Where to stay in Athens, Greece. Best hotels in Athens for every budget, from luxury Athens hotels with Acropolis views to small, friendly apartments.
So, you're planning a trip to Athens, and now you want to know where the best place to stay is.
The thing is, everyone wants different things when it comes to hotels, so it's always a tough question to answer.
Is location more important to you than luxury? Is price more important than facilities?
This guide to the best places to stay in Athens will help you decide what's best for you. Let's begin by starting it in style!
The ten best luxury hotels in Athens
If comfort and luxury are the most important factors when choosing a hotel, Athens has a fair few five-star hotels to choose from. Here is a list of the ten best luxury hotels in Athens.
★★★★★ Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, Athens, Greece
The exquisite, newly renovated Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel is located on the coastal Athens Riviera, right in the heart of Vouliagmeni area. People staying in this five-star hotel will enjoy private, spotless beaches, a spa centre and a selection of bars and restaurants. Several fitness options, like tennis courts, yoga classes and a range of watersports are also on offer.
For people who prefer more privacy, private pools are also available. The Four Seasons Astir Palace is the perfect place if you want to relax on the coast, yet be close enough to central Athens. You can ask your hotel to book a taxi for you, or get around with pre-booked taxis. The Astir Palace is about a half-hour drive from Athens.
★★★★★ Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens, Greece
If you are looking for the best Athens luxury rooms right in the heart of the city, don’t look much further. Hotel Grande Bretagne is located right on Syntagma Square, the biggest Athens center square, just across the street from the House of Parliament.
The timeless rooms are large and luxurious, with marble bathrooms and spacious balconies. The amazing rooftop restaurant offers stunning views of the city alongside the private pool. The hotel also has a spa offering several treatments.
★★★★★ Electra Metropolis, Athens, Greece
You will probably know, and may have stayed at, the Electra Palace. The newest addition to the Electra family is the modern Electra Metropolis, located between Plaka and Syntagma Square. The impressive building was home to the Ministry of Education for years, and it was transformed into one of the best hotels in Athens in 2016.
The hotel has 216 rooms, which have been carefully designed to accommodate both business and leisure travelers. Top quality equipment and branded toiletries are available.
The hotel features an amazing rooftop restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy meals and drinks with magnificent views of the Acropolis and the city. The impressive, exclusively designed interior uses lots of natural light and features unique artwork.
A lounge, a restaurant and several meeting rooms are also available. Finally, you can use the Aegeo spa, offering many different treatments.
★★★★★ Athenaeum Intercontinental, Athens, Greece
The Athenaeum Intercontinental is located just outside Koukaki area in central Athens, a short taxi ride to the Acropolis. There is not much to do in the immediate area, but the hotel is a destination in itself.
The spa centre offers several luxurious treatments, and has been listed among the 30 best spa centres in the world, by the Conde Traveller magazine. There is also a large pool and a 24-hour gym, available to all customers.
All rooms feature classical decoration and include work desks and coffee makers – there are even scales in the bathrooms! Finally, the hotel boasts a large selection of restaurants, cafes and bars, offering Greek, French and International cuisine.
★★★★★ Grand Hyatt Athens, Athens, Greece
One of the latest additions to the list of Athens hotels, the Athens Grand Hyatt was completed in 2018. It features bright, spacious, minimally decorated rooms with all modern facilities, including large flat-screen TVs and workstations.
Facilities in this luxury hotel include a modern 24/7 fitness room and an impressive rooftop pool and bar. A selection of on-site restaurants offering a range of cuisines is also available.
★★★★★ Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso, Athens, Greece
A classy hotel in Vouliagmeni area, right on Athens Riviera, the Divani Apollon Palace and Thalasso is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. It is the perfect place by the coast, if you want to relax in style. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with open balconies, and some of them have a spa bath.
One of the highlights of the Divani Apollon Palace is its awarded spa and thalassotherapy centre. Including pools, saunas and different types of baths, it is the perfect place to relax before or after spending some time on the hotel’s private beach.
In terms of bars and restaurants, the Divani offers numerous options, from laid-back pool-side bars to the hotel’s signature fine-dining restaurant.
The hotel is a quick taxi ride from the upmarket Glyfada area, which is especially popular with visitors and expats.
★★★★★ Divani Palace Acropolis, Athens, Greece
One of the best known and most established hotels close to the Acropolis, the Divani Palace is a classic, elegant hotel. All rooms are stylishly decorated and feature private balconies, while the rooftop restaurant enjoys great views of the Acropolis. Guests can make use of the pool, perfect for a hot summer day, and the fitness room.
This is probably the only hotel in Athens that incorporates a part of the ancient Themistoclean Wall in its design!
★★★★★ Academia of Athens, Autograph Collection by Marriott, Athens, Greece
This brand new Autograph Collection by Marriott hotel is located a short walk from the upmarket Kolonaki area. All rooms feature classic decoration and are equipped with all modern amenities.
The hotel has an on-site bar and a restaurant offering Mediterranean and international cuisine. There is a fitness centre, an indoor pool, a sauna and a spa with all types of treatments.
★★★★★ Coco-mat Athens BC, Athens, Greece
A newly established five-star hotel right in the centre of Athens, Coco-Mat Athens BC is a short walk from the Acropolis Museum. The bright, modern rooms are equipped with top quality mattresses and pillows, made by the Greek Coco-Mat company.
The hotel has a fitness centre and a spa, while guests can use the rooftop pool with beautiful views to the Acropolis. Guests can have access to free bicycles.
★★★★★ King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens, Greece
Adjacent to the Grande Bretagne, King George is another long-standing Luxury Collection hotel in Athens.
With a range of classically furnished rooms, some of which have a view to the Acropolis, it also offers a fitness centre and a gourmet restaurant. The King George is walking distance to the ancient sites and many other places of interest.
Best areas to stay in Athens
If luxury is not your first priority, but you are looking for the best area to stay in Athens, it’s a good idea to try to get your head around the different Athens neighborhoods.
Unlike other cities, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Athens was built without a real plan, and the streets are a maze – even locals get lost!
As a rule of thumb, I would suggest it's easier for first time visitors to Athens to stay near the Acropolis. Take a look at the map below, complete with price guide.
Booking.com
Where to stay in Athens may depend on a few things:
- Is this your first time in Athens?
- Are you in Athens for a night or two, or are you staying longer?
- Do you want to experience the touristy side, a more local, or perhaps an alternative side?
- Are you interested in ancient sites, upmarket shopping, or partying and nightlife?
Answers to these questions will determine the ideal area to stay in Athens.
Where to stay in Athens
Here's a quick list of the best areas to stay in Athens and what you might expect there:
- Syntagma / Plaka – First time in Athens, 1-2 days in Athens, ancient sites, souvenir shops
- Koukaki – 1-2 days in Athens, ancient sites, local neighborhood
- Monastiraki / Psyrri – Food market, street art, alternative vibe
- Syntagma / Ermou – Shopping, local life
- Kolonaki – Exclusive shopping, upmarket feel, museums
- Gazi / Kerameikos – Nightlife, street art
- Glyfada Athens Riviera – Upmarket neighborhood
1. Plaka – Ideal to stay for first time visitors
Ask anyone who has visited Athens, and they are likely to mention one area: Plaka. This small neighborhood right in the centre of Athens is where many people choose to stay, especially if it’s their first time in Greece.
Roughly speaking, Plaka is the area between Syntagma, Monastiraki and Acropolis metro stations. It leans on the touristy side, as it has the majority of souvenir shops in central Athens. At the same time, it has quaint little streets, several Byzantine churches and many tavernas and restaurants.
If it’s your first time in Athens and you want to be in the centre of everything, Plaka is a great choice. It is walking distance from most major sights and ideal for souvenir shopping. Despite its touristy side, Plaka is a charming little neighborhood where lots of Athenians choose to go.
Things to see in Plaka, Athens
Plaka also has a few interesting museums that you may have never heard of. If you like art, you will be delighted to visit the Frissiras collection, or the Museum of Greek Children’s Art which is unexpectedly interesting. On the other hand, if you are more interested in history, you will be impressed by some of the exhibits in the Athens University History Museum.
One of the most impressive features of Plaka is the Anafiotika area, just underneath the Acropolis. Here, you can see a few of the oldest houses in Athens, built by people who came from the Cyclades islands in the 1830s. There's also some quite neat street art hidden away.
If you are not planning to go to Santorini, this area will give you an idea of the famous white-washed houses. There are lots of steps leading up to Anafiotika, so getting there might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Finally, do not miss a screening at the only outdoor cinema in the world with a view of the Acropolis, Cine Paris in Plaka.
Best Hotels in Plaka, Athens
As you would expect, Plaka has several hotels, including some nicely designed boutique hotels. This is just a small selection, so feel free to browse for more.
AthensWas Hotel
Located just at the outskirts of Plaka towards Koukaki, AthensWas hotel is very close to the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and the temple of Olympian Zeus.
The rooms are ideal whether you are travelling for work or leisure, as they all feature worktables, safety boxes, coffee machines and balconies. The rooftop restaurant offers great views of the Acropolis.
Tripadvisor reviews here: AthensWas Hotel
Book here: AthenWas Hotel
Ergon House
The newly established Ergon House features modern, uniquely designed rooms in one of the best areas in Athens. What is quite special about Ergon House is that it’s a deli hotel – it is adjacent to a restaurant, and as such pays a lot of attention on breakfast and other meals. Coffee machines are included in all rooms, and a fitness centre is also available at the hotel.
Tripadvisor reviews here: Ergon House
Book here: Ergon House
Electra Palace Athens
This classic five-star hotel is one of the best hotels in Plaka. It boasts a rooftop restaurant with a private pool, with a view to the Acropolis. The Electra Palace also has an indoor pool, a sauna and other spa facilities.
Tripadvisor reviews here: Electra Palace Athens
Book here: Electra Palace Hotel Athens
Urban Frame Hotel
Located right in the heart of Plaka, Urban Frame Hotel is a cozy, tastefully decorated hotel. A restaurant, a bar and a shared lounge are available. All rooms include a fridge, a kettle and satellite TV.
Tripadvisor reviews here: Urban Frame Hotel
Book here: Urban Frame Hotel Athens
2. Koukaki for easy access to ancient sites
Just behind the Acropolis Museum, between Acropolis metro and Fix metro, lies the beautiful neighborhood of Koukaki.
This is an increasingly popular area for visitors, as it is very close to Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, while at the same time having a local feel. It is also ideal for people who can only spend a night or two in Athens.
If you are staying in Athens for a longer time, Koukaki has quite a few places of interest, like the impressive Lalaounis Jewelry Museum. Areopagitou Street, the nicest pedestrianized street in Athens, starts here. You can easily walk all the way to Monastiraki metro station in less than a half hour, and perhaps climb up Filopappou Hill on your left.
Koukaki has several local restaurants, where you will see many Athenians. Walk around the pedestrianized streets and choose one, then watch the people go by.
Best Hotels in Koukaki, Athens
As you can expect, Koukaki offers a great selection of places to stay. There are many well-known, established hotels, but also an increasing number of modern boutique hotels and luxury apartments.
If you are travelling with your family or a group of friends, this might be the best area to stay in Athens.
Acropolis View Hotel
The Acropolis View Hotel offers cozy rooms just a stone’s throw from the Acropolis Museum. Many of the rooms have balconies overlooking the Acropolis or the nearby Filopappou Hill. In the evenings, you can relax at the rooftop terrace, admiring the views.
Tripadvisor reviews here: Acropolis View Hotel
Book here: Acropolis View Hotel Athens
Noble Suites
For people looking for all the comforts of an apartment, Noble Suites is the perfect choice. This hotel offers spacious suites that are ideal for couples or families. All of the suites include large seating areas and elegant marble bathrooms, while some of them include their own private terrace. A rich breakfast box with traditional Greek delicacies is offered daily.
Tripadvisor reviews here: Noble Suites
Book here: Noble Suites in Athens
B4B Athens Signature Hotel
The new, modern B4B Athens Signature Hotel offers tastefully decorated rooms, each with a coffee machine and a mini bar. Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast and a cozy on-site bar. Upon request, the hotel can provide a smartphone with unlimited calls.
Tripadvisor reviews here: B4B Athens Signature Hotel
Book here: B4B Athens Signature Hotel
3. Monastiraki and Psyrri for a hip vibe
Monastiraki and the adjacent Psyrri are among the most bustling areas in central Athens. This is a great location to base yourselves if you want to be a little out of the hard-core tourist centre, but still have access to souvenir shops and a range of restaurants and cafes.
The Ancient Agora of Athens, including the Agora Museum, is a stone’s throw from Monastiraki metro station. This is also where the popular Monastiraki flea market begins.
Just at the border between Monastiraki and Plaka, you will find the fascinating (and free) museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments. You should definitely visit, especially if you are travelling with children.
Exploring Psyri
Athinas street, just off Monastiraki metro station, is home to the Varvakios Central Athens food market and a range of deli shops, where you can taste fantastic Greek products. There are separate sections for meat, fish, fruits and vegetables, and many other products.
Psyrri area, just behind the food market towards Iroon Square, is a cool little area with many restaurants, ice-cream and dessert shops and coffee places. It also has a weird mix of little shops selling all sorts of random stuff, from ropes to wicker baskets to kitchenware to leather sandals.
Psyrri is great to walk around if you like street art. Not far from Iroon Square, and especially around Aristofanous, Sarri, Palamidou, and Louka Nika streets, you will see some of the best street art in Athens.
Best Hotels in Monastiraki – 360 Degrees Pop Art Hotel
If you want to be close to Monastiraki, it doesn’t get any better than the 360 Degrees Pop Art Hotel. A new, modern hotel with a popular rooftop bar / restaurant, 360 offers great, stylish rooms right in the heart of Athens. The Monastiraki flea market is literally just outside the door!
Tripadvisor reviews here: 360 Degrees Pop Art Hotel
Book here: 360 Degrees Pop Art Hotel
Blend Hotel
Another new hotel located on a quiet street close to Monastiraki metro station, Blend Hotel offers contemporary, stylish rooms. It’s a perfect choice if you are interested in the Athens food market, and want to be walking distance from the main commercial areas in Athens.
Tripadvisor reviews here: Blend Hotel
Book here: Blend Hotel in Athens
Mythos Luxury Suites
If you prefer to be more self-sufficient during your stay in Athens, you can choose to stay in self-catering apartments. Mythos Luxury Suites can accommodate up to four people in spacious, bright, modern apartments, each with a kitchenette and seating area.
Book here: Mythos Luxury Suites
Best Hotels in Psyrri – Athenian Residences
If you prefer to stay in the vibrant Psyrri area, the Athenian Residences are a great choice. You can choose from a range of rooms and apartments with different facilities, which can accommodate up to six people. Guests will also have access to an outdoor pool, which is great after a busy day of sightseeing.
Tripadvisor reviews here: Athenian Residences
Book here: Athenian Residences
4. Syntagma and Ermou Street in Central Athens
If you like commercial streets, the best area to stay in Athens is close to Ermou Street. Named after Hermes, the god of commerce, this busy pedestrian street stretches between Syntagma and Monastiraki square.
You can find all sorts of high-street shops and popular international chains, but also a few smaller family-run businesses. This is also the best area if you want to buy beads, fabrics and anything similar.
Walk up to Syntagma Square, and check out the change of the Guards in front of the impressive Parliament building. If you are in Athens on a Sunday, you can watch the ceremonial change of the Guards at 11am.
This area is where many Athenians live and hang out. If you want to go where the locals go, sit for a coffee or drink at trendy Agias Eirinis Square, or Mavili Square. Alternatively, just walk around the side streets and find somewhere you like. There are plenty of local cafes and also places where you can get snacks, nuts and chocolate.
Hotels near Syntagma – NJV Athens Plaza
The NJV Athens Plaza is located at the city’s most central location, right on Syntagma square. It’s a 5-star hotel offering spacious, bright rooms with large windows, and an on-site restaurant and lounge.
The NJV Plaza is ideally located for a stroll down Ermou Street, but also for a short walk to the upmarket Kolonaki area. Most of the best Athens museums, such as the Benaki and the Numismatic Museum are located within easy walking distance from the hotel.
Tripadvisor reviews here: NJV Athens Plaza
Book here: NJV Athens Plaza
Athenian Foss
A brand new arrival (opened in August 2019) right in the centre of Athens, this five-star boutique hotel is bound to become popular very soon. If you want to enjoy minimal, modern rooms close to the most commercial street of Athens, Ermou, the Athenian Foss will suit you. The hotel also offers family rooms.
Book here: Athenian Foss Boutique Hotel in Athens
Athens Utopia
Another recent arrival, the Athens Utopia is an aparthotel offering spacious, modern rooms. Like the Athens Foss, it’s in an ideal location for people who want to catch a glimpse of everyday life. At the same time, it’s walking distance from the ancient sites and other places of interest.
Tripadvisor reviews here: Athens Utopia
Book here: Athens Utopia Hotel
5. Kolonaki for upmarket shopping
The upmarket Kolonaki area is popular with many visitors, especially people who have been to Athens before. It’s only a ten minute walk from Syntagma, but it offers an entirely different atmosphere.
You will find several exclusive boutiques, design shops, gourmet restaurants, cool cafes and trendy wine bars. This is also the area with the biggest number of private art galleries – just walk around and you will see several.
In addition to the art galleries, Kolonaki has the best historical museums in Athens. The Benaki, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Byzantine and Christian Museum and the War Museum are all located in Kolonaki.
Another highlight in Kolonaki is the imposing Lycabettus Hill, which is quite popular for the views. You can walk all the way up to the little church, take a taxi or use the funicular.
Hotels in Kolonaki – Coco-Mat Athens Jumelle
If you are looking for elegant luxury combined with modern design, you will love the newly opened, contemporary Coco-Mat Athens Jumelle. Located in the centre of Kolonaki, this lovely Athens hotel has a wellness centre, a spa and a pool.
Coco-Mat is primarily a mattress company, so you can expect to have a great night’s sleep. In fact, you can even choose your own pillow. Another bonus with this hotel is that you can have access to a free bike! Whether you want to cycle in Athens though is another matter.
Tripadvisor reviews here: Coco-Mat Athens Jumelle
Book here: Coco-Mat Hotel
Oniro City
A boutique hotel in the heart of Kolonaki, Oniro City provides comfortable rooms and suites with all modern facilities. The hotel also offers a fitness centre, and is adjacent to a wine bar-restaurant where you can taste exclusive gourmet dishes.
Tripadvisor reviews here: Oniro City
Book here: Oniro City
Lozenge
An elegant, contemporary hotel in Kolonaki, the Lozenge offers a range of rooms and suites, including family rooms. The on-site bar-restaurant serves modern Mediterranean dishes. The hotel is in the same block with the Numismatic Museum, one of the few neoclassical buildings that are open to the public.
Book here: Lozenge Hotel Athens
6. Where to stay in Gazi / Kerameikos
To be fair, if the main reason you are going to Athens is the nightlife, anywhere you stay can be good. Small bars are literally everywhere, and it won’t take long before you come across a few.
However, if you are looking for some clubbing, the best area to stay is Gazi, close to Kerameikos metro. There are plenty of all-day cafes and restaurants, as well as a selection of late bars and clubs. The backstreets between Kerameikos and Metaxourgio metro are also home to small, hidden bars.
Apart from the nightlife, there are plenty of things to do around Gazi. Benaki Peiraios Museum, one of the best museums in Athens for contemporary art is a ten minute walk from Kerameikos metro. Check their website to see what’s happening – sometimes there are as many as
