WHERE TO STAY IN ATHENS – THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR THE BEST ACCOMMODATION AREA

If you are visiting Athens for the first time, then this post will be very 100% useful for you. Although the historical center of Athens is rather small, there are quite a few options for accommodation in the city.

After working for more than ten years in the tour agency in Athens (incoming department) and visiting almost every corner of the city, I am very happy to share with you my experience about the most comfortable and pleasant areas to stay in Athens in order to make your holidays unforgettable. You will see Athens with my eyes and fall in love with this city…

SYNTAGMA SQUARE AREA

This is the central square of Athens, where you can find the Parliament, the main shopping street Ermou, many cafes, restaurants, bars, metro station and is within walking distance of the old city. The most fashionable and famous hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel is located here, where all celebrities, famous politicians, and just tourists who love the comfort and high-class service usually stay.

You can check also other excellent hotels in this area according to your budgets and preferences.

5* hotels:

King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel is sister hotel of Grand Bretagne, which stands wall to wall. It still has the same aristocratic design, but the concept of the hotel itself is simpler. By the way, this is the only hotel in Athens where you can find a rooftop Suite with a private pool overlooking the Acropolis. Just WOW!!!

Electra Metropolis. The brand new hotel in the chain of Electra hotels and as always at a high level. The location and views from the rooms are just amazing.

New Hotel. This is the brainchild of two famous Brazilian designers Campana brothers. If you like the eccentric design and many mirrors in the rooms, then this is a hotel for you.

4* hotels:

Elia Ermou. The newborn hotel in the center city. Excellent location and modern design of the rooms will not leave you indifferent.

Ergon House. It is the first foodie hotel in Greece. On the ground floor, they have a real market with fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and a very tasty Greek tavern and from the first floor and above the hotel rooms.

Amalia Hotel. The hotel is located directly opposite the Athens National Gardens. It was awarded the Green Key eco-label and has friendly rates.

3* hotels

Best Western Plus Amazon. One of the best locations in Athens, that’s why this hotel is better to book in advance. They also have rooms and even suites with Acropolis view, which is no worse than in 5 * hotels.

Niki Athens. I really like the modern design of their hi-tech rooms and take a look at a very cool Loft Acropolis room, of course, with a breathtaking view.

Arethusa. I like this hotel for their price discounts. For such an exellent location, the prices are really pleasing, well, if you will be lucky to find a free room.

Apartments:

Rastoni Athens Suites near Acropolis. If you prefer apartments for your stay, these are my favorite. Great location, clean, light rooms with terrace or balcony.

Voulis Attico Rooms & Apartments. One more modern apartments with excellent location and very helpful host.

Living near Acropolis by K & S. You will really love your stay in these apartments. They are perfect for couples or families with 1 child.

PLAKA AREA

Among all parts of the Old Town, this is my favorite, since it is located at the foot of the Acropolis and you can walk for hours on its alleys. Here you can buy all sorts of hand made souvenirs and Greek products and have a cup of Greek coffee in a cozy cafe.

5* hotels:

Electra Palace Athens. Another hotel of the luxury chain of hotels Electra in the center of Athens. Not as new as the previous one, but quite dignified.

AthensWas Hotel. If your budget is not limited and you are accustomed to the comfort of luxury holidays, then this hotel is just for you. It is situated on Dionysiou Areopagitou, the most scenic pedestrian street in Athens and has rooms with an Acropolis view, of course.

Royal Olympic. My favorite hotel if you are looking for budget friendly 5* hotel. They don’t have Acropolis view rooms, but their Suite with panoramic windows on the temple of Zeus, is really impressive. By the way, the hotel’s breakfast room and restaurant have breathtaking view of the Acropolis.

4* hotels:

Ava Hotel & Suites. In this hotel, you feel like, at home, every Suite has harmonious design and a kitchen corner with a lovely city view.

Herodion Hotel. This hotel is in a really great location and mostly consists of standard rooms, some of them with an Acropolis view. Don’t forget to visit their top roof restaurant, where you will find a stunning view and tasty cuisine.

Airotel Parthenon. Budget-friendly 4* hotel with a winning position. It’s just perfect for friends companies or families.

3 * hotels:

Adrian Hotel. In the middle of the Old Town, this modern hotel has some rooms with an Acropoli view, very close to the main shopping street and tourist area.

Hermes Hotel. Very lovely hotel in the center of Athens, perfect for families. They have family rooms and even playroom for children.

Plaka Hotel. It has an excellent location for easy access to all Athens attractions and a rooftop bar with breathtaking views of the Acropolis. 

Apartments:

George Studio. The lovely apartment is just 300 meters from the Acropolis in a very quiet area in Plaka, perfect for couples.

Thea’s Residency at Acropolis. If you are looking for a budget-friendly apartment, this one is just perfect. And guess what, on the roof, there is your own table with a view of the Acropolis. Very romantic.

Live Life Plaka. If your budget is not limited or you are a company of 2 couples (they have 2 DBL rooms) I will definitely suggest this apartment for your stay. Modern, fresh and with great location – I love it.

KOLONAKI AREA

Here is where you will find famous brands of both foreign and Greek designers. There are also a large number of excellent restaurants, bars, and vibrant nightlife. Kolonaki is located at the foot of the highest hill in Athens – Lycabettus.

My suggestions for accommodation: Irodotou Grand Apartment, Coco-Mat Athens, Stylish Penthouse Kolonaki, Project 3 Urban Chic Hotel.

KOUKAKI AREA

Recently gaining popularity, especially among the booking of the apartments. On one side, close to the Old Town and all the sights, and on the other, affordable apartments and hotels.

Check the following hotels: Panagiotis & Olga’s Apartment, 10 Min Walk to Acropolis, Cozy apartment near Acropolis, Luxury flat-Koukaki near Acropolis and Metro.

MONASTIRAKI AREA

Quite a lively area, especially around the square. The calmer part is near Plaka or Syntagma. Perfect for young people, as there are plenty of cafeterias, inexpensive taverns, bars, found both on the rooftops and in the picturesque alleys.

My suggestions for accommodation: The Little Prince in Plaka, Breathtaking View Studio, 360Degrees Pop Art Hotel, A for Athens.

PLAN B AREAS

If you did not find suatable accommodation in the areas above, you can also consider the following options:

Thissio area. Also referred to the Old Town, well, not so picturesque part, although not far from the Acropolis.

Panepistimio area. Located between the two main squares of Syntagma and Omonia. Besides the dark mysterious alleys, I like everything here.

Siggrou Avenue area. Recently, a lot of 5 * hotels “growing” like mushrooms here such as Grand Hyatt Athens, Athens Marriott Hotel, Athenaeum Intercontinental. A bit far from the center and quite a noisy area.

Vasilissis Sofias Avenue area. Also there are some good hotels, as Hilton Athens, Divani Caravel. A bit far from the Old Town, but there is a metro nearby.

Kallimarmaro Stadium area. Not a bad district, but a rather unsightly part of the city. My advice to check Pi Athens, The New Chic Apt next to Kallimarmaro Stadium, Athens Green Apartments.

IT IS BETTER NOT TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR STAY

As in any Europian city, in Athens also, there are areas that I would not advise choosing for your stay due to many reasons (location, safety, cleanliness, reviews and etc.). They are Omonia Square, Metaksourgio Square, Psyri, Keramikos, Exarchion, Pedion tou Areos park, Viktoria and Attiki metro stations, Kallithea, Neos Kosmos, Gazi, Petralona.

If you need recommendations or advice for your stay in Athens, I will be glad to help you. Also, be free to share with us your own experience about your stay in Athens in the comments.