideyholes, with urban-chic designer rooms and Acropolis views from its Roof Garden bar.
  • Ample-sized rooms at the stately Noble Suites are dressed with period furniture in keeping with the building's neoclassical heritage; some have Acropolis views.

For Retro Style

Some of the best luxury hotels in Athens date from the glam years of the swinging '60s, when the Jackie Onassis jet-set flocked to Greece.

St George Lycabettus

  • Buffed up for the 21st century, the somewhat colossal Divani Caravel offers perks like a rooftop pool and spa to compensate for a slightly incovenient location.
  • From the same era, the Electra Metropolis boasts a rooftop pool and fabulous views.
  • Equally fab is the Saint George Lycabettus, where classic luxury meets 21st-century style on the edge of posh Kolonaki.

Still not sure what to book?

  • Take a look at our pick of all the best places to stay in Athens,
  • Check out our recommendations for the best Athens hotels with a view
  • or contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.
    • King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel Athens (Syntagma) 102 rooms from CA$492

      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
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Michelin Travel

      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. See More

      Check Availability
    • St George Lycabettus Athens (Kolonaki) 154 rooms from CA$211

      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
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
      Recommended by  -  Frommers, Michelin Travel

      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. See More

      Check Availability
    • Hotel Periscope Athens (Kolonaki) 21 rooms from CA$174

      City Style  -  A stylish modern hotel set right at the heart of Kolonaki, the oldest and most exclusive neighborhood in Athens city
      Artworks  -  The property has a vast collection of local modern art and photography giving the feel of a real sense of place
      Contemporary  -  Expect chic minimalist design with grey, white, and black hues, clean lines, and plenty of light
      Local exploring  -  A good central base from which you can easily get to all of Athens's best bits!
      Air conditioning
      Recommended by  -  Tablet, I Escape

      A smart boutique hotel in upmarket Kolonaki. Minimalist rooms and suites have polished parquet floors, modern tech, lots of natural light, and walls adorned with specially commissioned artworks. There's a smart lounge area and for those that want to splash out, the Penthouse Suite has a hot tub. See More

      Check Availability
    • Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens (Syntagma) 320 rooms from CA$555

      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.
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessParking
      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

      Check Availability
    • Divani Caravel Hotel Athens (Pangrati) 471 rooms from CA$205

      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
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

      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! See More

      Check Availability
    • Electra Metropolis Athens (Syntagma) 216 rooms from CA$285

      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
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolViewsParking

      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. See More

      Check Availability
    • InnAthens Athens (Syntagma) 22 rooms from CA$158

      Romantic Break  -  An elegant and tranquil hideaway — think plush bedding, cool marble bathrooms and balconies overlooking the city
      Local exploring  -  With so many historic sights on your doorstep you'd be amiss not to take in all that Athens has to offer
      Sights nearby  -  Visit the tiny and scenic Anafiotika neighbourhood located on the Acropolis hill
      Great walks  -  Take a leisurely stroll through the city's Zappion National Gardens
      Air conditioningRestaurantGardenParking

      InnAthens offers chic contemporary accommodation in a quiet but central location a short walk from Syntagma Square. Each room features Cocomat mattresses and marble bathrooms with Olive amenities. Enjoy a traditional Greek breakfast on your balcony each morning. A stylish stay, in a great spot! See More

      Check Availability
    • Athens Mansion Luxury Suites Athens (Omonia) 18 rooms from CA$358

      Local exploring  -  Located in the Athens City Centre district close to all the main attractions, this is a great base for local exploring
      Views  -  Each room has a private balcony with fabulous views of the city (many overlooking some of the most renowned sites)
      Value chic  -  With its spacious suites, elegant design, and central location you are getting a lot for your money here
      City Style  -  Step back in time and enjoy neoclassical Greek style at this romantic Athens hotel
      Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessViewsNo pets

      A stately mansion in the heart of Athens' city centre. Spacious rooms are dressed in a neoclassical style with chandeliers, luxuriously draped curtains and plush linens. All rooms boast a balcony with views over the historic city. Enjoy dinner in the adjoining restaurant at this regal guesthouse. See More

      Check Availability
    • AthensWas Athens (Plaka) 21 rooms from CA$354

      Foodies  -  The rooftop restaurant serves Greek-Mediterranean cuisine with French and Japanese influences, accompanied by spectacular views
      Sights nearby  -  The Temple of Olympion Zeus, Syntagma Square and many more sights are within walking distance
      Local exploring  -  Just metres away from The Temple of Olympion Zeus and many of Athens' sights
      Great walks  -  Take a stroll along Dionysiou Areopagitou - the most scenic street in Athens
      Air conditioningRestaurantViewsNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Design Hotels, Tablet

      Classic modernism in the heart of ancient Athens. A sleek stay providing hard to beat views of the Acropolis and the city. Retro-chic rooms feature contemporary, marble-clad bathrooms and well-stocked minibars. Enjoy an indulgent breakfast before seeing the sights that lie on your doorstep. See More

      Check Availability
    • NJV Athens Plaza Athens (Syntagma) 180 rooms from CA$256

      City Style  -  Located in the heart of Athens, this hotel has reams of city style. Explore the sights from this great central base
      Romantic Break  -  The plush beds and great facilities make this hotel a favourite with couples
      Great walks  -  Discover historic Athens with a walk through the city; find your own routes or enquire at the hotel for a guided tour
      Sights nearby  -  Visit the Acropolis, the most famous Athenian landmark where a former ancient settlement once stood
      Air conditioningRestaurantViewsNo pets

      This five-star luxury hotel is located in the heart of Athens, in the historic Syntagma Square. The best of the contemporary suites offer private terraces with views of the magnificent Acropolis. Choose from the newly renovated restaurant or bar for a meal or refreshing drink. A stylish city hotel. See More

      Check Availability
    • The Zillers Athens (Monastiraki) 10 rooms from CA$379

      Romantic Break  -  Couples love the romantic roof garden bar and café, with great views over the historic city
      City Style  -  Situated in a lovingly restored heritage building, this hotel has plenty of city style
      Families  -  The spacious family suites are perfect for those travelling with children
      Sights nearby  -  Visit the Acropolis, the ruins of an iconic 5th-century B.C. temple complex a stone's throw from the hotel
      Air conditioningRestaurantViewsNo pets

      This boutique hotel is set within the picturesque neighbourhood of Plaka. Located in a heritage building, the hotel underwent a full renovation and now offers modern rooms and suites with design pieces that nod to local style. Unwind with a drink at the urban roof garden; a stylish city getaway. See More

      Check Availability
    • Noble Suites Athens (Koukaki) 16 rooms from CA$227

      Local exploring  -  Situated at the foot of the Acropolis, this hotel is the perfect base for local sightseeing in Athens
      City Style  -  Situated in a neoclassical building in the heart of Athens, this hotel has plenty of city style
      Families  -  Spacious suites can accommodate children, and are perfect for small families
      Great walks  -  Take a walk through the park at Filopappos Hill and climb the hill for beautiful views over the city
      Air conditioningViewsNo pets

      This boutique hotel is located at the foot of the Acropolis. Suites are dressed in a neoclassical style in keeping with the hotel's heritage; expect plush linens and period furniture. The best rooms have ample living space, original fireplaces and views of the Acropolis. A stately and refined hotel. See More

      Check Availability
 

Written by Robin Gauldie

posted Tuesday, 16th August 2022