Athens
Not just Greece's capital city, but the cradle of European civilisation, Athens had a huge boost from the 2004 Olympic Games, emerging with an enviably efficient new airport and public transport system to complement its ancient temples and superb museums. Every hotel in the city got a facelift, and dozens of shabby old drums re-emerged as colourful, fun boutique hotels. Unfortunately for the budget traveller, prices went up accordingly - it's now hard to find a decent hotel room for much less than 70 euros. The city's notorious pollution has been tackled and downtown areas such as Gazi and Psyrri have been reborn as trendy eating, drinking and nightlife areas. In short, Athens is just a great place to be, whether you want wonders of the ancient world, trendy dining or dusk-till-dawn nightlife. Unlike the rest of Greece, it's open all year round, and arguably at its best in autumn and spring. Many Athenians flee the city in July and August, when it's just too hot for comfort; on the other hand, you can cheerfully swim and sunbathe until the end of October (this is the only European capital with its own beaches, at Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, just a 20-minute tram ride from the city centre) and lunch outdoors almost all year round.
Athens is, of course, also the gateway to the Aegean islands, via its huge harbour at Piraeus, about 20 minutes from the city centre by Metro. But these days, savvy travellers cut Piraeus out of the loop and take ship, catamaran or hydrofoil from the little port of Rafina, only a few miles from the airport, where we recommend two hotels for an overnight stay. All the hotels listed are open throughout the year and have en-suite bathroom and WC and air conditioning. The order by which the hotels are listed bears no reflection on our preference.
The best hotels in Athens
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St George Lycabettus
Athens
Classic luxury meets 21st-century style at this Athens Grand Dame. Dignified and charming, with great rooftop pool and contemporary rooms. Some rooms have views of the Acropolis. Not super central so good rates, and in upmarket, quiet residential area.
154 rooms from $156Romantic - Good for couples.Views - Great views from hotelSecluded setting - For escaping.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorRecommended by - Frommers, Travel Intelligence -
John's Hotel
Athens
Small, modern boutique hotel in Glyfada with a retro Miami art deco feel. Good value with 15m pool. Good choice for overnight stay en route to the islands, or a quick weekend break.
from $128Seaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor -
Fresh Hotel
Athens
Quiet, colourful, comfortable rooms and lively public areas. Pop art colours, echoing 60s glamour. Top choice for a romantic weekend, on metro line from the airport.
133 rooms from $98Romantic - Good for couples.Designer - Uniquely designed interiors.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorSights nearby - Well located for major sights. -
Avra Hotel
Athens
Functional comfort for the first or last night of a trip to Greece, a great stopover hotel with pool, off street parking, near the airport and next to the ferry terminal. Seaviews a plus.
96 rooms from $98Views - Great views from hotel -
Hotel Corali
Athens
Cheap, comfortable and convenient stopover hotel in Corali for ferries to Andros and elsewhere, as well as airport transfers. Simple rooms overlook lively town square. Close to the airport, and cheap.
16 rooms from 60 -
King George Palace
Athens
Opulent grand dame hotel, with stunning views of the Parthenon. 5 star luxury and some contemporary twists.
Views - Of the Parthenon.SpaSights nearby - Well located for major sights.5* Luxury - Very high service standards. -
Classical Baby Grand Hotel
Athens
Pop art goes Greek and the 1960s live again in this funky themed hotel in downtown Athens. Decorated with urban art and graffiti, it's a fun hotel for a weekend break.
76 roomsDesigner - Uniquely designed interiors.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.SpaSwimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor -
Art Hotel Athens
Athens
Trendy boutique hotel; four-star elegance at a three-star price, with 21st century elegance. Pretty rooms, good position for people watching in the heart of Athens. Good weekend bolt hole.
30 roomsSights nearby - Well located for major sights.Recommended by - Frommers
