11 Most Expensive Hotels in Athens

The capital of Greece, Athens, is a timeless city that offers travelers everything, right from an ancient culture and civilization to true-blue coastal beaches. While few world cities can match the millennia of human culture crammed into its historic center, it’s also known for its street food delights, local vibe, and pulsating nightlife. Athens also happens to be one of the few old cities in the world that feels luxurious the minute you step into it, and that vibe is evident in its expensive stays. The most expensive hotels in Athens, Greece, range across styles and vibes, especially since heritage stays are a thing here. So, while you’ll find a revamped palace that’s a testament to the city’s glorious past, there are uber-modern and chic stays that’ll have you disbelieving that you’re just minutes from the Parthenon.

What’s more, they’re both grand and intimate, flamboyant and cocooned, right in the center of the bustle and away from it — Athens has ’em all. Not for nothing is Athens one of the most visited cities in Europe. To that end, here are the priciest stays in Athênai, ‘the Classic City.’

AthensWas Design Hotel

11

When it comes to stylish minimalism and a prime location right next to the Acropolis, it’s hard to beat AthensWas Design Hotel. This design hotel, which sits in a former apartment building, oozes chic, complete with modern-vintage furnishings and walnut and gleaming marble interiors. The best bit? It’s the only five-star hotel on the resplendent promenade circling the Acropolis.

On the inside, the vibe is surprisingly contemporary and calm, which is a far cry from the bustling streets right outside. Modern design classics juxtapose with classical references, and the amenities are the highlight here. The standard is the smart rooftop restaurant, which is its crowning glory. It serves delicious Greek food with a generous side of close-up Parthenon and the Acropolis views. What’s more, there’s another restaurant on the ground floor that serves refreshing cocktails and Greek wines. Other facilities include guided city tours, car rentals, a fitness room, a business center, and laundry services.

We loved the classical Modernism style of the 20 rooms, all of which have Nespresso coffee machines, bathrobes and slippers, flatscreen TVs, minibars, and furnished verandas. While the entry-level rooms cost EUR 420/night (USD 450), the most expensive room, the Hellenic Suite, costs EUR 920/night (USD 1,000).

Electra Metropolis

10

The fabulous Electra Metropolis sits right on Syntagma Square. Culture vultures and history enthusiasts will love the history of this 10-story building, which was built way back in 1959 and formerly housed the Ministry of Education. Today, it’s a ‘retro chic’ space with vintage pictures of Athens, the frescoed 16th-century chapel of Agia Dynami, a Jasmine Room with a fragment of the ancient city walls, and a marble lobby and a towering atrium with unique art installations. Phew!

The best amenity at this hotel is the rooftop terrace, which boasts a small but wonderful pool and spectacular views of the Parthenon, especially at night. What’s great is that the pool is open from 11 am to 7 pm. Before or after that, you can enjoy treatments at the basement Aegeo spa, which has a hammam, sauna, gym, and another illuminated indoor pool. Of course, breakfast on the roof terrace was a lavish affair with options such as pastries, fruit, cereal, sausages, bacon, and eggs. This was besides the local Greek specialties like fresh bread, honey, yogurt, cheese, and charcuterie, among others. The rooftop terrace has a bar and restaurant, with stunning views, of course. You’ll also like the ground-floor Library bistro, which is a nice, quiet spot for a light lunch or coffee.

All rooms and suites boast modern decor with wooden floors, and marble-tiled bathrooms with luxurious Frederic Malle bath products, slippers, and bathrobes. While entry-level rooms cost EUR 420/night (USD 450), the Acropolis Suite, the most expensive room for 2 people, costs EUR 920/night (USD 1,000). The most expensive room in the hotel, though, is the Superior Connecting Room, which costs EUR 1,010/night (USD 1,100).

Academias Hotel, Autograph Collection

9

A certain theme runs through the downtown 5-star Academias Hotel, Autograph Collection. Think keycards with quotes by Socrates and Hippocrates and busts of ancient Greek philosophers in the lobby bar. We loved the location too: it sits on Akadimias Avenue, one of downtown Athens’ main thoroughfares, right on the fringes of upmarket Kolonaki.

The vibe here is to chill: guests are encouraged to borrow a book from the onsite library and switch off their phones for an hour every day. That said, there are lots of mod-cons that’ll make you do that anyway, especially the slim indoor heated pool where the hotel projects black-and-white movies against the wall. You’ll also love the compact but excellent Pnoe wellness center with a fitness center, a treatment room, and a sauna. However, everyone’s favorite is the buzzy NYX Rooftop Japanese Fusion Gastro Bar, where you can dig into delicious finger food, sip on cocktails, and soak in views of Athens. Rounding things up are the Symposium restaurant and Plato Bar and Lounge.

The rooms and suites are no less impressive, with Simmons mattresses and marble bathrooms with Diptyque bath products. While the entry-level rooms cost EUR 440/night (USD 470), the king-bed suite, the priciest room, costs EUR 1,035/night (USD 1,130).

Divani Caravel Hotel

8

Imagine a luxurious hotel being all about matter-of-fact comfort and practicality — that’s the Divani Caravel Hotel for you. It’s just minutes away from all major museums and some of the top things to do in Athens, making it perfect for discerning travelers who also want to explore.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Divani Caravel Hotel (@divanicaravel)

The attentive and receptive staff know their stuff, promptly offering tips so guests can have the best Athens experience. They even arrange regular shuttle bus services to the city center and are fluent in several languages. The amenities, meanwhile, are top-notch: the crowd favorite is the sundeck and the rooftop pool, which offers stunning views of not just the Acropolis but also the stunning Lycabettus Hill. You’ll also love the eighth-floor exclusive Peak Health Club & Spa, which offers massages and body treatments. Three restaurants and bars, of which one is the seasonal Thea Pool Bar & Restaurant, round up the facilities here.

With as many as 500 rooms and suites, the hotel might be one of the largest of its size in the area. Some suites enjoy spectacular views of the Acropolis and the sea. Besides digital climate control, all rooms have marble bathrooms with Olivia bath products bathtubs, and plush beds. Only the hotel’s two presidential suites on the eighth floor have balconies. The entry-level rooms cost EUR 430/night (USD 470), while the priciest room for 2 people is the Divine Acropolis view suite, which costs EUR 1,650/night (USD 1,800). However, the priciest is the Presidential Suite 815 (there are 2), which costs a cool EUR 5,050/night (USD 5,500).

Monument

7

Trust us when we say that the name of the Monument Hotel is no gimmick: this neoclassical mansion is a listed monument! It was designed by German architect Ernst Zilller in 1881, who shaped the 19th-century capital of ‘modern’ Greece. Specialists from the Ministry of Culture oversaw the restoration, painting the trompe l’oeil wooden staircase and the ceilings’ delicate acanthus flowers. Its nine rooms, suites, and intimate vibe make it feel more like a private residence.

Every inch of the hotel is dramatic, right from the heavy arched doorway with a doorman to the hand-painted, work-of-art ceilings. The communal living/dining room boasts contemporary Scandinavian furnishings, pendant lights, rugs, antique paintings, and a vintage drinks trolley. Despite being an uber-intimate hotel, the complimentary basement sauna, steam room, and treatment room are wonderful perks. Despite breakfast being the only meal served here, it’s a first-rate one with Greek yogurt, organic jams, Cretan kaltsounia (sweet cheese turnovers), and bite-sized sandwiches. Other delicacies include kayianas (scrambled eggs with a Grecian twist) and even vegan options. The best bit? You can mix your drinks from the bar trolley or have cocktails delivered to your rooms!

A shiny wooden staircase snaking up to three floors of rooms and suites is grand and intimate all at once. Choose from four double rooms and five suites, most of which have intricate ceiling paintings. What’s more, they all have modern bathrooms sitting in mirrored boxes and Scandi furniture pieces. While the entry-level rooms cost EUR 430/night (USD 450), the Nidus Suite with Acropolis View and Private Jacuzzi, the costliest, costs EUR 1,010/night (USD 1,100). Finally, the Acanthus, Epos, and Muse suites have sun-kissed marble balconies.

The Margi – Vouliagmeni

6

The Margi–Vouliagmeni is one of the most expensive hotels in Athens, Greece, and also one of the most unique. It’s set back from the sandy Vouliagmeni bay in the city’s southern suburbs, in one of the most desirable enclaves on the Athens Riviera. This historic hotel might have been around since 1960, but the family-run hotel boasts an easy-going vibe.

You’ll love the amenities at this historic-modern hotel. Most guests spend their day here schmoozing at Malabar pool bar after enjoying a swim in the gorgeous outdoor pool area. Besides the pool, there’s another natural avenue for swimming in the summer — right on the beach. The best bit? The Krabo Beach bar is your best friend at that time. Later on, you could enjoy a refined meal at the hotel’s restaurant, where many ingredients come from its organic farm. What’s more, there’s even a small, Asian-inspired spa where you can go after a swim in the pool. A fully equipped fitness center wraps up the amenities here.

All 89 rooms and suites are decorated in a chic style with large windows and balconies. What’s more, they all had satellite LCD TVs, fully equipped minibars, and Korres bath products, slippers, and fluffy bathrobes. Entry-level rooms cost EUR 510/night and the priciest room for 2 people, the Grand Terrace Suite, costs EUR 1,560/night (USD 1,700). The priciest room in the whole hotel, though, is the Margi Villa, and costs EUR 2,850/night (USD 3,100)/

The King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel

5

The King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel is a Greek gem in the center of the city with great views. This Greek-owned gem has a fabulous curated collection of paintings by Greek artists like Pavlos Samios and Kostis Georgiou. What’s more, it’s swathed in shades of gold and cream and radiates a timeless elegance with gorgeous Murano chandeliers and think herringbone floors. Did you know that the hotel has been welcoming guests like Madonna and Marilyn Monroe since it opened in 1930? Yes!

The entire aesthetic of King George is amenities complemented by experiences. So, while there are cultural walking tours and tasting masterclasses at the next-door hotel’s Wine Library, there’s also the Tudor Hall restaurant and its amazing food. The highlight is the buffet breakfast with views of the Acropolis. And even though the hotel doesn’t have a pool, guests have access to the spa and rooftop pools at the Hotel Grande Bretagne next door.

All rooms and suites have balconies that open either to the tranquil inner courtyard or the Acropolis. What’s more, they all boast slippers, bathrobes, bespoke bath products, plush beds, mod-cons, and even chandeliers. While entry-level rooms cost EUR 600/night (USD 650), the most expensive room for 2 people, the Acropolis View Executive Suite, costs EUR 1840/night (USD 2,000). The crown jewel is the Penthouse Suite, which has the only pool in the entire hotel, and costs EUR 9,160/night (USD 10,000)!

One&Only Aesthesis

4

One&Only Aesthesis is the latest addition to the revival of the Athenian Riviera and is the first One&Only resort in the country. It’s ultra-luxurious, but in the most un-stuffiest way ever. The place was a playground for starlets and socialities during its 1960s heyday. Even today, the 130+ bungalows, villas, and residences follow the same blueprint but are sprinkled amidst lush gardens and with terrific views of the shoreline.

On the inside, the cut-above amenities and seamless service really elevate the experience. For one, the luscious Guerlain spa is reason enough to stay here. What’s more, there are five restaurants and bars on the property, which serve sensational breakfast spreads, amazing cocktails, and delicious Italian fare. What’s more, all guests have two dedicated hosts who are on-call round-the-clock thanks to WhatsApp. So, besides super-prompt room service, they also take care of SUP lessons, tennis and padel sessions, and restaurant reservations. Finally, there’s the slim beach right out front, which might not be the best for swimming, but it’s very pretty.

The nearly dozen entry-level rooms in the curvy main building cost EUR 920/night (USD 1,000), but the many outrageously large villas and residences on the beach take the cake. What’s more, they’re all more or less the same: floor-to-ceiling glass, walk-in wardrobes, huge bathtubs and beds. But it’s the alfresco areas —fireplaces, outdoor showers, loungers, and private pools—that really elevate them. The priciest room for 2 people is the Aesthesis Bungalow King Room which costs EUR 1,550/night (USD 1,700), but the Villas Thea and Nostos cost the most, a whopping EUR 91,60/night (USD 10,000).

The Dolli

3

Grecotel, the largest hotel chain in Greece, reimagined a 1925 Plaka Landmark as a hotel-Maison, The Dolli. The hotel enjoyed former lives as a shipping magnate’s mansion and even a famous fabric emporium and is a delight for architecture enthusiasts and Instagrammers alike. Think of a flamboyant and eclectic look, with lofty windows, art by Calder, Picasso, and Cocteau, and giant crystals. All in all, this modern boutique hotel, once the grandest private home in downtown Athens, is a cincher. 

Amenities

The real scene-stealer here is the amenities, especially the roof terrace. The infinity pool creates the illusion of floating in the Parthenon, which sits right above the eyeline. Imagine swimming laps right next to the Acropolis, after which you can lounge on the sofas, tables and chairs, and the loungers. Another standout amenity is the smart rooftop restaurant, from where you can pick out all of Athens’ landmarks. It’s also where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast with spectacular morning views of the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

Rooms

From vast connecting suites to bijou double rooms, all digs here boast soaring ceilings and an air of extravagance. Despite some bathrooms being snug due to the history of the building, they’re all lavishly decked out in gleaming marble and bespoke bath products. While entry-level rooms cost EUR 920/night (USD 1,000), the priciest room for 2 people is the Acropolis Pied-a-Terre, which costs EUR 3,475/night (USD 3,800). Interestingly, there’s a selection of suites that cost anywhere from EUR 2,020/night (USD 2,200) to much, much more.

Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel

2

Sometimes only a classic stay does the trick, right? Welcome to Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, which has been ruling the roost in Syntagma Square since the late 19th century! The hotel is as much of a landmark in Athens as the Acropolis, with its eminent guest roster including everyone from undercover celebs, socialities, and treaty-signing politicians. On the inside, it’s an effusive blend of old and new, with polished marble, antique paintings, and colossal chandeliers.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens (@hotelgrandebretagne)

Amenities

There are not one but two pools, one indoor at the Grand Bretagne Spa and one on the rooftop, so you can choose where to swim and lounge. An upmarket ‘corner shop’ and a fitness center aside, the highlight is the gilded and opulent Winter Garden with a piano player, where high tea takes place every day. Think freshly baked English scones with clotted cream and seasonal jams, as well as more than 1,500 kinds of teas! Did you know even kids are welcome and have their treats like macarons, marshmallows, and cupcakes? Drink cocktails at Alexander’s Bar and enjoy prime views of the Parthenon, Lycabettus Hill, and the Acropolis at the rooftop bar and restaurant. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best hotels in Athens.

Rooms

The rooms and suites here feel like they’re right out of Europe’s grand palaces, with marble bathrooms with marble bathtubs, decadent drapery, original artwork, and gold-accented furnishings. While entry-level rooms cost EUR 1,550/night (USD 1,700), the Grand Deluxe Suite (for 2 people) costs EUR 2,950/night (USD 3,200). However, the priciest two-bedroom Penthouse Suite, which has a terrace with an alfresco dining area, sun loungers, and a private pool, costs as much as EUR 7,500/night (USD 8,200)!

Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

1

Sitting at the top of the list is the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, which is what put the Athenian Riviera on the map in the ’60s. It was once the hangout for people like Frank Sinatra and Aristotle Onassis, but today, this full-blown seaside hotel is all about the future. With a 700-member staff, a private jetty, a helipad, and massive verdant outdoors, this Four Seasons outpost is lavish to the T.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens (@fsathens)

Amenities

Those who are unwinding are cosseted in the huge waterfront spa, which even has a hydrotherapy zone. Meanwhile, those who want to get out can water ski across the bay, head to the basket or three tennis courts, indulge in water sports like kayaking and snorkeling, take in some tee time, or use the jogging trails snaking all over the property. However, we’d highly recommend whiling the day away on a floating sunbed at the seaside infinity pool. The other is a thoroughly family-friendly pool (this property is very kid-friendly, a year-round kids club et al), which is joined to the infinity pool via a boardwalk lined with chaise lounges. Did we mention that there are 10 restaurants and bars, including the Kyma Pool/Beach Bar? The one you don’t want to miss, though, is the Michelin-starred Pelagos. Tricked out akin to an Art-Deco ocean liner, it offers sensational sea views.

Rooms

The subdued rooms and suites are the epitome of stealth wealth, and the best digs are the ones with sea views. That said, the six, spacious garden/sea-view suites and bungalows have the feel of private villas, complete with furnished terraces or pools. Even entry-level rooms cost EUR 1,375/night (USD 1,500), but the priciest 2-person stay is the Nafsika Ambassador Suite, which costs EUR 13,450/night (USD 14,700). Oof. That’s not even the costliest room, which is the Arion Riviera Suite, which costs EUR 20,150/night (USD 22,000)!

Where do celebrities stay in Athens?

It has to be the Hotel Grande Bretagne, which has been welcoming everyone from politicians to royalty since 1874!

What is the nicest part of Athens to stay in?

That would be Plaka, whose charm lies in the gorgeous neoclassical buildings and narrow streets, lending it a Greek village-like feel. Besides being a pedestrian’s paradise, it’s also home to some of the city’s most luxurious hotels, like the Dolli.

What is the most expensive beach in Athens?

That would be Astir Beach, where the Four Seasons hotel lies. After paying that hefty price, the beach is indeed pristine, with great sunbeds and excellent customer service.