Top 5 places to stay in and around Athens

Greece has been among the world’s most iconic holiday destinations for a very long time, yet many tend to skip Athens and fly straight onwards to one of the small islands which are dotted all around the mainland. However, the Greek capital has lots to offer so I made a list of hotels which you need to consider when visiting Athens.

Funnily enough, there’s only one in the city centre while all the rest are 20 to 30 minutes away in the Athenian Riviera, but these will give you so much more in return. Space, beach, tranquility… let’s dive into it.

Located a mere 25 minutes from the Acropolis on its own privately owned peninsula, overlooking the bay of Laimos in Vouliagmeni, this hotel needs no introduction. The original Astir Palace built in the 60’s was the hotspot for national and international movie stars who would either come over to enjoy their holidays or to film their next production. Fast forward to recent times when Four Seasons took over and reopened the hotel in 2019 where it got voted number 35 in The World’s Best 50 hotels in 2023. Suffice to say that this place has it all. The location allows the hotel to use all the space it wants to, and as a result there are 2 main buildings (Nafsika and Arion) and on top of that there are several bungalows dotted around one of the many bays.

What immediately stood out to me when I first arrived, was the fact that it doesn’t look or feel like a 300 bedroom hotel, on the contrary. Of course, with the different buildings and bungalows spread out over the area, everything instantly becomes much more relaxed and less crowded. The busiest part is probably the main pool area which is surrounded by bars, restaurants and even a kids club, but then still it’s a nice place to relax. One of the highlights for me is the view you get from most of the property, which is stunning due to the fact that the hotel is built onto a cliff. Another part you can’t miss out on is the Athens Spa which is truly an oasis within the whole complex. If food is your thing then you better extend your stay to try all of the restaurants out cause there are more than a handful. And if that’s still not enough for you, they offer a free transfer within a 3 km radius to visit any of the restaurants in the area outside the hotel. All in all, a property that is hard not to like.

This newly opened boutique hotel is the one to go for if you really want to stay in the centre of Athens. Not only is it right across the Temple of Olympian Zeus, it’s also a stone’s throw away from the famous Acropolis. It’s as if you would open up your history book and plant a hotel right in the middle of the Greek chapter. With only 12 rooms and 6 suites you need to be quick to secure some space, but when you do, you’ll be in for a real treat. The rooms and suites are modern yet you still feel at home from the moment you walk in. Too many hotels nowadays are clinical, cold and lack soul. Luckily that’s not the case at Anthology of Athens.

One of the absolute highlights of this hotel is The Botany, a fine-dining rooftop restaurant which offers some of the most incredible views over the Acropolis. The outdoor garden just adds to the overall feeling of dining al fresco. But what to do on a rainy day? No worries, the Balaneion Spa is the perfect place to spend some quality time while escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. Boutique hotels often tend to forget how important it is to provide these relaxation options for their guests, but nothing of that at the Anthology of Athens. it might be small in size but it’s grand in service and style.

Like some other hotels mentioned here, this boutique property is located in Vouliagmeni, a short drive from the city centre. With views over the bay, it’s the perfect place to wind down and truly soak up the local vibes of Athens in the area. It’s also right next to the Vougliameni Lake, which is a stunning lake surrounded by impressive caves and verdant nature. it even has thermal springs which suppose to have healing energy. However, it’s not only to be found at the lake cause from the moment you step into The Roc Club you’ll feel there’s an energy present. Smiles all around, a warm welcome and instantly a glass of bubbly to get you in the holiday moon. The Roc Club, which is part of the famous Grecotel brand by the way, nails the brief when it comes to first impressions.

The rooms and suites are light with beautiful interiors that go perfectly with the stunning outdoor vistas. But this is Greece so you want to be outside as much as you can, and The Roc Pool is one of my favourite places to do so. Not only is the pool partially surrounded by the rock on which the hotel is built, it’s also great to see the different small terraces all around where you can create your own little oasis with sun loungers and so on. The pool bar is just the cherry on the cake but who am I to go against it. Another gem is The Roc Rooftop, from which you have of course the best views over the bay. But, enjoying those while savouring some of the traditional Mediterranean cuisine which is served over here, makes it all the more special. And then there’s the art which is literally omnipresent throughout the property and adds a dash of colour. If you look for that hidden gem in the Athenian Riviera, then you must certainly put The Roc Club on your radar.

This architectural marvel is located in Glyfada, some 20 minutes south west of the city centre. Much like the Four Seasons you feel like entering a secluded oasis within striking distance of the Greek capital. It offers room, suites, bungalows and villas up to 6 bedrooms so it will be tough not to find the ideal accommodation for you and whoever you decide to bring along. The style is a mix of sleek modern with a definite Southern European twist. On a culinary front you’ll be treated to some superb Mediterranean cuisine but if you like a change you’ll be able to transport your tastebuds to Peru or Japan thanks to Manko and Sumosan, their speciality restaurants.

In terms of experiences there’s very little that isn’t possible. From the gorgeous tennis and padel courts, to the stunning pools, amazing fitness centre and the fun-filled kids club, it’s all here. Speaking of which , the One & Only Aesthesis is truly a family friendly hotel where your little ones will equally enjoy their time as much as you do. And while your kids are having a good time all around the property, you’ll have time to visit the stunning Guerlain spa. It’s the first of its kind in Greece and allows for some superb tailor-made facial and body treatments. And if you fear getting bored with the property then there’s always the option to take the speedboat to the One & Only Kea Island which is located less than an hour away yet makes you feel like you’re in a whole new region.

A final boutique hotel which you certainly need to consider is The Margi. A sleek property located in the same area as The Four Seasons Astir Palace and The Roc Club, but with a style of its own. Modern lines welcome you while an eclectic art collection spices things up to make sure you never get bored walking around this hotel. Over 10 room categories are offered, making sure there’s a perfect fit for every guest, and if you decide to come over with family or friends there’s the stunning 4-bedroom villa that will make your Greek holiday dream come true. If that’s not enough, I suggest you go the the wellness area where you’ll quickly pick up the eastern influences, unless you step into the gym which is located in the same spot, but here you’ll pick up weights instead.

One thing that stands out at The Margi is the food, which truly stands out. Why? Well, it’s because the hotel has its own organic farm just a few kilometres down the road, from which it gets all the fresh produce every day. And that freshness truly translates in amazing flavours on your plate. Add to that their amazing wine cellar (or cocktails if that’s more up your alley) and you know you’re in the right place. But why not take it a step further and visit the farm itself, pick some vegetables yourself and get them prepped by the chef on site while you enjoy a Greek bbq extravaganza. It doesn’t get more local than that, but that’s the beauty of Greek hospitality.

Of course there are still loads of other places to stay and enjoy your time in Athens and the Athenian riviera, but when you pick any of these 5, you can rest assured that the Greek Gods will be enviously looking over your shoulder!