Top 6 Hotel Picks for Athens, Greece
It took several trips to Greece before I spent any time in Athens. Now that I’ve finally experienced the city, I’m hooked! Whether you’re treating it as a stopover on the way to the Greek islands or somewhere to explore for a longer period of time, these are my top hotel choices for Athens, Greece!
Book any of these hotels through Gusto Travel and receive VIP perks, which typically include complimentary daily breakfast for 2, priority for a room upgrade on arrival, a welcome amenity, and an additional amenity such as a complimentary lunch or hotel credit. Booking requests can be sent to arice@tzell.com.
Grand Hotel Bretagne
Who would love it: Those who want a classic, historical experience in an iconic building with a grand lobby. It was built in 1842 and has been operating as a hotel since 1874. Even before stepping inside, you can feel the energy and charm of this five star hotel. The property boasts plenty of on-site amenities, including a wine tasting room, rooftop with Acropolis views, spa, multiple restaurants, an outdoor pool, and more.
Who Should Skip It: Someone looking for a modern, boutique hotel. There are 320 rooms so the lobby, which makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, is always bustling with hotel guests or locals who have come to visit one of the many restaurants or lounges.
Pro tip: If you’re looking to cut costs, stay in an interior view room. Often that room type indicates no view at all, but at this hotel it’s a view of the beautiful courtyard (pictured below).
Interior courtyard at Grand Hotel Bretagne
King George
Who would love it: Someone looking for a historical hotel in the city center of Athens. King George is the sister hotel of Grand Hotel Bretagne and the two are located right next to each other. There are 69 rooms and 39 suites so it’s a smaller hotel with a lower price point but still has it’s own rooftop restaurant and fitness center as well as access to the amenities at Grand Hotel Bretagne.
Who should skip it: Those looking for a modern hotel or something tucked away on a quiet street. King George is in the heart of Athens, overlooking Syntagma Square and surrounded by shops and restaurants.
Athens Capital Center Hotel - MGallery
Who would love it: Someone who wants a brand new hotel with modern furnishings and a rooftop pool with Acropolis views. The rooms here are a personal favorite and the pool is clutch after sightseeing in Athens on hot summer days. If you have time to enjoy the rooftop and prefer a more modern, laid back hotel, then this is an excellent choice.
Who should skip it: Travelers who want a hotel that is unique to Greece. While the hotel is lovely and has a coffee shop frequented by locals, it could easily fit in at any major city and might not work for someone looking for a more authentic Greek experience.
Rooftop pool at MGallery. Photo courtesy of hotel website.
NEW Hotel
Who would love it: The artsy type looking for an eco-friendly boutique hotel that will make you feel like you’re staying in an art gallery.
Who should skip it: Someone who doesn’t appreciate eclectic decor. The bathrooms are also on the smaller side, which is the norm in Europe but many Americans aren’t used to it.
Pro tip: The Jr Suites have a good sized bathrooms and the Penthouse Suite has amazing outdoor space that’s worth the splurge on the room.
Rooftop restaurant at NEW Hotel. Photo courtesy of hotel website.
Perianth Hotel
Who would love it: Someone who wants to feel like they are part of the neighborhood. This hotel is surrounded by cafes and restaurants in an area that’s tucked away (but also a stones throw) from the super touristy spots. Sitting outside on the sidewalk and people watching over breakfast will make you feel like a local. It’s a new, family owned hotel that looks like a chic residential building from the front so there are definitely no cookie cutter vibes here.
Who should skip it: The style is “neo-modernist”, which I googled and still can’t even begin to explain. A quick look at photos will help determine if the decor is your style!
Pro tip: Some of the rooms can be noisy since it’s a small building that faces a street filled with restaurants. Work with a travel advisor or directly with the hotel to choose a room that’s right for you.
Xenodocheio Milos
Who would love it: Gastronomy lovers! This is the first hotel from world-renowned Greek restaurant estiatorio Milos. Rooms are classic, spacious, and welcoming, with high ceilings and hardwood floors. Hotel guests have the exclusive option of an in-room dining experience with the full Milos menu, perfect for private dinners on a guest room terrace. The hotel is decorated with a neutral color palette that is clean and simple but elegant, making it my personal favorite in terms of overall style.
Who should skip it: Those looking for a lobby bar or multiple restaurant options. Estiatorio Milos is the main star and somewhere you must try at least once but would probably not choose for multiple nights in a row. That being said, the hotel is surrounded by more casual restaurants and cafes so there are plenty of options for drinks and dining.
Milos is set to open mid-January 2022
HOTEL RECAP BY GENRE:
Most Historic:
Grand Hotel Bretagne, King George
Most Modern:
Milos, MGallery, Perianth, NEW
Most Romantic:
Grand Hotel Bretagne, King George, Milos
Most Likely to Cost the Most:
Grand Hotel Bretagne, King George
Most Likely to Cost the Least:
Perianth, MGallery, NEW
Best Value:
MGallery
Has Outdoor Pool:
Grand Hotel Bretagne, MGallery
Has a Penthouse with Private Pool:
King George, Perianth
Most Walkable Location:
All of them!
Most Likely to have Acropolis Views:
All of them!
