The famous Acropolis, with its hilltop of millennia-old buildings and ruins, and the Plaka area, a maze of lanes dotted with eateries, cafés, and historic ruins, are located in this 5,000-year-old Greek city.
Although I like the islands and the interior of the nation, Athens has grown on me with each visit, even though it has never spoke to me the same way as other European capitals have. The layers of history here are undeniable. Strolling down random streets will lead you to stumble upon millennia-old ruins (which is why I adore walking tours in the city, since I learn so much about what I’m actually looking at).
Due to the city’s relative sprawl and abundance of distinct areas, selecting the ideal hotel for your trip is crucial.
Here is my selection of the top hotels in Athens to aid in your decision-making:
1. Athens Center Square Hotel
This hotel is located in Plaka, the ancient core area, as its name suggests. I adore this lovely place in spite of the throng. Request a room with a view of the Acropolis, as most of them have a basic style and are decorated in soft pastel colors. There’s also a bar and rooftop patio with nice views. Air conditioning, workstations, mini fridges, and flat-screen TVs are provided in modestly sized, basic rooms. Breakfast is a generous, complimentary buffet that includes both Greek and American fare. Additionally, coffee and tea are provided for free in the lobby all day.
2. Athensdot
Situated in Psyrri (also written Psiri), a neighborhood adjacent to the main attractions but much more visited by residents, is this newer home. My favorite part of the city is this one. Athensdot features a striking pop-art aesthetic throughout, with large-scale wall artworks and vibrant red accents aplenty. The accommodations range from windowless inside rooms to rooms with balconies and views of the Acropolis. There is free WiFi, a big flat-screen TV, a mini fridge, and desks in every room. The staff is welcoming, and you can also borrow free bikes to explore the area! Although breakfast isn’t offered on the premises, there’s a charming 24-hour café a few doors down that does serve food all day.
3. Dryades & Orion Hotel
This comfortable hotel is located in Exarcheia, a vibrant student neighborhood with abundance of street art. There are many various room layouts to select from in this budget hotel, and the staff is quite helpful. The large rooms include eccentric furniture, a distinct, cozy décor, and standard mid-range hotel facilities like air conditioning and mini fridges. The homemade breakfast buffet is well worth the slight increase in price. It serves regional food in a rooftop garden with a very great view of Acropolis.
4. Coco-Mat Hotel
Situated in the tranquil district of Kolonaki, which is well-known for its high-end boutiques and art galleries, is this avant-garde 4-star hotel. Coco-Mat, a mattress manufacturer, is the one that actually operates the hotel. Premium mattresses are provided in every room, and there’s even a menu with 12 different pillow options for you to select from. With gentle color schemes and wooden elements, the hotel’s décor is overall light and airy. In addition to plenty of natural light, desks, free high-speed Wi-Fi, TVs, and luxury bath products in spacious bathrooms, each room also features a Nespresso machine. Also available in the mornings is a delicious Greek breakfast buffet.
5. Plaka Hotel
The Plaka Hotel, which is cozy and welcoming, is located right in the middle of Plaka. This is where most of the ruins and tourist sites are located. This tastefully decorated hotel offers fantastic views of the Acropolis from its rooftop terrace bar/restaurant and from the balconies of its rooms. Additionally, there’s a vast, complementary breakfast buffet with regional delicacies. Despite being somewhat smaller, the rooms feature safes, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, comfy beds, and air conditioning. This place is also reasonably quiet, so you can have a straightforward yet cozy stay right in the middle of things.
6. Colors Hotel Athens
Bright and airy rooms with free Wi-Fi, large spa-like bathrooms with rainmaker showers, comfy beds, plush bathrobes, and workstations are available in this chic four-star hotel. Though they vary widely in terms of arrangement, all of the vibrant rooms are roomy and abundant in natural light. A superb and large breakfast buffet is also available, with daily modifications to the offerings (but fresh handmade pastries, fruit, cereal, eggs, and yogurt are always available). It’s located in Exarcheia, a pleasant, peaceful neighborhood that’s only a fifteen-minute walk from the major sights.
There are several reasonably priced hotels in Athens. It’s hard to go wrong when staying at any of the aforementioned hotels.
