AthensImage 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.

PiraeusFlickr 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.

Coco Mat Hotel Nafsika

  • 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?

The 8 Best Hotels for a Stopover in Athens

Avra Hotel

Rafina (Athens)

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!

  • 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
  • House party feel
from $79 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Corali

Rafina (Athens)

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.

  • 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
from $63 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Sofitel Athens Airport

Athens (Spata)

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.

  • 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
from $184 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
Coco Mat Hotel Nafsika

Athens

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.

  • 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
from $163 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
A for Athens

Athens (Monastiraki)

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!

  • 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
from $105 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
NLH Fix

Athens (Koukaki)

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.

  • 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
from $134 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Piraeus City Hotel

Athens (Piraeus)

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.

  • 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
from $74 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Robin Gauldie

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