As the beating heart of Ancient Greece, Athens still very much carries traces of this powerful civilization.
Including an array of landmarks dating all the way back to the 5th century BC.
From the infamous Acropolis and the Parthenon temple, to amazing museums housing some of the oldest relics like sculptures and jewelry.
It truly is a paradise for history buffs and avid explorers alike; and a place we couldn't wait to visit on our 10 day island hopping trip in Greece.
Among the abundance of cultural and historical attractions, Athens is also an excellent destination for luxury holidays.
So if you want to take your Athens experience to a whole new level, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s dive into the absolute BEST luxury hotels Athens currently has to offer.
First up ...
Athens, also known as the “the city of the Violet Crown”, is the largest city in Greece that is home to some of the most prominent historical sites in the world.
From the exuberant center of Plaka and Syntagma, to the less crowded area of Metaxourgeio, you may be wondering which is the best place to stay in Athens.
Well, the answer depends on the kind of vibe that you want.
Do you want to stay where the most famous attractions are?
The center of Athens’ nightlife?
Or a quieter neighbourhood?
Before revealing our 15 recommendations for luxury hotels in Athens, let’s take a look at the best areas to stay in the city …
If you’re a first-time visitor of Athens, Plaka is hands-down the best area to stay in. It’s a tourist hub teeming with taverns and souvenir shops, but doesn’t lack authentic charm either.
There are tons of colourful buildings, bustling markets, winding streets and narrow alleys. And it also happens to be one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, so you won’t miss out on the history.
As a pedestrian-friendly place, you can easily walk around and admire all that Athens has to offer. Adrianou Street is home to excellent shops, and you can hit Psaras for a classic and traditional Greek meal.
Our top pick for Plaka: Electra Metropolis
It’s tough to choose between Plaka and Syntagma, as both are equally beautiful, and they’re actually within a short walk of each other. So, in a way, it doesn’t matter if you choose to stay in Plaka or Syntagma, as you’ll get to enjoy the best of both worlds anyway.
With that said, Syntagma tends to be a little quieter, but protests may happen from time to time on Syntagma Square, which houses the country’s main parliament. However, this can be part of the appeal for some of you!
This is generally considered as the center of the city and close to the famous Acropolis, as well as a convenient base to see other parts of Athens.
Making it a great location to find hotels in Athens with a view of the Acropolis itself!
Our top pick for Syntagma: Elia Ermou Athens Hotel
If swanky hotels, fine dining, and luxury brands are your cup of tea, than you’ll find no place more suited for you in Athens than Kolonaki.
This upscale neighbourhood is unique, thriving, and oozing with class. You can find some of the city’s most elegant bars here, including the popular Minnie the Moocher, along with a vibrant nightlife and its fair share of charming streets.
We’d recommend Kolonaki for couples, party people, and families alike.
It also has lots of cultural attractions like the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, and the History of Greek Costumes Museum.
Our top pick for Kolonaki: St George Lycabettus
Psyri hums with a striking nightlife, thanks to its dozens of excellent clubs and bars. When you’re staying in Psyri, you know you’ll never run out of things to do. From concerts and live bands to ouzo bashes and street art.
The area itself is near Monastiraki, which is known for its authentic and unique flea markets, and is ideal for solo travellers, fun-loving couples, and friend groups. But we do advise for families or those seeking quiet to avoid Psyri.
There are tons of artist shops, traditional restaurants, and indie cafes.
When here, you don’t want to miss the Iroon Square, the Emporikon Theater, Boiler Bar, Spinster Bar, and the Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea.
Our top pick for Psyri: The Residence – Christokopidou Hotel & SPA
Koukaki is a stone’s throw away from the Acropolis and flaunts a super beautiful and peaceful atmosphere, so it’s great if you want a less touristy vibe and mingle with the locals.
This is also a university and residential area, so you’ll encounter a lot of traditional Greek bars, quaint streets, and astounding coffee!
In the center of this neighbourhood is Koukaki Square while Georgaki Olympiou Street is a must-see if you want to hunt for independent shops and local eats.
Meanwhile, the Philopappou Hill Park can be a beautiful spot to hike and enjoy picturesque views of Athens.
Our top pick for Koukaki: Coco-mat Athens BC
While Athens may be more famous for being a city destination, it also has a lot to offer as a beachside getaway. We mean, the Athens Riviera is a fantastic coastal paradise where the summer lasts until October!
This area is best for those of you who want to relax, enjoy nice strolls along the beach, lie on the sand with a cocktail in hand, and just swim to your heart’s content.
The Athens Riviera is around 70km long; it offers good food, a chill ambiance, and some of the most luxurious resorts in all of Athens.
Our top pick for the Athens Riviera: Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
If we had to pick one hidden gem of an area to stay in Athens, it’d be Metaxourgeio. In addition to being central, it’s super well-connected via public transportation.
We also adore the charming and artistic appeal of this neighbourhood with its tons of art galleries, as well as the amazing culinary destinations and cafes.
Avdi Square is the heart of Metaxourgeio and is home to many bars and galleries including the Municipal Gallery of Athens and Rebecca Camhi Gallery.
There are also plenty of street art in Metaxourgeio.
However, do note that this is a transitional area and may not be up everyone’s alley.
Our top pick for Metaxourgeio: Wyndham Grand Athens
Located in the heart of charming Koukaki, Coco-mat Athens BC is our top pick luxury hotel in all of Athens. It’s a 5-star oasis just 2 minutes’ walk from a metro station and 10 minutes’ walk from the famous Acropolis ruins.
What we truly admire is its ability to coalesce history and nature in a sophisticated design that’s catered for the most upscale experiences.
In the lobby, you can admire artistic pieces including a sky-high birds installation and the ancient Roman mosaic floors,
The hotel itself features hip and stylish rooms with smart TVs and tech, and some of them even have balconies overlooking the Acropolis.
There is also a restaurant, outdoor pool, fantastic fitness centre, sauna facilities, as well as a car rental for guests. Not to mention massage services and wooden bike rentals.
Special Highlights:
Next we have the Elia Ermou Athens Hotel, which sits in the buzzing Syntagma and just 800m from the Acropolis.
Each room comes outfitted with a simple and modern interior, as well as all the amenities you need in a hotel room. From a spacious wardrobe and flat-screen TV, to a beautiful bathroom and even a balcony with Acropolis views.
Some rooms actually feature a hammam and spa bath, which can be perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring the city.
The Elia Ermou Athens Hotel also offers a buffet breakfast, while the on-site restaurant occupies the topmost floor for an unparalleled dining view of the Acropolis
Plus, there’s a wellness club where you can enjoy the cryosauna, gym, and even hair salon.
In terms of public transportation, the Syntagma Metro Station is only 300m away.
Special Highlights:
Moving over to the area of Plaka, the Electra Metropolis is a fantastic five-star hotel that truly encapsulates the best of Greek hospitality.
Suited for holidaymakers and business travellers alike, this luxury hotel can help you immerse in the colourful vibes of Plaka while being only 200m from Syntagma Square.
Here, you can enjoy a rooftop pool complete with a waterfall effect, a sun terrace overlooking the city, cocktails in the M Bar with views of the Acropolis, and 24-hour room service.
The 216 rooms and suites themselves have a modern decor with wood flooring and warm tones, which will make you feel right at home without dismissing the eloquent accents of five-star living.
Each room also has a marble-tiled bathroom with organic toiletries, a spacious work desk, smart TV, a laptop safe to protect your valuables when travelling, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Not to mention that there’s a skylight atrium that bears Fassianos artworks right in the heart of Electra Metropolis.
Special Highlights:
Nothing says luxury more than a living museum tour that you can take right in the hotel grounds. At Hotel Grande Bretagne, this is exactly what you can do.
Given its extremely rich history and the fact that it had hosted foreign diplomats and royalty when the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896, there’s plenty to discover about Athens’ past even within the hotel walls.
You’ll be able to see various antiques and art masterpieces while learning of the hotel’s fascinating heritage.
Some of the most notable guests in this five-star oasis include David Bowie and Jay-Z.
Plus, it’s located in the heart of Syntagma Square and is super close with a myriad of attractions. From the Acropolis to the Monastiraki Flea Market!
The 320 rooms and suites are decorated in the finest amenities with captivating balcony views, as well as classic fabrics and world-class artworks.
Although, for the ultimate indulgence of Greek lavishness, nothing beats the sumptuous luxury of The Royal Suite, which is a sprawling 400 sqm retreat with one bedroom and two bathrooms.
To top it off, the award-winning GB spa offers various beauty treatments, massages, and even makeup services!
Special Highlights:
COCO-MAT Athens Jumelle has managed to embrace the signature, warm Greek hospitality with the urban appeal of modern lifestyle.
One of the things that we adore about this luxury hotel in the heart of Kolonaki is its bright and airy interior design that exudes contemporary elegance.
It blends the traditional charm of a neoclassical mansion from 1925 with elegant architectural style from 1965, which you can see reflected on authentic features like the fireplace, wood staircase, and beautiful stained-glass windows.
The hotel also offers a personalized Tailor Made Sleep service, which ensures the best and most restful sleep you can ever imagine. From natural materials to well-designed bedding layers, each aspect of your sleep experience has been thought of.
Oh, we also love the rooftop garden that serves decadent Mediterranean cuisine and overlooks a truly fabulous skyline.
Note that this hotel doesn’t allow smoking and vaping at all, including indoors and outdoors.
Special Highlights:
Possibly one of the best luxury hotels along the Athens Riviera, Four Seasons is a global hospitality brand whose top notch service and quality are a given.
In terms of location, you’ll get the best of both worlds as this hotel sits on a peaceful seaside paradise while being only 30 minutes from the lively city centre.
From cosy, modern rooms to elegant bungalows with a private pool, there’s something for anyone who wants a unique yet stylish experience of Athens.
The hotel offers services like arranged tours to the Acropolis Museum and sea voyages to the Temple of Poseidon from their own jetty.
Relaxation comes naturally when in Four Seasons. The property spans 30 hectares of luscious forests, three private beaches, eights high-quality restaurants, lounges, and bars, as well as a therapeutic Spa.
Special Highlights:
If you’re into hotels with an impressive history, then you will love King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel.
It’s actually within steps from the previously mentioned Grande Bretagne, also found in the heart of Syntagma Square.
The hotel was originally a mansion built by French architect V.E. Poitrinaeu in 1837. It got renovated in 1928 and was briefly home to the Prime Minister, before an entrepreneur bought and turned it into the current Hotel King George.
Unsurprisingly, among its first guests was King George II!
Today, you’ll find in the hotel one of the best Greek restaurants in all of Athens: Tudor Hall Restaurant. You can enjoy the creations of a Michelin-starred chef in a splendid dining venue.
The hotel rooms themselves have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking stunning views, hand-curated antiques, hardwood flooring, and opulent fabrics.
Moreover, there are a number of beautiful paintings curated by esteemed Greek artists including Pavlos Samios and Kostis Georgiou.
Special Highlights:
Some of the world’s most influential and recognized philosophers hail from the ancient city of Athens. If you want to immerse in the fascinating origin of Greek academia, there’s no better place than the Academias Hotel, Autograph Collection.
It’s a luxury hotel that fuses the spirit of the academy with contemporary trends and comfort.
There are 60 rooms and suites ranging in size, but each equipped with bespoke amenities, comfortable mattresses, and smart technology.
The main highlight from Academias Hotel, however, is in its unique values that make for a memorable stay experience.
For example, the daily Reading Time encourages guests to switch off and indulge in one of the countless books offered throughout the hotel. There’s even an in-room book delivery service and you can hold on to any book during your stay.
Meanwhile, Pnoe is the on-site wellness center that has its own indoor projection wall. Yes, you can be floating in the heated pool while watching a romantic film on the big screen!
Special Highlights:
The appeal of a boutique hotel is that it feels so much more intimate and homey, and exudes so much warm character and personality.
In that sense, Periant Hotel in Agias Eirinis square embraces a charming mid-war modern style that reflects Athenian values and the hotel’s lovely neighbourhood.
With sophisticated cafes, cosy bars, and traditional markets within walking distance, there really is so much to discover around.
Inside, the art deco design with contemporary touches reveal minimal curves, pastel colours, and Greek art. There are also stunning mosaic features throughout.
The rooms and suites bathe in comfortable furniture, a well-lit and spacious bathroom, as well as high-quality amenities.
Another winning facility here is the Zen Center Athens that is connected to the hotel. This is where you can participate in various experiences like meditation, martial arts, yoga, and Eastern philosophy.
Special Highlights:
The St George Lycabettus is the perfect luxury hotel for fans of contemporary art. Why? It has its own contemporary art gallery inside!
It’s also located in the heart of Kolonaki, where you can discover tons of local museums, galleries, and indie shops.
On the sixth floor is La Suite Lounge, a fine dining venue with spectacular views of Athens and the Saronic Islands.
In terms of facilities, you can find everything from a rooftop pool and scenic spa center to a designer shop!
Moreover, St George Lycabettus is also big on sustainability. The new Eco-Chic Rooms consist of 100% natural furniture, ecological pillows, and a ‘Green Day Out’ experience that includes hikes, bike rides, and much more.
Special Highlights:
The Residence – Christokopidou Hotel & SPA boasts from a fantastic location in Psyri, a hip neighbourhood close to all the action, but still quiet enough to offer a peaceful sanctuary.
Explore the hotel’s indoor heated pool, spa centre, co-working space, rooftop jacuzzi, and rooftop bar overlooking the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis.
Unlike some of the larger hotel chains, this luxury hotel actually has just 16 rooms and suites, which means each of them feels intimate and special in their own way.
With designer toiletries, super comfortable beds, TVs with Netflix and coffee machines, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a chill evening after long days of sightseeing in Athens.
Their technology is also quite impressive as you can enjoy contactless check-in and check-out, keyless entry into the rooms, and a mobile app to handle room service and reservations.
Special Highlights:
Wyndham Grand Athens is an amazing luxury hotel found exactly next to Metaxourgeio metro station.
Stay in one of the 276 rooms spanning eight floors, this can be the perfect hotel for every type of traveller, from singles and couples, to families on vacation!
On the topmost level is “Above”, a world-class rooftop restaurant serving tantalizing menus overlooking the whole of Athens. From the Acropolis to the Saronic Gulf!
There is also a beautiful outdoor waterfall pool, multiple conference rooms and event spaces, as well as a beautiful gym with a sauna.
Its business facilities are pretty comprehensive too. From 10 to 700, there are various spaces you can use with a total capacity of 2000!
Special Highlights:
Athens Capital Hotel – MGallery epitomizes the allure of a cosmopolitan city in hotel form. It boasts a timeless and elegant design that amalgamates art and business.
The room options vary, but each is still super stylish and well-decorated, from the small but cosy Classic Room to the extra lavish Presidential Suite.
There are three dining options here, including the Mediterranean MFlavors, a rooftop bar complete with an infinity pool, and the chic and modern Galerie Café.
For the location, this hotel sits in the center of Kolonaki and is only a stone’s throw away from Plaka and Monastiraki. There are lots of boutique shops and stores nearby to browse through.
Special Highlights:
There is nothing quite more luxurious than a beachfront accommodation with private access to the pristine beaches of Athens.
If you like the appeal of a seaside retreat with some of the city’s most coveted upscale facilities, look no further than the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso.
Located in the Athens Riviera, this hotel also flaunts Attica’s only Thalassotherapy center. Add to that an award-winning spa that spans 3,500 sqm with a sauna, fitness center, and numerous wellness programs!
The rooms and suites here encapsulate modern luxury, complete with its contemporary design, unparalleled views, and refined furnishing meant to provide utmost comfort.
When staying at Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso, you won’t want for a more exceptional culinary experience either. From fine dining to casual bites by the beautiful pool.
Special Highlights:
Last but most definitely not least is Grand Hyatt Athens, which is part of perhaps one of the most popular luxury hotel brands in the world.
It sits snug on the Syngrou Avenue and balances the best of Athens and the Riviera area, so you can experience both the city’s vibrant streetlife and quieter side.
All of the guestrooms and suites come with upscale amenities, stunning marble bathrooms, and modern living and working spaces. The windows also overlook the city’s amazing skyline.
If you stay in the suites, you’ll also get special access to the Grand Club Lounge, where personal concierge and culinary highlights will elevate your stay.
Not to mention the rooftop restaurant, The Grand by Interni, which masterfully blends sophisticated decor with exquisite views and truly scrumptious dishes.
Up at the rooftop of Grand Hyatt Athens a world of culinary delights awaits, offering awe - inspiring views towards Acropolis and to the city of Athens.
Special Highlights:
Well, that's a wrap!
We’ve included several luxurious options for each of the best locations to stay in Athens.
And hopefully you’ve found the right hotel for you.
Athens really is such a culturally and historically rich city and it can be the perfect destination if you’re looking to experience a luxurious holiday in Greece.
Now over to you ...
Which of these hotels will you pick?
Or do you have any other luxury recommendations?
Let us know below!
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