A Hotel Trotter’s list: Best hotel experiences in Athens

From a late-night swim in the pool to a rooftop picnic, these are the best hotel experiences in Athens

Once you’ve visited the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora and have strolled around the picturesque streets of Plaka, eating in the local tavernas enough times to get, not even close to bored, but somewhat used to it (is “too much sightseeing” even a thing?), then it’s time for your hotel to take action. Well, not exactly, but since the hotel scene in Athens is growing at a fast pace, there are more and more hotels that take the hospitality game a step further, creating unforgettable experiences for the visitors. Interesting activities, unique flavors and sometimes just enjoying the hotels’ very own amenities are experiences that stand out of the usual hotel stay and create memories that define a succesfsul trip.

Below, find the best hotel experiences in Athens:

Rooftop picnic with a view to the Acropolis * Foundry Hotel 

Having been considered as one of the most instagrammable rooftops in Athens from the very start, the Foundry Hotel couldn’t get any better – but it did. Since last May, the rooftop garden (which offers a stunning view to the Acropolis) is open for the public serving a great variety of greek wines, beers produced from local microbreweries and a compilation of local cheeses, cold cuts chutneys and salads all served in a beautiful picnic basket.

Chilling at the glass-sided pool * Grand Hyatt Athens

The glass-sided pool on the rooftop

Set in one of the most central avenues of the city, Grand Hyatt Athens is a majestic yet modern-day luxury hotel that knows who to pamper and surprise the visitor. The hotels’ wow-factor is undoubtedly the impressive glass-sided pool with Acropolis in the background. You can get a suntan, relaxing at the chic sunbeds but also enjoy a lavish breakfast or a full course meal in the restaurant that rocked Mykonos gastronomic scene: The Grand by Interni. Or maybe, just dive in.

Night swim under the stars * Hilton Athens

The Hilton Athens pool is definitely the place to see and to be seen. It is the biggest pool in the centre of Athens, combining the 5-star-hotel vibes with a relaxed simplicity and a feelgood atmosphere. Recently renovated, with even bigger sun loungers and a brand new Mediterranean menu at the bar, the city’s’ “it” pool offers a unique experience to tourists and locals; οccasional night swims under the Athenian sky, with cocktails and lounge music. Imagine swaying to cool tunes in your swimsuit, holding a mojito, just a few miles away from the city centre. A perfect night out but with a (summery) twist!

Enjoy sandy toes at Mavili Beach *Alexandros Hotel 

Mavili Beach

Greek island vibes in the heart of the city? Sounds perfect, just leave it to Alexandros Hotel. Aiming to heighten the hospitality experience, the hotel turned the rooftop of its modern building into a seaside space, overlooking the Lycabettus hill. Mavili Beach takes its name from the nearby square and offers amenities that come together to create one’s own outdoor suite for both business and pleasure: Featuring sunbeds equipped with power sockets, USB ports and free Internet connection, as well as beautiful and airy beach cabins with private mini-bar and flat TV screen.

Bar bites *Grand Bretagne Hotel 

Located on the rooftop of the most historic and legendary Athenian hotel, that needs no introduction, the BAR8 which overlooks the lush Lycabettus Hill is already a staple among locals. For the first time this year, a live food station operates, where the Chef prepares a splendid Bar Bites selection in front of your eyes. The BBQed Japanese ‘Wagyu Hida’ beef, the ‘Yakitori’ chicken, the grilled ‘King Oyster’ mushrooms and the oysters with gorgonzola cheese and Italian pancetta on the grill, are among the menu’s highlights!

Enjoy Cretan gastronomy *Life Gallery

With a sleek design, aristocratic air and urban heartbeat, Life Gallery is a 5-star modern retreat located in one of the most stylish and posh suburbs of Athens, Ekali. This summer, Kool Life (the hotel’s elegant restaurant) is partnering up with top Greek ched Yiannis Baxevanis, sharing his love of Cretan gastronomy through a series of new dishes dedicated to the art of Greek island cuisine. Known throughout Greece as the ‘aroma magician’, Baxevanis is famous for his talented use of aromatic herbs, adding a special element to his creations.

Art history tours * Hilton Athens

In front of one more artwork by Giannis Moralis at Aethrion Lounge

As one of the buildings which defined the architectural aesthetics of the ‘60s in Greece, Hilton Athens features some powerful Greek elements, such as Pentelic marble and the monumental artwork of the façade by Yannis Moralis, one of the most important 20th-century Greek artists. It also features contemporary art pieces from Greek creators and now the hotel guests can learn everything about them during the guided art tours, provided by the museum. When art plays a key role in a hotel, nothing can go wrong!

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