From historic Plaka and the Acropolis to Kolonaki, Kifissia and the Athens Riviera, this guide breaks down where to stay in Athens by area, helping travellers choose the area that best suits their trip.
Athens is not a city experienced from a single vantage point. Each neighbourhood offers a distinct rhythm, atmosphere and relationship with the city’s past and present, and where you choose to stay shapes how Athens unfolds day by day. Some areas place you at the foot of ancient landmarks and pedestrian streets. Others offer a quieter, residential pace, access to galleries and cafés, or proximity to the sea. Choosing the right neighbourhood is as important as choosing the hotel itself, particularly in a city where experiences change block by block.
This guide brings together Athens’ most compelling hotels, organised by neighbourhood. The selection spans design-led city stays, historic landmarks, suite-based residences and large-scale destinations, chosen for their location, character and overall experience. The aim is simple: to help you decide where to stay in Athens based on how you want to experience the city.
Where to Stay in Athens by Area – At a Glance
Athens is a city of clearly defined areas, each offering a different way of experiencing the city. If you want a quick orientation before diving into the guide, this overview will help you choose the area that best fits your trip.
- First time in Athens, landmarks on foot : Plaka & Acropolis
Historic streets, immediate access to the Acropolis, strong sense of place. -
Central access, museums, shopping :Syntagma & Historic Centre
Transport links, major institutions and the city’s main arteries within easy reach.
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Creative energy, local life, nightlife : Psyrri & Monastiraki
Lively streets, design-led stays and an urban, walkable atmosphere. -
Elegant, residential, slower pace : Kolonaki
Galleries, cafés, restaurants and a refined, quieter rhythm close to the centre. -
Green, quiet, longer stays : Kifissia
Garden settings in a posh suburb, space, nature and a residential feel away from the crowds. -
Sea views, summer rhythm : Athens Riviera
Coastal living, beach access and a relaxed city-meets-sea mindset.
Each area links directly to the relevant section below.
Plaka & Acropolis
Historic streets, walkable landmarks, first impressions of Athens
Plaka and the Acropolis area represent the most recognisable side of Athens. Narrow pedestrian streets, neoclassical architecture and constant visual contact with the ancient city define the experience. Staying here means exploring largely on foot, returning easily throughout the day, and encountering the city at its most atmospheric early in the morning and late at night. This area suits first-time visitors, short stays and travellers who want Athens’ main landmarks within walking distance.
AthensWas Hotel
Located on Dionysiou Areopagitou, one of Athens’ most aristocratic pedestrian streets directly behind the Acropolis Museum, AthensWas combines contemporary architecture with a strong sense of place. Interiors are refined and understated, punctuated by iconic furniture and carefully considered design details. The rooftop houses Sense Restaurant, led by chef Alexandros Charalambopoulos, offering fine dining with uninterrupted Acropolis views. The hotel suits travellers who value architecture, gastronomy and a privileged historic setting.
The Dolli at Acropolis
Set within a restored neoclassical building, The Dolli is one of the most significant recent hotel openings in central Athens. Interiors balance heritage and contemporary design, with preserved decorative motifs and a curated art collection featuring works by Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne alongside contemporary designers. A rooftop pool overlooking the Acropolis reinforces its landmark status. The Dolli appeals to travellers seeking cultural depth combined with discreet, modern luxury.
A77 Suites
A77 Suites offers a suite-led approach to staying in the heart of Plaka, combining contemporary interiors with a distinctly architectural character. More residential than traditional, it suits longer stays or travellers who value space and privacy. Suite 12 stands out with its private terrace and striking views, reinforcing the sense of staying within a refined urban residence rather than a conventional hotel.
Syntagma & Historic Centre
Central access, museums, shopping and transport
Syntagma sits at the crossroads of Athens’ political, cultural and commercial life. Staying here offers immediate access to museums, shopping streets and transport links, making it an efficient base for exploring the city. The area suits travellers who want everything within easy reach and appreciate hotels with strong infrastructure and services.
Hotel Grande Bretagne
Capital Hotel Athens
Capital Hotel brings a contemporary, design-forward sensibility to the historic centre. Interiors are sleek and modern, while the rooftop, home to the Mappemonde Rooftop Pool Bar, opens expansive views across Athens. The presence of George Lappas’ Mappemonde installation adds a distinct artistic dimension. Capital appeals to travellers looking for a polished, urban stay with a strong social and visual identity.
Electra Metropolis Athens
Electra Metropolis blends central convenience with resort-style elements. Its rooftop venues, the Metropolis Roof Garden and M Bar, offer 360-degree views stretching from the Acropolis and Plaka to Lycabettus Hill. Spa facilities and generous public spaces add to the appeal. The hotel suits travellers who want comfort, services and panoramic views without leaving the historic core of the city.
New Hotel Athens
Designed by the Campana brothers, New Hotel brings a playful, art-driven energy to Syntagma. Interiors are bold and unconventional, reflecting a strong creative identity. The New Art Lounge on the upper floor functions as an urban penthouse, combining city views with an extensive art book library and relaxed atmosphere. It appeals to travellers seeking a design-led stay that doubles as a social and cultural hangout.
Hotel Milos
Located opposite the Old Parliament, Hotel Milos translates the philosophy of Estiatorio Milos into a hospitality setting. Interiors feature the brand’s signature marble and light wood palette, creating an atmosphere that feels refined yet unpretentious. Culinary identity is central, reflecting founder Costas Spiliadis’ influential role in redefining Greek cuisine internationally. The hotel suits travellers who appreciate restraint, gastronomy and a strong sense of brand heritage.
Psyrri & Monastiraki
Urban energy, creative Athens, nightlife
Psyrri and Monastiraki represent Athens at its most lived-in and expressive. Creative studios, cafés, historic layers and nightlife coexist, making the area ideal for travellers who enjoy walking, discovering hidden corners and experiencing the city beyond its polished façade.
Mira Me Athens
Despite its location on busy Ermou Street, Mira Me offers a calm, design-led retreat within Psyrri’s urban energy. Interiors are warm and pared-back, designed to provide respite from the surrounding movement. A rooftop terrace delivers atmospheric city views, while the ground-floor bar adds a subtle social layer. The hotel suits travellers who want thoughtful design and discretion in a lively neighbourhood.
The Foundry Athens
Set within a former industrial building, The Foundry reinterprets the idea of a city stay. Its rooftop functions as an elevated courtyard filled with Mediterranean vegetation and views towards the Acropolis, Philopappou Hill and the Observatory. Interiors emphasise materiality and calm. The Foundry appeals to travellers seeking architectural character, atmosphere and a strong sense of place.
La Divina Athens
Housed in a former conservatory now dedicated to Maria Callas, La Divina brings theatrical elegance to the historic center. High ceilings, neoclassical details and a secluded inner courtyard create an atmosphere that feels intimate and dramatic at once. The hotel suits travellers drawn to music, history and a deeply atmospheric setting, offering a quieter counterpoint to the surrounding historic streets.
Monument Athens
Housed in a meticulously restored neoclassical building designed by Ernst Ziller in 1881, Monument Athens offers an intimate stay rooted in architectural heritage. With a limited number of rooms, private wellness facilities and Acropolis-facing views, it feels discreet and refined. The hotel suits travellers who value craftsmanship, history and a quieter, characterful environment.
Kolonaki
Refined, residential, quietly sophisticated
Kolonaki offers a calmer version of central Athens, defined by galleries, cafés and residential streets rather than crowds. It appeals to travellers who value understated elegance and a slower urban rhythm.
Monsieur Didot
Set inside a restored 19th-century mansion, Monsieur Didot blends neoclassical charm with a literary spirit. Hand-painted ceilings, curated interiors and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city create a stay that feels personal and quietly atmospheric. The hotel suits travellers who appreciate intimacy, charm and a strong sense of narrative.
Sir Athens Hotel
Tucked away on a calm pedestrian street, Sir Athens balances neoclassical architecture with contemporary comfort. High ceilings, generous natural light and a restrained design palette define the experience. It suits travellers looking for a refined base that allows them to explore the city centre at a slower pace.
Athens Flair Boutique Hotel
Athens Flair feels like a well-kept secret even among locals. Interiors balance classical proportions with modern comfort, while the rooftop offers panoramic views from Lycabettus Hill to the Acropolis. The hotel appeals to travellers seeking an intimate, design-conscious stay above the city.
St George Lycabettus
St George Lycabettus is one of Kolonaki’s most established hotels, defined by its elevated position and emphasis on views rather than cutting-edge design. Set higher up the hill, it offers panoramic outlooks towards the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill, which play a central role in the overall stay experience. Interiors follow a more classic, traditional aesthetic, while terraces and shared spaces function as key highlights of the property. It suits travellers who prioritise views, a sense of calm and the familiarity of a long-standing city hotel.
Kifissia (Northern Suburbs)
Green, spacious, relaxed
Greener, more spacious and noticeably quieter, Kifissia feels removed from the intensity of central Athens. Tree-lined streets and a residential atmosphere define the area, making it ideal for longer stays, weekend escapes or travellers seeking calm surroundings with city access.
The Twenty One Hotel
Set within a lush garden in the heart of Kifissia, The Twenty One Hotel offers a serene, design-led escape. The hotel reflects a relaxed yet eclectic aesthetic, mixing contemporary design, antiques and works of art. Luxury is expressed through materials, craftsmanship and atmosphere rather than scale. Close to green spaces and cultural destinations, it suits travellers who value nature, design and a cultivated social environment.
Semiramis Hotel
Created by industrial designer Karim Rashid, Semiramis is one of Athens’ most expressive design hotels. Bold colours, sculptural furniture and playful materials define the interiors, from guestrooms to public spaces. Lighting and architectural details heighten its theatrical character, while the Koumkan Restaurant & Bar anchors its social energy. Semiramis suits travellers drawn to bold design and a vibrant, unconventional atmosphere.
Athens Riviera
Sea views, summer rhythm, coastal living
Stretching along the coastline, the Athens Riviera offers a city-meets-sea experience. This area suits travellers looking to balance urban exploration with a more relaxed, coastal mindset, particularly during the warmer months.
Ace Hotel Athens
Ace Hotel Athens brings the brand’s signature blend of design, culture and social energy to Glyfada. Interiors by French studio ciguë combine mid-century references with contemporary design, while a curated art programme featuring Greek artists grounds the hotel in its local context. The Swim Club channels Mediterranean leisure with a playful, design-forward edge. Ace suits travellers seeking a cultural destination by the sea.
One&Only Aesthesis
One&Only Aesthesis is a destination resort rather than a city-base hotel, designed for travellers looking to combine Athens with a seaside experience. Set on a large beachfront site in Glyfada, it features low-rise bungalows and villas inspired by the spirit of the Athens Riviera of the 1960s and 1970s. The experience focuses on space, nature and privacy, with resort-style pacing and high-level services throughout. It is best suited to travellers who see Athens as part of a broader, slower-paced luxury journey rather than a purely urban destination.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is designed for travellers deciding where to stay in Athens based on neighbourhood character rather than hotel category alone. It suits first-time visitors seeking orientation, design-minded travellers looking beyond generic lists, slow travellers prioritising atmosphere, and urban explorers interested in experiencing multiple layers of the city.
TheHotelTrotter.com is curated by greek journalist and fanatic hotel lover Eleni Stasinopoulou. With the eye of a fashion and lifestyle editor, Eleni hopes to inspire all connoisseurs of traveling, focusing on stylish hotel moments around the globe.
