The first time I visited Athens, I stayed in a neighborhood that looked great on paper but… let’s just say it wasn’t exactly the dream backdrop I had pictured for my big Acropolis moment.
That very first trip taught me that in Athens, your hotel isn’t just a place to crash, it sets the whole tone for your Greek experience.
The good news is that Athens is compact and ridiculously walkable, so you’ll never be far from the action. But the difference between staying in, say, Plaka versus Kolonaki can completely change the vibe of your trip.
Since 2021, I’ve been back to Athens every single year (sometimes more than once, because I can’t seem to stay away), and I’ve learned firsthand how much choosing the right spot matters.
This guide to the best hotels to stay at in Athens pulls together recommendations that I’ve personally vetted or that come highly praised by fellow trusted travel experts. Keep scrolling for hand-picked picks by category, plus easy booking links to lock in your stay.
This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read disclaimer.
High-End & Luxury Hotels
If you’re in the mood for rooftop pools, marble lobbies, and waking up with the Acropolis practically at your window, these are the best hotels to stay at in Athens for a luxury trip. Central, stylish, and designed to spoil you a little (or a lot).
Hotel Grande Bretagne
(Syntagma)
If walls could talk, these would probably name-drop. Since 1874, this iconic hotel has hosted everyone from Winston Churchill to Elizabeth Taylor, plus modern A-listers like Jay-Z and Julia Roberts. With rooftop views of the Acropolis, a spa that will make you feel like royalty, and pools to dive into after a day of ruins, it’s no wonder it’s one of the best hotels to stay at in Athens. Marriott Bonvoy members, earn some points here!
Check Availability →
King George
(Syntagma)
Grande Bretagne is the queen, and King George is her equally glamorous counterpart next door. Built in the 1930s, this gem has hosted icons like Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and even Princess Grace (so yes, it’s basically a royal palace with better Wi-Fi). The rooms drip with antiques and marble, but the real showstopper is the penthouse terrace, complete with a private pool staring straight at the Acropolis.
Check Availability →
The Dolli
(Monastiraki)
If design awards were Olympic sports, The Dolli would’ve swept gold, silver, and bronze by now. Voted the Best Hotel in Greece by Condé Nast Traveller in 2024, this boutique stunner has rooftop views so unreal you’ll wonder if the Parthenon was built just to photobomb your infinity pool shot. It’s easily one of the best hotels to stay at in Athens if you like your history served with a side of luxury and an Aperol spritz in hand.
Check Availability →
Four Seasons Astir Palace
(Athens Riviera)
If your idea of “staying in Athens” involves actually staying 30 minutes away on your own private stretch of Aegean coastline, then this is your spot. This Four Seasons outpost is basically a beach escape disguised as a city hotel, with three private beaches, a fleet of bungalows, and enough marble bathrooms to make the Parthenon jealous. You’ll have to taxi into the city for your Acropolis fix, but when you’ve got plunge pools, helipads, and a seaside cocktail in hand, you probably won’t be in a rush.
Check Availability →
Xenodocheio Milos
(City Centre)
Let’s say you’re the kind of traveler who plans your days around what you’re going to eat (same), then this is hands-down one of the best hotels to stay at in Athens. It’s basically a five-star love letter to Greek food, created by the founder of the world-famous Milos restaurants. Dinner isn’t just room service, it’s one of the most celebrated seafood dining experiences in the world. The building itself is a designated landmark across from the Old Parliament House, which makes your “I’m staying in a historic property” claim 100% legit.
Check Availability →
St George Lycabettus
(Kolonaki)
If you don’t mind trading a quick walk into the city center for one of the best rooftop views in Athens, this is your spot. Perched under Lycabettus Hill, the hotel has a seasonal rooftop pool that basically dares you to look away from the Acropolis (you won’t). The rooms range from sleek and modern to balcony-worthy temple views, and the spa and in-house art gallery give you plenty to do on days you’re not climbing ruins.
Check Availability →
Boutique & Design-Forward Options
Athens may be thousands of years old, but that doesn’t mean your hotel has to feel like it. These newer and recently renovated spots prove that the best hotels to stay at in Athens aren’t always about marble columns and ancient vibes.
With these options, you’ll find sleek interiors, rooftop cocktails, and the kind of design choices that remind you, yes, you’re still living in the 21st century.
Gatsby Athens
(Syntagma)
If the Great Gatsby decided to throw his parties in Athens, this is probably where he’d book his penthouse. Gatsby Athens mixes Art Deco glam with modern minimalism, so you get marble bathrooms and rooftop Acropolis views without feeling like you’re staying in depleting ruins. Between the rooftop bar, the curated art, and the “business playroom” (whatever that means), you’ll feel spoiled in all the right ways.
Check Availability →
Hotel Periscope
(Kolonaki)
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves ancient ruins but prefers to sleep in a space that looks like it belongs in a design magazine, Periscope is for you. This sleek spot in Kolonaki keeps things minimal with clean lines, art-driven details, and rooftop hot tubs that remind you that the Acropolis is just down the road. It’s stylish without trying too hard, which is why it earns its spot among the best hotels to stay at in Athens.
Check Availability →
Athens NEW Hotel
(Plaka)
Walk into NEW Hotel and you’ll feel like you’ve accidentally checked into an art exhibit disguised as a boutique stay. Designed by the Campana brothers, this spot leans into eclectic style with bamboo floors, bold wall murals, and custom furniture that dares you not to Instagram it. The rooftop Art Lounge has panoramic city views, and the wellness area is on standby to undo your cobblestone-induced muscle aches.
Check Availability →
The Modernist Athens
(Kolonaki)
Once upon a time this sleek boutique stay was the Canadian Embassy, and honestly, the building’s still got that “I run the place” confidence. Now, it’s one of the best hotels to stay at in Athens if you like Scandinavian design with a side of rooftop cocktails. Rooms come in sizes S through XL (yes, like T-shirts), all styled with wood floors, designer lighting, and just enough industrial edge to help make you feel cooler than you probably are. The rooftop sundeck is the summer hangout, while the all-day café fuels you for those Acropolis marathons. Minimalist and chic in the best way possible.
Check Availability →
Ergon House Athens
(Plaka)
This one’s for the foodies. Ergon House isn’t just a hotel, it’s basically a Greek food market that decided to open guest rooms upstairs. Downstairs you’ve got a fishmonger, a bakery, a roastery, and even a cooking space, so don’t be surprised if you never actually leave the building. Upstairs, the rooms are sleek and minimal with marble-tiled bathrooms, mood lighting, and Marshall speakers that make you feel like you’re staying at your cool friend’s loft. The rooftop bar is open seasonally, serving wine and craft beer with Acropolis views.
Check Availability →
Monument Hotel
(Monastiraki)
Housed inside an 1881 neoclassical gem by Ernst Ziller, this boutique stay only has nine rooms, which means it’s less “crowded tourist hotel” and more “architectural secret you kind of don’t want anyone else to know about.” Inside, you’ll be met with pastel walls, high ceilings, and frescoes that make you wonder why your own apartment walls are so tragically blank. Some suites even have Acropolis views and jacuzzis, which pretty much cements its spot as one of the best hotels to stay at in Athens if you like a little luxury with your history.
Check Availability →
Budget & Value Hotels
Traveling to Athens doesn’t have to mean draining your bank account for a bed and a shower. Some of the best hotels to stay at in Athens are actually the ones that give you great value without tossing you into the middle of nowhere.
These picks are all central (or at least very close to it), so you can save money on your room without spending half your trip on metros back and forth. More cash for souvlaki, less guilt about splurging on that third museum ticket.
Plaka Hotel
(Plaka)
If your idea of the best hotels to stay at in Athens involves rolling out of bed and basically tripping over the Parthenon, Plaka Hotel delivers. This spot is right in the historic center, with the Acropolis, Monastiraki Square, and Syntagma all a short stroll away. The rooms are simple but comfortable, the breakfast buffet keeps you fueled for sightseeing, and the rooftop bar comes with the kind of views that make you question if you actually need to climb up the hill at all.
Check Availability →
Phaedra Hotel
(Plaka)
Tucked into Plaka’s maze of streets, Phaedra Hotel is one of those places that feels more like staying at a friend’s place than a typical hotel. The rooms are simple and bright, some with Acropolis views and others overlooking the charming little square, and the prices are friendly enough to keep your wallet from crying. You might get a balcony, you might get a room with a bathroom just across the hall (but still private), and either way you’ll be a short walk from all the major sites.
Check Availability →
Athens Center Square Hotel
(City Center)
Right in the middle of the action, Athens Center Square Hotel has all the basics covered with a little extra personality thrown in. The colorful rooms are soundproofed (so you can escape the city buzz when you want), and some even have Acropolis views for bragging rights. The rooftop terrace is awesome though, order a drink, look out over the ruins, and remind yourself that you did, in fact, book one of the best hotels to stay at in Athens without draining your bank account.
Check Availability →
Athens Version Luxury Suites
(Monastiraki)
Staying at Athens Center Square Hotel means you’re smack in the middle of the city, and right above a fruit market, so snacks are literally at your doorstep. The rooms are bright and soundproofed, with some showing off Acropolis views if you’re lucky. But the real win here is the rooftop terrace, where you can sip a drink and pretend you booked the place solely for the skyline. It’s easily one of the best hotels to stay at in Athens if you want central, colorful, and budget-friendly all in one.
Check Availability →
Athens Backpackers
(Plaka)
Athens Backpackers has been the city’s go to hostel since 2003, and it’s easy to see why. The dorms are bright, the rooftop bar has Acropolis views that make your budget bed feel like a penthouse, and the vibe is equal parts laid-back and lively. You’ll meet fellow travelers over beers at the sports bar, swap stories in the shared kitchen, and probably end up staying longer than you planned (I’ve been there many times).
Check Availability →
Art Gallery Hotel Athens
(Koukaki )
Art Gallery Hotel Athens proves that budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean boring. This family-run spot keeps things simple with retro touches, marble floors, and a few original paintings from the family artist hanging on the walls. The real perk, though, is the location. Just steps from the Acropolis Museum and within strolling distance of all the major ruins. Add in a rooftop breakfast with Parthenon views, and you’ll see why it’s considered one of the best hotels to stay at in Athens on a budget.
Check Availability →
Philippos Hotel
(Koukáki)
Philippos Hotel feels like the quiet neighbor who somehow has the best address in town. Tucked into leafy Koukaki just steps from the Acropolis Museum, it’s close enough to the action without feeling chaotic. Rooms are simple but comfortable, some with balconies overlooking Athens’ crown jewel, and the rooftop bar is underrated for its evening views. Add in a hearty breakfast spread and a family-run feel, and you’ve got a stay that’s charming without trying too hard.
Check Availability →
Museum Hotel
(Makrygianni)
Museum Hotel is the kind of spot that proves you don’t need chandeliers and gold-plated bathtubs to feel fancy. Set inside a renovated neoclassical building just steps from the Acropolis Museum and Plaka, it blends old-world charm with modern comforts. Rooms are equipped with comfy mattresses that basically guarantee you’ll sleep like a Greek godFor location, value, and comfort, it easily earns its spot on the list of the best hotels to stay at in Athens.
Check Availability →
Hotel Byron
(Plaka)
Hotel Byron is basically as close as you can get to sleeping under the Acropolis without pitching a tent on the hill (which, unfortunately, the authorities frown upon). The rooms are simple and no-frills, but the real win here is the rooftop café, sip your morning coffee with a front row view of the Parthenon. Bonus: it’s named after Lord Byron, the original romantic expat who was obsessed with Greece and eventually became known as a hero in the country.
Check Availability →
Family-Friendly Hotels
Traveling with kids in Athens doesn’t mean you have to settle for a hotel that feels like a daycare with beds. Some of the best hotels to stay at in Athens make space for both parents and kids to be happy.
These picks are central, practical, and still cool enough that you won’t feel like you sacrificed your own vacation just to keep the little ones entertained.
Electra Palace Athens
(Plaka)
Sometimes the best hotels to stay at in Athens aren’t just about location, they’re about flexing a little. Electra Palace nails both. It sits right in Plaka, steps from all the ancient drama, yet somehow feels like its own polished little kingdom. Families love it for the rooftop pool with front row Acropolis views, and let’s be honest, you’ll love it too because nothing says “vacation win” like sipping a drink while your kids think they’re in Percy Jackson. Bonus points for the spa, marble bathrooms, and breakfast spreads that make you forget jet lag is real.
Check Availability →
Hera Hotel
(Makrygianni)
Hera Hotel has all the polished marble floors and elegant vibes you’d expect from a place named after a goddess, but it still knows how to keep things family-friendly. Some rooms even come with bunk beds, so your kids get their own mini sleepover while you sip wine at the rooftop restaurant with a view of the Acropolis. Add in childcare services, a killer location right by the Parthenon, and late night room service for when the little ones refuse to go to bed, and you’ve got a solid Athens base that feels equal parts posh and practical.
Check Availability →
Philippos Hotel
(Koukáki)
Philippos Hotel is one of the best hotels to stay at in Athens if you want family-run charm with a side of Acropolis views. It’s casual and welcoming, the kind of place where you don’t feel guilty if your kids spill orange juice at breakfast. Rooms are simple but practical, and some even come with balconies perfect for spotting the Parthenon without elbowing through the crowds. With a rooftop bar and a metro station just around the corner, it’s equal parts convenient and comfortable. Basically, your stress-free Athens home base.
Check Availability →
Coco-Mat Athens Jumelle
(Kolonaki)
Coco-Mat Athens Jumelle is a hotel where you’ll sleep so well, you might actually forget you’re in the middle of one of Europe’s loudest capitals. Their famous Coco-Mat mattresses are designed to knock you out, even if your kids are still buzzing from gelato. The vibe here is modern and chill, with family rooms, soundproof walls (a gift from the gods), and an indoor pool for when sightseeing fatigue kicks in. Plus a rooftop restaurant with Acropolis views. Suddenly bedtime battles don’t feel so bad.
Check Availability →
Athens Gate Hotel
(Plaka)
Athens Gate Hotel is steps from the Temple of Olympian Zeus, with views so good you might forget to actually leave your hotel. The family rooms are cleverly designed with an interconnecting door, giving parents a shot at privacy while still keeping the kids close (a rare win in family travel). Breakfast happens on the rooftop with some of the best views in the city, which is exactly the kind of motivation you need to get everyone dressed before noon. It’s easily one of the best hotels to stay at in Athens if you want comfort, convenience, and a solid backdrop for your inevitable family photo shoot.
Check Availability →
Divani Caravel Hotel
(Kolonaki)
Divani Caravel is the kind of place where the words “family-friendly” and “luxury” actually hang out in the same sentence without irony. The rooftop pool is right in front of the Acropolis, which means you can convince your kids they’re basically swimming in history class. Family suites come with plenty of space, and the hotel hands out crayons and drawing books at check-in. Add in a playground across the street and the option to call in babysitting backup, and suddenly Athens with kids feels way less like an Olympic sport.
Check Availability →
Historic & Character Hotels
Athens is never lacking in history. This is a city where you can trip over a ruin on your way to get coffee. So it makes sense that some of the best places to stay lean into that whole “timeless charm” thing.
These hotels aren’t just a bed for the night; they’re part of the story. If you want your hotel to feel less like a chain and more like a character in your trip, these are the spots.
Acropolis House
(Plaka)
Housed in a 150-year-old mansion in Plaka, Acropolis House is one of the best hotels to stay at in Athens if you’re into sleeping somewhere with actual stories in its walls. The family-run hotel has kept much of its original Athenian charm intact. It has old staircases, ornate details, and that old world character you just don’t get at a chain. You’re steps from the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and the metro, but it still feels like a slice of the city’s past that hasn’t been swallowed by modern Athens.
Check Availability →
King George
(Syntagma)
Some hotels have a good location, some have a good breakfast buffet, and then there’s the King George Hotel, which casually started life as an annex to the royal palace. Built in the 19th century, it briefly housed the Greek Prime Minister before being transformed into a luxury hotel in 1936. Since then, it’s seen celebrity guests, and enough renovations to keep its neoclassical style polished for the Instagram era. Today, it still overlooks Syntagma Square with the kind of quiet confidence that comes from knowing it’s been part of Athens’ political and social history for over a century.
Check Availability →
La Divina
(Thiseio)
La Divina is a former neoclassical mansion that’s seen everything from aristocratic soirées to Italian barracks during WWII. Later, it became the Odeon Athenaeum, a music hall dedicated to Maria Calla, aka “La Divina,” the legend herself. Today, it’s been reborn as one of the best hotels to stay at in Athens if you’re into history, blending its 1897 grandeur with modern luxury. Bonus: you can sip your morning coffee while looking straight out at the Acropolis and Ancient Agora, which feels about as cinematic as Athens gets.
Check Availability →
Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens
(Syntagma)
Grande Bretagne is basically Athens’ gossip columnist of the last 150 years. Originally built in 1842 as a mansion for a wealthy merchant, it was reborn in 1874 as a hotel and has since hosted everyone from Olympic athletes in 1896 to armies during World War II. At one point, it even doubled as Nazi headquarters (dark chapter, but proof of its central role in Greek history). Over the decades it’s seen expansions, negotiations, and more famous guests than a Met Gala seating chart. Today it’s back to doing what it does best.. serving as Athens’ grand dame.
Check Availability →
Palladian Home
(Plaka)
Palladian Home might just be the definition of old world charm with a front row seat to history. Housed in a neoclassical building from the 1930s, this guesthouse in Plaka mixes timeless architecture with the comfort of modern amenities. Its name nods to Andrea Palladio, the Italian architect who basically invented the “make it grand but tasteful” design philosophy. Balconies here look straight out at the Acropolis, so you can sip your morning coffee while staring at a 2,500-year-old ruin like it’s no big deal. You’ll soon see why this is one of the best hotels to stay at in Athens if you want history literally built into the walls.
Check Availability →
Athens 1890 Boutique Hotel & Spa (Adults Only)
(Athens Center)
This neoclassical beauty has seen more than a century of Athenian life and somehow manages to look fresher than most of us on a Monday morning. Built in the late 19th century, the building once mirrored the city’s rise as a modern European capital. After a careful restoration, it now blends marble columns and historic architecture with minimalist interiors and a spa that feels like an upgrade from its past life. Its central spot near Ermou Street and the Acropolis means you’re basically sleeping in the middle of history, but with perks like an indoor pool and Wi-Fi that definitely didn’t exist in 1890.
Check Availability →
Tips for Choosing an Athens Hotel
Finding the best hotels to stay at in Athens is a little easier once you figure out what you want out of it.
Want cobblestone streets, family-run tavernas, and the Acropolis practically staring into your hotel window? Plaka’s your spot.
Prefer buzzy nightlife and flea markets? Monastiraki will keep you entertained.
Syntagma puts you right in the city’s political and cultural heart, while Kolonaki (and nearby Akamdimia) is where you’ll feel like a polished Athenian local who actually knows the difference between a freddo cappuccino and an iced coffee.
A few quick survival tips:
- Book early if you’re coming in either July or August because Athens fills up faster than a souvlaki stand on a Saturday night.
- If you’re planning island hopping, staying near a metro station will make airport and port transfers way less painful (and cheaper).
- Speaking of transport, taxis from the airport are a flat rate of €40–55, but the metro will save you enough cash to splurge on baklava instead.
Still torn? I broke down the pros and cons of each neighborhood in Best Area to Stay in Athens, Greece so you can pick the one that fits your travel style.
Final Thoughts
Athens is one of those cities I’ll never get tired of. There’s a reason I come back every single year. It’s crazy, historic, beautiful, and somehow always manages to surprise me, even after months spent wandering its neighborhoods. The best hotels to stay at in Athens aren’t just about convenience; they each offer a different lens into the city. It’s your choice if you want t soaking up the old-world charm of Plaka, live the high life in Kolonaki, or dive headfirst into the buzz of Monastiraki.
The best part? No matter where you book, Athens is ridiculously easy to explore. You can walk between ancient ruins and lively squares in no time, and if your feet get tired (they will), the metro and taxis make it all effortless.
So, now it’s your turn: which hotel in Athens caught your eye? Would you go for historic elegance, budget-friendly choices, or full on luxury with Acropolis views? Tell me! I’m genuinely curious which vibe speaks to you.
About the Author: Hi, I’m Alayna, originally from Orange County, California, now traveling the world. My first trip to Greece in 2021 completely changed my life. For years, I thought I had to follow the ‘traditional’ path: college, career, house, then maybe travel if I could squeeze it in. But that spontaneous trip showed me there’s no right or wrong way to live, and now I’m living the dream of exploring the world full-time. My hope is to inspire others to take that leap and travel to the places they’ve always dreamed of.
If you are interested in seeing where I am in the world and keeping up to date on blog posts be sure to follow me on social:
Leave a Reply