There’s a very hip, energetic and creative side to the Greek capital and this is very evident in the city’s extensive cluster of hotels which reflect its vibrant rhythm of life and trendy urban vibe. From eclectic boutiques to classic Athenian masterpieces, here are my favorites…
1. 14 Reasons Why Hotel
This luxury gem is a 2-minute walk from Monastiraki Square and a mere 5-minute walk from the world-famous Acropolis.
With impeccable attention to detail, this newly built city hotel boasts 14 guestrooms with tasteful décor, featuring an LCD TV, a minibar, an espresso machine, and an electric kettle.
Each room has a different name. I especially loved the Chic Suite, dressed in pink and in Seletti World neon art letters. In this peaceful cocoon, you’ll find a unique woven armchair by Saba Italia and wood-looking tiles!
The lobby, equipped with unique designer furniture, welcomes guests to a generous à la carte breakfast with fresh seasonal ingredients prepared by the chefs upon request.
You can choose from various savoury and sweet dishes, such as handmade cheese pie with scrambled eggs or pancakes with Greek pastry cream – tasty!
- To book, check prices or availability for 14 Reasons Why Hotel
2. SOUL Hotel
This retro-chic spot is situated near the Parthenon and Syntagma Square. The 49 thoughtfully appointed guestrooms and suites offer a minimalist ambience, high-quality linens, a TV with Netflix, and a walk-in shower.
Whichever room type you choose, the cosy features and high-end appliances will ensure you’re always pampered in elegance! I would suggest opting for a unit with a balcony so you can revel in awe-inspiring bird’- s-eye views of the city streets as you draw your adrenaline-fuelled days to a close.
This character-filled property features a rooftop with jaw-dropping city and Acropolis panoramas alongside a plunge pool where you can soak the senses.
There’s also a quaint outdoor patio spot on the street, perfect for an afternoon coffee as you watch the world go by.
- To book, check prices or availability for SOUL Hotel
We can book your trip to Athens through our free, top-rated travel planning service!
3. Neoma
The word Neoma, which is of Greek origin, means ‘new moon; pleasantness’, and I think this is truly fitting for this lush hotel. Neoma sits in the center of Athens, secluded at the foot of Filapappou Hill.
A stone’s throw away from beloved landmarks such as the Acropolis and a well-connected subway station.
The uniquely designed, bright, and elegant guestrooms feature eclectic city views and minimalist designs of muted tones and sleek lines, offering the peaceful respite to connect with natural beauty in your own enclave.
The hotel’s rooftop terrace boasts captivating city views and sets the stage for an exclusive pool experience. Neoma Sky Restaurant & Bar and Neoma Bistrot serve up classic favourites and innovative creations.
This brand-new contemporary haven embraces the energy, bold attitude, and playful irreverence of Athens’s thriving scene.
- To book, check prices or availability for Neoma Hotels
4. Gatsby
Designed in homage to the owner’s favourite novel, The Great Gatsby Hotel is an irrepressible joie de vivre in the historic centre of downtown Athens. At this sophisticated abode, the roaring 1920s meets the 21st century.
There are 33 rooms in total across six categories. They all come with parquet flooring, Nespresso machines, and diamond-tiled bathrooms stocked with Ortigia toiletries.
If you can, I suggest you book the Gatsby Suite, which has a fabulous terrace with an outdoor hot tub and even a private cinema!
I also loved the all-day restaurant and bar serving up contemporary Mediterranean flavours. Cloud 9, the guests-only rooftop bar, boasts astonishing views of central Athens and adds a creative flair to your evening’s social antics. A small gym in the basement and a treatment room for facials and massages also exist.
- To book, check prices or availability for Gatsby Hotel
5. Life Gallery
This 5-star boutique hotel in the city’s northern area has a natural splendour and a contemporary outlook.
From gorgeous modern architecture to exquisite minimalist design, balance and harmony radiate through the hotel’s ethnic design elements. I thought the branded furniture and luxury glass add to the upscale charm!
There are many room types to choose from. I thought the spacious and stylish Art Studios reflect the eclectic vibes of the city and are designed with modern décor and branded furniture, as well as all the comforts and conveniences needed for a truly relaxing stay.
I highly recommend tasting the new KOOL Life bar menu for a healthy feast after kicking back by the unique glass-wall swimming pool in the wellness centre, a space perfect for Instagram shots!
- To book, check prices or availability for Life Gallery
6. The Gem Society Hotel
Located in the heart of the Historic Triangle, in my opinion, this is the ideal base for the city! Rattan, wood, and marble combine to form lush, opulent interiors in the communal spaces.
All rooms feature double sound-proofed windows and a walk-in rainfall shower, and they house small groups up to more prominent families.
Each peaceful cocoon is enhanced with plump pillows, branded skincare products, and sumptuous bedding. The Signature Suite is the showstopper, though, and is just wow!
The hotel boasts the first Gastronomy Boutique of Athens, ‘Muse Bistro’, which serves exquisite Mediterranean Cuisine and features a playful take on Greek classics. I was a big fan of its market-fresh ingredients and unique bistronomy menu.
When you need some rejuvenation, I suggest heading to the Almaz spa and indulging in the treatments and massages offered in collaboration with the premium Greek brand Apivita!
- To book, check prices or availability for The Gem Society Hotel
7. Project 3 Urban Chic
This is a funky-designed accommodation in one of the city’s most quirky neighborhoods, Kolonaki, where neoclassical and modernist buildings accompany numerous trendy restaurants.
I loved the gorgeous boutique style, which included exposed brick, potted plants, polished woods, and ambient lighting systems.
These intricately designed accommodations are soundproofed, air-conditioned, and equipped with large flat-screen TVs, a fully stocked minibar, and tremendous character.
I highly recommend trying the on-site dining opportunities, such as the renowned 5-star Quintessa menu, which boasts mouth-watering cuisine to suit all palates.
From breakfast to dinner, the dishes are crafted to perfection. The team of friendly staff is happy to arrange all experiences guests seek, from local tours and recommendations to private charter yachts, jets, helicopters, and festivals and adventures around Greece.
- To book, check prices or availability for Project 3 Urban Chic Hotel
8. Colors Hotel
This funky, tech-savvy hotel is located on Benaki Street, and the city’s most visited landmarks are within a few minutes’ walk.
Here, customer-centric luxury is combined perfectly with an innovative, elegant design. I found bright pinks, ceiling-hanging plants, and intricate artwork dotted around, adding a splash of flamboyance!
All 29 rooms provide plenty of space and a quirky colour palette to keep you uplifted and relaxed. If you can, I highly suggest opting for the Dream Loft, which offers a 42” satellite TV with up-to-date movies. Book the Penthouse Suite, a graceful apartment with panoramic views, if you want your private veranda.
There’s no restaurant on-site, but fear not—the charming streets surrounding the property are lined with an eclectic mix of eateries, cafés, fine-dining establishments, trendy boutiques, artisan hang-out spots, and museums.
- To book, check prices or availability for Colors Hotel
9. Brown Acropol
This brand-new design hotel, Brown Hotels’ first in Greece, combines a 20th-century feel with the quintessential Athenian flair. It nestles in Omonia Square, the capital’s commercial and business district.
Inspired by the cosmopolitan vibes of the 60s, it has artwork that evokes an archaic/neoclassical style dotted with vintage furniture, oak wood, marble, and timeless pieces.
The hotel boasts 165 refurbished rooms and suites featuring comfy beds, luxurious bathrooms, classic wooden surfaces, retro-inspired patterns, and state-of-the-art amenities.
The hotel’s swanky rooftop bar offers sweeping city views, whilst the trendy on-site restaurant meets the highest standards and produces delicious culinary masterpieces.
I recommend not leaving without trying the Mediterranean classics, always sourced with the finest organic ingredients!
To book, check prices or availability for Brown Acropol
10. Coco-Mat Hotel
I was impressed by how comfortably the hospitality experience is combined with contemporary urban living within the peaceful respite of an Emmanuel Lazarides-designed building.
From the hearty breakfast of Greek specialities to the mouth-watering delicacies served at lunch and dinner and the additions of a quaint herbal garden and a vibrant honesty bar, I felt spoilt for choice in dining here. There’s an open kitchen where you can watch the chef cook using the freshest ingredients.
Other stand-out features include the Coco-Mat wooden bikes, which you can hop on to explore this majestic city, and first-rate tour offerings, including hiking and sailing. You can now purchase Coco-Mat products from the ground-floor shop, too – bonus!
- To book, check prices or availability for Coco-Mat Hotel
11. ALKIMA
I’d sum up a stay here as a trendy well-being experience revolving around healthy living, life balance, and a passion for fitness! It is 600 meters from Monastiraki Metro Station and within 1 km of the city centre.
From Standard Doubles to Junior Suites, the guestrooms are zen-like retreats! I was also a big fan of the midnight yoga classes in the privacy of your room (which also features state-of-the-art gym equipment) and an exclusive patio that provides a gorgeous afternoon relaxation session!
The hotel’s breakfast concept, which embraces healthy living, will help you kick-start your morning correctly. Plenty of snacks are provided throughout the day, and countless restaurants are nearby if you want to tuck into mouth-watering Greek cuisine.
I would also suggest trying out the rooftop jacuzzi bar overlooking the Acropolis!
- To book, check prices or availability for ALKIMA
12. Asomaton
This gem was once an elegant townhouse before being transformed into a beautiful boutique hotel in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Culture. Monstiraki Metro station is only a 10-minute walk through the street-art-lined Psiri neighbourhood.
It blends contemporary and historical features beautifully and is home to a stunning indoor plunge pool (my favourite feature)!
Each room was differently decorated, but they shared a typical blend of whitewashed walls and open brickwork, contrasting with sunshine-yellow ceramic sinks. In my opinion, the show’s star is the Acropolis Loft, which offers a ringside view of the ancient masterpiece from the balcony.
I recommend taking in the breathtaking view of the Acropolis and the city during your morning breakfast. As a bonus, there’s a great collection of Greek wines on display in the lobby as well.
- To book, check prices or availability for Asomaton
13. Niche Hotel
This easy-on-the-eye boutique is backdropped by one of the most eminent landmarks in Greek culture, the Acropolis! It lies a few steps away from some of the most charming districts, among scenes from Greek and international movies, and Koukaki, one of the most multicultural districts in Athens, brimming with bars and restaurants.
I thought the hotel’s character was breezy, modern, and boutique-like. Plenty of open-air hang-out spaces adorned with wooden furniture and plants set the scene for an uplifting, rejuvenating city break.
The 33 rooms and 4 suites are inspired by the ancient aesthetics that characterize this supreme location. They have bespoke décor, and some have jaw-dropping views of the Parthenon.
I suggest seeking out at the Stork Restaurant, located on the highest floor. Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of Greek and Mediterranean flavours and an eclectic wine selection.
- To book, check prices or availability for Niche Hotel
14. Shila
I thought Shila was perfectly central and discreet because an opulent townhouse transformed into a boutique hideaway.
It’s tucked away in the heart of Kolonaki, Athens’s fashion and café capital, close to some of the city’s finest museums, shops, and restaurants.
I loved that Versace and Dior have shot campaigns in this neoclassical house! It features six distinctively designed suites, all brimming with simplicity and character.
A tranquil rooftop, a lush courtyard, and peaceful lounging nooks. Rooms offer bespoke divans, crushed velvet, antique coffee tables, vintage rugs, Art Deco lamps, and iPad with Netflix. I’d suggest booking a ground-floor suite as you’ll have direct access to a secret courtyard!
Breakfast is served in your suite. It consists of a beautifully presented tray of croissants, sourdough, seasonal preserves, granola, and freshly cut fruit.
- To book, check prices or availability for Shila Hotel
15. Grecotel Pallas
I thought this was a genuinely stunning avant-garde hotel! It is located in the city’s historical centre, just a short walk from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka. The central Syntagma Square is just a 10-minute walk away.
Here, luxury and feeling at home create a unique hospitality experience. Each airy and bright space is sprinkled with intricate wall-mounted pieces, potted plants of all sizes, and dazzling pops of colour, which I was a big fan of!
I suggest booking either the Graffiti Guestroom or an Art Chic Suite, where you’ll see lashings of art!
You can also elegantly experience dining, owing to the hotel’s modern and cosy lounge bar and the beautiful veranda overlooking Kotzia Square, which serves exclusive fare from Grecotel’s executive chef Sakis Tzanetos.
- To book, check prices or availability for Grecotel Pallas