It was only a handful of years ago that hotels in Athens were limited to grubby hostels and soulless chains. During Greece’s economic crisis, developers swooped in as property prices plummeted, snapping up townhouses, office blocks, and empty lofts. Moreover, while Airbnb has transformed whole neighborhoods, it hasn’t stalled the capital’s booming hotel scene. A new hotel seems to open in the center of Athens every week — from funky guesthouses and chic boutique hotels to restored neoclassical monuments and coastal resorts. Now full of lodgings so lovely that you’ll definitely want to stay for longer than just a layover, here are some of the best hotels in Athens.
How We Choose the Best Hotels in Athens
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a journalist who knows the destination and has visited each property. When evaluating hotels, our team considers properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of Athens, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.
Monument
This hotel is classified as a modern monument, designed in 1881 by Ernst Ziller, the German architect whose eclectic neoclassicism shaped Greece’s new 19th-century capital. Hotelier Grigoris Tolkas spent three years transforming the neglected beauty into an intimate hotel, overcoming strict building restrictions and rising costs. Restoration specialists meticulously painted the delicate acanthus flowers on the ceilings and trompe l’œil stairwell, leading to nine subtly different rooms and suites.
Features such as sepia-toned limewash walls, brass lamps beside bespoke wooden beds, and a selection of contemporary Scandinavian furniture enhance its appeal. The modern bathrooms are cleverly concealed in mirrored boxes, creating an illusion of spaciousness. Some suites offer marble balconies with views of the dome of Agios Dimitrios, the lively scene at fashionable Linou Soumpasis restaurant, and even the Parthenon above the rooftops.
A locally sourced breakfast is the only meal served in the subdued living and dining room that occupies the entire ground floor. Additionally, the complimentary sauna and steam room in the basement are delightful perks. The service here is hyper-personal, as staff remember your coffee order and offer tailored behind-the-scenes tours based on your interests—be it art, architecture, or the culinary delights of Athens. This charming hideout is nestled in the heart of the city, allowing you to explore layers of the past while experiencing the vibrant pulse of the present.
Address: Monument, Kalamida 11, Psirri
