Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by Katrina

Photo credit: Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Come to Athens to experience the cradle of Western civilization. It’s where our modern concepts of democracy, theater and architecture were all born. While a classic trip to Athens will include seeing the iconic Acropolis and the Parthenon, there are also contemporary delights. Plush hotels offer spas, sweeping views, and easy access to museums, shops and the beach. Here’s how to feel like a Greek god at the best luxury hotels in Athens.

Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens (1 Vasileos Georgiou A; 30-21-0333-0000) Syntagma Square

“To stay at the Hotel Grande Bretagne is to sleep inside a small piece of Athens’s history” writes Travel +Leisure of this 1874 grand dame across from the Parliament. (That makes it easy to watch a colorful changing of the guards on Sundays.) Soak up the ambience by way of old-school chandeliers in public spaces, and marble and antiques in rooms. “The room was beautiful and spacious with a balcony access,” says a Google reviewer, “and a delicious buffet breakfast served daily at the rooftop overlooking the Acropolis.”  >> Book this hotel for less

King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens (3 Vasileos Georgiou A; 30-21-0322-2210) Syntagma Square

“Old school charm” is how a Google reviewer describes this historic 1930 hotel. Now part of the Marriott family, it has hosted royalty and celebrities over the decades. “The room had a breathtaking view of the Acropolis from the 6th floor.” Afar likes the “refined rooms and suites with herringbone wood floors and marble bathrooms, and might include a window seat or a private balcony.” Also, “views of the Parliament and Parthenon, and all of Athens are within easy distance.”

Gatsby Athens Hotel (Lekka 18; 30-21-0321-600) Syntagma Square

“Sassy, playful, and pleasingly camp,” writes Condé Nast Traveler about this 33-room hotel with a party spirit. “Instead of numbers, rooms have names like Cool and Lavish… the vibe is perfect for a raunchy weekend or girls getaway.” A Tripadvisor user likes that the hotel is “tucked away down a side street but close to the major attractions. Our room was spacious for Athens. A real king size bed, not two beds put together like you mostly find in Greece.”

Xenodocheio Milos (Kolokotroni 3-5; 30-21-6600-3300) Monastiraki

Bask in simple white ambience and sublime Mediterranean-style cuisine at this 43-room boutique hotel. Condé Nast Traveler likes that it’s “smack in the commercial and political heart of Athens” with “sleek and airy bedrooms. But it’s the food you come for: luscious Greek yogurt with granola and Kythera honey for breakfast. And for dinner a tangle of bitter greens and whole fish baked in hand-picked flakes of rock salt.” A Tripadvisor user calls it “fabulous and elegant…just minutes away from Syntagma Square, and the exquisite National Garden.”

Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens (Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni 166 71; 30-21-0890-1000) Vouliagmeni

The original Astir Palace “put the Athens Riviera on the map in the 1960s,” writes Condé Nast Traveler. This updated version, now a Four Seasons, is “a full-blown seaside hotel that isn’t stuck in the past” thanks to “subdued bedrooms that epitomize stealth wealth—pay the premium for a sea view.” While you are outside of the city proper, the hotel is “stunning in every way,” says a Google reviewer. “Beautiful and spacious rooms with sea views, terrific private beaches and pools, and service is outstanding.” Don’t miss a dinner at the Michelin-starred Pelagos.  >> Book this hotel for less

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