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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.

  • 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?

The 12 Most Luxurious Hotels 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 £279 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 £119 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Periscope

Athens (Kolonaki)

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.

  • 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!
from £99 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
AthensWas

Athens (Plaka)

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.

  • 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
from £201 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 £314 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
InnAthens

Athens (Syntagma)

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!

  • 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
from £90 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 £116 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 £162 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
NJV Athens Plaza

Athens (Syntagma)

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.

  • 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
from £145 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Athens Mansion Luxury Suites

Athens (Omonia)

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.

  • 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
from £203 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Zillers

Athens (Monastiraki)

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.

  • 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
from £215 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Noble Suites

Athens (Koukaki)

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.

  • 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
from £129 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Robin Gauldie

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