For years, has always been seen as a transient city, with travelers visiting the Acropolis before scuttling to the Greek islands. In fact, until a few years ago, it would have been unthinkable to drop a list of bespoke luxurious stays in this city. However, Athens is now seeing a long-overdue renaissance, and its hotels are at the forefront. The best boutique hotels in Athens are redefining the very essence of customized luxury. What’s more, they’re showcasing that Athens is not just a stopover, but one of the best places to stay and soak in the city’s rich cultural legacy, while celebrating fashionable indulgences and creature comforts. These boutique stays that we have rounded up are signaling a watershed moment for the city’s tourism and range from coastal stage to chic boutique ones that sit in restored neoclassical monuments. What could possibly be better?
With a new boutique stay opening in the Greek capital nearly every week, the best places to stay epitomize service, comfort, and amenities. Since we have a penchant for the unusual, we’ve rounded up the best boutique stays in Athens, the “City of the Violet Crown,” and one of the most visited cities in Europe.
Table of contents
The Roc Club, A Grecotel Hotel to Live
11
Best Athens Riviera hotel. We begin with The Roc Club, A Grecotel Hotel to Live, which was our access to the vibrant Athens and Vouliagmeni Riviera. The glamour of the promenades, yacht clubs, restaurants, and bars, the lake, and the sea was unmatched. What’s more, we loved the soothing personality of this fashionable boutique property.
Choose from 34 spacious, summery, and light rooms, all of which feature natural oak wood and white as the primary hues. Hence, the final look is modern but with creature comforts in the form of Bang and Olufsen TVs, marble bathrooms with power showers, coffee machines, and floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views.
The hotel’s most happening spot, though, is the Roc Pool. With a seafront view, loungers, and private terraces, it’s the best idyllic spot to relax and rejuvenate. Likewise, there were three drinking and dining establishments, so we didn’t have to venture anywhere for food, drinks, or refreshments. Of them all, the Roc Pool Bar and Roc Rooftop were our favorites.
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Mona
10
Mona is the sister property of the Shila (mentioned below), and sits a hop, skip, and jump away from Monastiraki Square. Designed within a 1950s textile factory, the property now has various original artefacts peppered across it. Think an iron staircase, terrazzo floors, metal windows, and even custom furniture crafted at the homegrown design studio, Shila Maison D’objects.
The eight floors are home to just 20 rooms, making staying here quite an intimate experience. What’s more, the open-plan rooms were an eclectic mix of the old and the new and featured iPads with Netflix, Bluetooth speakers, bespoke lights, espresso machines, artisanal minibars, custom-knit carpets, and sleek bathrooms with bathtubs. We especially loved the industrial-like exposed fixtures, which were an ode to the building’s iconic past. Our recommendation: book a room with a balcony.
Mona’s Living Room, a.k.a. the lobby, is where we ate, drank, lounged, and generally made merry. On the other hand, the Rooftop was perfect for libations, special occasions, and admiring the city views. Finally, the Underground hosted events in a cozy atmosphere.
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91 Athens Riviera
9
A collaboration between Grivalia and Domes Hospitality, 91 Athens Riviera was perfect for us, as we were looking for a boutique stay with a beach club vibe. Picture this: a 60s-70s sentiment but not overtly so, two mini and eight full-sized tennis courts, a spa, a sublime pool, and whatnot.
As we mentioned earlier, the amenities at this boutique hotel are excellent. The Soma Spa, for instance, features not only private treatment rooms, but also a hammam and a hydro pool. Even eating here was an exceptional experience, with the on-site Barbarossa Paros serving all meals with an Asian twist. However, the clubhouse would be our go-to place for relaxed drinks and snacks, especially since we’d be sprawled on the daybeds by the stunning swimming pool.
The highlight of this hotel was the 28 luxury domes or cabanas, which are what the digs are. These unique accommodations include a private deck on the outside and super king-sized beds, wooden floors, sitting areas, and sleek en-suites on the inside. Did we mention that some even came with plunge pools, like our unit?
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Academias Hotel
8
The muse for the design aesthetics at the Academias Hotel is Plato’s Academy, and it shows. This boutique Kolonaki hotel focuses on philosophy, art, and science and boasts a multi-sensory living space with a focus on design and architecture. Formerly a 1970s office space, it’s now a buzzing getaway with all the creature comforts we could ask for.
The rooms and suites are as classic as they get, following a white-and-black schema. So, dark furnishings are pitted against white walls, with the occasional art break and color pop. What’s more, the in-room mod-cons are aplenty; think large flat-screen TVs with Chromecast and satellite channels, high-speed Wi-Fi, curated books, room service, coffeemakers, and marble bathrooms with Diptyque bath products. Chic, isn’t it?
Food is the essential link between design and comfort at this hotel. We’d start our days on a high note with a delicious à la carte breakfast at the Symposium restaurant. Our days would end with drinks and Japanese fusion fare at the NYX Rooftop restaurant. There were also drinks at the Plato Lounge Bar.
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The Dolli
7
Best Parthenon views. If dazzling Acropolis views were given an award, then they would go to The Dolli. This plush boutique hotel boasts the best Parthenon views in the town, and it has a rich history of its own. Built in 1925 by famed architect Andreas Kriezis, it was the home of shipping magnate Dimitrios Kallimasiotis. Today, it’s a 46-room swanky architectural marvel of a hotel that sees discerning guests return to it year after year.
What makes it amongst the city’s best boutique stays is the fact that it dazzles in the most chic way possible. Think custom furnishings, 18th-century antiques, Picasso paintings, moldings and arches, and high ceilings, which link it with local tradition and history. We especially loved the infinity pool with superb city views, after which we’d grab a bite at the rooftop restaurant. That, along with the Le Bar Secret and the art-filled drink-and-coffee spot Le Salon, wrap up the offerings here.
The rooms and suites here radiated a French-meets-island influence, with pastel and white hues, wooden floors, designer furniture, and marble bathrooms. Furthermore, custom in-room bars and large balconies or windows complete the lovely dwellings.
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Ergon House Athens
6
Ergon House Athens is a cute hotel in Plaka that emphasizes cultural immersion, and how. Since we’re absolute foodies, staying here was an absolute dream come true. This experiential stay combined the concepts of an inn with a marketplace, making it the city’s only food-centric boutique stay.
We loved the ground floor of the hotel, which was a cornucopia of culinary amenities. These included a lounge, a cooking space, a kitchen, a roastery, and even a fishmonger! What’s more, the rooftop seasonal Retiré Bar is hands-down one of the best spots in Athens for craft beer, local wine, and views. Moreover, breakfast options included vegetarian, American, and continental options. Finally, additional facilities included free Wi-Fi, a business arena, and a coffee shop.
The rooms were no less remarkable, with style, exceptional comfort, and minimal design at the forefront. What’s more, they all had en-suites with marble tiles and rain showers, mood lights, double-glazed windows, curated minibars, coffee machines, and Marshall speakers.
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The Modernist
5
Imagine staying in a hotel that was formerly the Canadian embassy! We’re talking about The Modernist, a design-forward dream in a quiet and serene part of Kolonaki. Today, the boutique hotel boasts a Danish design with mid-century features. We especially loved the eye-catching rows of balconies that formed an integral part of the façade.
The rooms were very unique; we had the choice to stay in rooms labeled, interestingly enough, S, M, L, and XL. What’s more, the ergonomic furnishings and open closets stayed in line with the industrial-chic design ethos. What’s more, they also had solid wood floors, organic bath products, en-suite showers, and designer lights that complemented the subtle boutique elements.
We loved relaxing on the sundeck on the roof, which was the perfect place to be during the warmer summer months. Moreover, the all-day café was where we’d dig into scrumptious breakfasts that would fuel us up for the long day ahead.
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AthensWAS
4
Best five-star closest to the Acropolis. The 21-room designer boutique hotel, AthensWas, was an apartment building. Today, this sought-after boutique hotel offers some of the most stunning views of the Parthenon. Oh, and that’s not the best part yet. It happens to be the only five-star hotel on the promenade that circles the Acropolis.
The welcoming lobby with marble, walnut wood, and glass windows sets a contemporary tone, albeit one that’s Greek in essence. Our dinners would be at the rooftop restaurant, Sense, which boasted a decadent Greek cuisine and spectacular views of the Acropolis. For lunches, we’d head to the casual Modern Eatery, which was all about pizzas and Greek wine. Other amenities included laundry services, a fitness center, car rentals, and guided city tours.
We were even more impressed once we were inside the rooms. Think marble bathrooms, carpeted sections, dark colored hues, and wood-paneled walls, which created a cozy yet refined feel. Modern editions included Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs, and soundproofed glass, with the addition of views that ranged from street and city views to courtyard and the Acropolis.
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Shila
3
Art aficionados will love the Shila, a 1920s neoclassical townhouse-turned-boutique hotel and hidden gem in Kolonaki. This aesthetically boutique property boasts a live-in gallery concept, showcasing work from ceramicists, photographers, and painters, and even hosting rotating artist exhibitions. In fact, work displayed in the communal spaces and the rooms is even up for sale, and we could arrange for them to be shipped via the hotel!
We had the choice of just six individual suites, making staying here as intimate as it was exclusive. What’s more, all of them radiated vintage-chic with evocative modern art, high ceilings, and original terrazzo floors. That wasn’t all; the rooms also had retro light fixtures, carpets, organic botanicals, and distressed wall finishes. Creature comforts included bespoke beds, iPads with Netflix, Bluetooth speakers, artisanal minibars, and espresso machines.
The common spaces were no less enchanting. For instance, the lobby boasted a library, mosaic floors, and an electric piano, besides a roof terrace garden. Finally, we could even pick up breakfast baskets stocked with fresh products every day.
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Monument
2
The name is no gimmick; the 1881-built neoclassical structure that the Monument Hotel sits in is actually a listed structure and landmark! Tucked into the culturally hip neighborhood of Psyrri, this hotel was a truly intimate escape for us, as we had the choice of just four rooms and five suites! We were impressed right from the moment we stepped into the hotel, which paid homage to its hallowed past with original frescoes. Meanwhile, the minimal Scandinavian design ethos will certainly interest discerning travelers.
While all rooms at the hotel have pleasantly distinct designs, they all have the common theme of Scandi-meets-vintage running through them. Noteworthy features include pastel hues, wooden floors, plants, and the spaciousness of the abodes. Our room was the quaint little resting spot in the attic, the Nidus. It was extremely romantic, as it not only had a jacuzzi but also boasted views of the Acropolis.
Just because it was a design hotel didn’t mean that it didn’t have any amenities. For one, breakfast was a highly satisfying affair and was the perfect start to the day. When we wanted to unwind, the rooftop was the perfect place to lounge, as it boasted superb views of the old city. Afternoons were reserved for the in-house spa, which also had a hammam and a sauna.
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The Margi
1
Best overall. How would you like to stay in the only hotel in Athens that has its own organic farm? We’re talking about Hotel Margi, which occupies pride of place on the Athenian Riviera. Not only does it have its own organic farm that supplies fresh vegetables and fruits every day, but the farm is also available for private tours throughout the year! Also, did we mention that the hotel is one of the most expensive hotels in Athens? Yes!
This hotel is a timeless blend of refined Athenian style and laidback Mediterranean luxury. This boutique gem, which has been a coastal favorite since the 1960s, is nestled in the pine-shaded enclave of Vouliagmeni. Today, it’s all about warm, bohemian-chic interiors, tranquil pools, and earthy elegance. We loved spending our time at the Malabar pool bar after enjoying a swim in the gorgeous outdoor pool. Then we’d head down to the beach, where we’d order cocktails from the Krabo beach bar. The Asian-inspired spa was our next stop, with a fully equipped fitness center wrapping up the amenities.
“Staying at the Margi made our dream about staying on the Athenian Rivera come true – and how!”
WOW Travel
We had the choice of nearly 90 rooms and suites, all decked out in a chic style with huge windows and balconies. Moreover, they were all equipped with sleek bathrooms with fluffy bathrobes and Korres bath products, minibars, and satellite LCD TVs.
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Our Verdict!
Choosing a stay in Athens isn’t easy, which is why we’ve come up with this specialized list.
- Best Parthenon views: The Dolli
- Best overall: The Margi
- Best five-star closest to the Acropolis: AthensWAS
- Best Athens Riviera hotel: The Roc Club, A Grecotel Hotel to Live
Where to Stay in Athens?
Athens is such a cultural mishmash that we could go from the centuries-old Parthenon to enjoying inventive, modern, and hip Greek eateries in a matter of minutes. That’s why it’s important to choose which neighborhood you want to stay in.
We begin with Plaka & Monastiraki, two adjacent neighborhoods that are the absolute heart and center of Athens. Not only are they home to Athens’ historical sites, but they are also the city is prettiest neighborhoods and delightful to walk around. So, they’re extremely convenient for sightseeing, even if they’re always crowded, extremely touristy, and full of expensive hotels. The pinnacle of these neighborhoods is the Acropolis, one of the world’s most incredibly beautiful world heritage sites.
Secondly, there’s Thiseio, which also sits in the centre of Athens, just west of Placa and Monastiraki. So, it’s less touristy than its city centre neighbours, but also within walking distance to all of the major historical sites. Hence, it makes for a fantastic base not far from the city center. Next, we have the lush green Kolonaki, a wealthy neighborhood around the base of Lycabettus Hill, just northeast of Athens’ city center. With excellent restaurants, spas, boutiques, and high-end shops, this is one of the nicest areas in the city.
Koukaki, which runs along the eastern edge of Philopappos Hill, just southeast of the historic center, is also quite central. In recent years, its delightful, local, artsy feel has become very popular with tourists and travellers. Finally, there’s Exarcheia, the traditional intellectual/student/alternative quarter. It sits along the northern fringes of the historic center. Thus, it’s not traditionally pretty or historic. However, it buzzes with energy and is full of interesting shops, bookstores, and cultural institutions.
Which boutique stays are closest to the Acropolis?
While the Herodion Hotel is very close to the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum Boutique Hotel sits right beside the Acropolis Museum. Other boutique hotels close to the monument include the Divani Palace Acropolis and the Hera Hotel.
Which boutique hotel has Acropolis views?
That would be The Dolli, which offers superb views of the Acropolis from the rooftop terrace.
