Travelling to the Greek capital and don’t know where to stay? We don’t blame you, the choices are endless in this ancient city, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed. And with Athens hotels on the cheaper side in terms of accommodation, you don’t even need to limit yourself to the budget options—you can afford to go baller here, baby.
We’ve helped narrow down your search and picked out the best properties, from the historic city centre all the way down to the picturesque Athens Riviera. Ranging from uber luxe and probably just a little harsh on the hip pocket to jaw-droppingly low-priced but still far more palatial than that Paris hostel you stayed in, here are the best hotels in Athens for your trip.
Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Athens Rivieria
Image credit: Ace Hotel Athens | Website
Launching late euro summer, Ace are known all over the globe for their chic furnishings, French architecture and stunning art walls, and Ace Hotel Athens is no different. Perfectly situated close some of the most glorious world-class beaches, this '70s coastal style vibe is playful oozing plenty of natural materials to create a leisurely blur of indoor outdoor spaces. Perfect for those wanting to live their best lives lazing around the hotel pool or soaking in the spectacular terrace views, you'll know where to find us this July.
Dave Red
City Centre
Located in the beating heart of Athens is Dave Red, a quirky, vintage styled hotel bursting with character. Refurbished in 2021 by Brown Hotels, this 87-room boutique hotel features their signature bold red and industrial design—think bare concrete walls, marble top surfaces, moody lighting and subway tiles. To top it off, you’ll find a bunch of records you can pop on the vinyl player in each room.
Beyond the comfortable rooms you’ll find the rooftop terrace, decked out with sunbeds, a jacuzzi and sweeping views of Athens. Other amenities include a gym, massage therapy and ‘playroom’ equipped with a pool table, arcade games and library. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, check out Dave Underground, the hotel’s private nightclub which can only be accessed through a secret door in the library.
Brown Acropol
City Centre
Brown Acropol encapsulates the truest sense of mid-century modern architecture and design, a nod to its legendary designer, Greek architect Emmanuel Vourekas. Transport yourself back in time in one of the 164 spacious rooms fitted out with retro-inspired furnishings like a bar cart, vinyl player (in true Brown Hotels style) and hanging disco balls.
Arguably the best amenity of the property is the rooftop terrace which boasts panoramic views and unbelievable, unencumbered views of the Acropolis. Up there you’ll find a terrace bar, sunlounges, hammocks and three (yes, three) hot tubs.
Hotel Fresh
City Centre
Hotel Fresh is a true gem of Athens, situated in the vibrant heart of the city, close to all the action. Perch up in one of the 133 spacious, Mediterranean-styled rooms which ooze subtle luxury. Expect quintessential Greek furnishings and fixtures coloured blue and white. This hotel has all the bells and whistles, without the premium price tag.
You can’t stay indoors all day though so take advantage of the bikes for rent and discover every nook and cranny of the historic city, or make a splash in the swimming pool. After a big day of touring, when you’re ready to unwind, head upstairs to the Air Lounge bar and watch the breathtaking sunset over the Athens skyline, with a cocktail in hand (of course).
Gatsby
Syntagma
This boutique, five-star hotel in the neighbourhood of Syntagma—the civic centre of Athens—is bursting with character and is exactly where you want to be if you're a lover of the opulence of Art Deco. Gatsby brings the aesthetic of the cult classic novel and film to the contemporary stay, which boast geometric shapes, velvet upholstered furniture, gold furnishings and vibrant green marble tiling. There are 33 rooms, ranging from impressive double rooms to the executive suite featuring a living room and private balcony.
Apart from the stunning rooms, Gatsby keeps impressive company with Geco on the ground floor, a traditional Mediterranean restaurant under an lush canopy of greenery, and Cloud 9, the guests-only rooftop bar that is a fantastic vantage point for the Acropolis and has a fireplace for the cooler nights.
DWELL
Syntagma
Bring your Pinterest board to life in one of the 11 intimate, contemporary rooms at DWELL—a boutique hotel located in the vibrant Syntagma neighbourhood. Centrally located and split over three, colour-coded floors (which we absolutely love), this 70 year old building has been transformed into a place we think you’ll feel right at home at.
Each room features a private entrance, private bathroom, hardwood floors, toiletries, a kitchenette and flat-screen TV, perfect for when you want to unwind after a big day of exploring. The best part is the little coffee shop downstairs where you can immerse yourself in European cafe culture on the terrace.
The Foundry
Psirri
We have fallen in love with The Foundry, a boutique hotel situated in the hip neighbourhood of Psirri. The neighbourhood is home to an array of contemporary restaurants, bars and nightclubs and popular with young locals and travellers alike. At The Foundry, you'll find 12 luxurious suites that effortlessly fuse industrial design with mid-century modern styling. Each suite is unique, fully equipped and ranges in size, occupying from two to six guests.
Our favourite feature is the rooftop Picnic Garden that offers a refreshing contrast to the urban jungle. Featuring an array of over 30 different plant and herb species, it is the perfect spot to unwind with a book, cocktail, or both, and take in the magnificent views, which of course, include the Acropolis.
18 Micon Str
Psirri
In the neighbourhood of Psirri, you’ll find 18 Micon Str, a remarkable, industrial style, boutique hotel in a primo location. 18 Micon Str is a short walk from the city centre, Athens’ largest flea market and is close to the Monastiraki metro station which connects you to both the airport and Piraeus port.
Each room is different, honouring the three elements of construction—wood, cement and brick—in a distinct and unique way. All come equipped with comfy bedding, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and toiletries. And if you really want to treat yourself, opt for a room with a balcony for the full Athens experience.
Mona
Psirri
Within a refurbished 1950s textile factory in the vibrant cultural hub of Psirri lies Mona, a concept-led boutique hotel that you won’t want to leave. Each of the 20 luxurious rooms gives a nod to the building's industrial past and features a handmade natural mattress, custom towels and sheets, natural bath amenities, an artisanal mini-bar and complimentary breakfast.
Beyond the impressive rooms, Mona is home to an art gallery, cafe lounge and bar, a speakeasy basement venue and members-exclusive rooftop—the perfect spot to enjoy a local pet nat and a selection of Athenian delicacies.
Asomaton
Psirri
We simply cannot get enough of boutique hotels set in heritage buildings, and this hotel is no exception. Situated in what once was a carriage wheel repair shop in the early 1900s is Asomaton, a boutique hotel that gracefully marries industrial style with contemporary pop-art. No matter which room you select, the building’s original stone makes a feature, alongside a king size bed, mini-bar flat screen smart TV and private bathroom.
While you're there, check out the Athens skyline from the rooftop terrace or take a dip in the impressive indoor swimming pool; the exposed stone walls give it an incredible cave-like appearance.
The Margi
Vouliagmeni, Athenian Riviera
Okay so this is not quite Athens, but it's simply too good to not share with you. Located in Vouliagmeni (40 minutes south of Athens) nestled amongst pine trees, is The Margi, a five-star hotel that truly encapsulates the meaning of luxury and relaxation. Rooms and suites are spacious and furnished with neutral tones and natural materials—think Mediterranean chic. Standard inclusions in all room types include robes and slippers, LCD TV, mini-bar, air conditioning and Korres amenities.
During your stay, really unwind and treat yourself to one of the numerous wellness treatments available. We love the sound of the ‘Rejuvenate on the Riviera’ 90 minute scrub, wrap and massage. If you’d prefer to take a dip, it will be a tough decision between the sandy beach the Margi is located on and the jaw-dropping swimming pool flanked by olive trees and inviting daybeds.
The Dolli
Monastiraki
Enter a world of opulence and luxury at the Dolli, a hotel which boasts magnificent views of Pantheon and the Acropolis and is centrally located to everything Athens has to offer. All rooms embrace natural light and feature high ceilings, gigantic windows, swanky marble interiors and neutral tones.
On the rooftop terrace, designed by Athens-based Kois Architects, you will find the spectacular deck and infinity pool that creates an optical illusion of the Acropolis floating. You’ll also find Dolli’s Restaurant up there, within a glass enclosure offering the finest Mediterranean culinary experience against the Anthenian panorama.
Monsieur Didot
Kolonaki
Located in Kolonaki, the elegant neighbourhood home to designer boutiques and high-end restaurants, you’ll find Monsieur Didot, an Athenian neoclassical house that pays homage to French printer Firmin Didotone—a pioneer in establishing a printing press in 19th century Athens. If it was fit for John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s stay in the 70s, it's cool enough for us.
Less of a hotel and more of a guesthouse with just six rooms, Monsieur Didot boasts carefully restored decorative mouldings, marble features and parquet flooring to create a homely, contemporary feel. Monsieur Didot’s character is present in every room featuring a bookcase of suggested reads (in English and Greek), a four-post king size bed, terrace sitting area, Nespresso machine and mini-bar in every room.
Coco Mat Athens BC
Kolonaki
Cultural tourists, this ones for you. You couldn’t be any closer to the action at Coco Mat, located in the neighbourhood of Kolonaki where you’ll find the Acropolis Museum at your doorstep and the Acropolis only a short stroll away. Nearby you’ll find hip neighbourhoods of Koukaki and Plaka, Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, easily reached on foot or on one of the free bikes available at the property.
The property is modern with plenty of natural light and natural materials. Rooms are spacious and expertly furnished with air-conditioning, mini-bar, and flat-screen TV (everything you need after a big day of sightseeing). Rooms with balconies have first row views of the Acropolis, but don't fret, if you can’t see it from your room just head up to the rooftop pool and lounge for those incredible views.
Ergon House
Plaka
Combining luxury accommodation with an artisan food market seems unheard of right? Think again. Ergon House brings the two together harmoniously so you can embrace your inner culinary tourist. Below this 38-room boutique hotel lies a spectacular gourmet precinct featuring a modern-day Agora (gathering place) of greengrocers, a butcher’s, fishmonger’s and bakery, a delicatessen and roastery, a bar and of course, an all-day Greek restaurant.
Perfectly embracing industrial styling, the rooms at Ergon House feature exposed concrete ceilings, cement floors and walnut timber accents. If you need any further convincing, Ergon House is well situated, with hip bars and eateries at your doorstep, within minutes from Syntagma Square and of course, easy hiking distance from the city’s most iconic monument.
InterContinental Athenaeum Athens
Neos Kosmos
The InterContinental Athenaeum Athens may be known as a business hotel, but we think business travellers are just trying to keep this luxe stay and its incredible views of the Acropolis to themselves. Make sure you book a room with a view to get the full experience, and fall asleep to the sight of the ancient structure lit up in gold against the night sky.
Whether you’re in the city for business or pleasure, you’ll want to book yourself into the serene day spa, which features its own whirlpool, saunas, experience showers, jacuzzis and relax area with heated ceramic beds, and also head up to the rooftop restaurant for delicious Mediterranean eats overlooking the streets below.
If Athens is just a pit stop on your way to Sicily, check out the best Sicilian hotels here.
Image credit: Booking.com