Grand Hyatt Athens

Hotel review

Upon entering, the Grand Hyatt immediately makes its grand, modern intentions known. The lobby is a vast, lavish space framed by soaring glass windows, contemporary decor, and an instantly inviting downstairs bar that begs you to sink into a chair after a flight. 

Rooms are a masterclass in sleek, streamlined luxury. It is well worth opting for a room on a higher floor, as the fifth floor offers a fabulous panoramic sweep of the Athens skyline alongside light-flooded spaces and crisp décor. The suites are beautifully appointed, boasting a lovely separate living area complete with a plush sofa, desk, and a table perfectly suited for indulging in late-night room service. The real triumph, however, is the bathroom. This elegant, glass-walled wet room features a standalone bath, twin sinks, premium toiletries, and a decadent rainfall shower. It manages to feel entirely private while maintaining a sleek, open-plan architectural edge, in keeping with the feel of the room.

Breakfast here is a grand affair, effortlessly catering to both local and international palates with a huge array of sweet and savoury options. For an elevated experience, upgrading to the Grand Club Lounge is a must. It’s an incredibly relaxing sanctuary where you can graze on snacks, enjoy a light meal, or help yourself to a well-stocked bar-style fridge filled with alcoholic beverages and plentiful options for non-drinkers too!

The undeniable headline act here is the hotel's pools. Rare for a city hotel, the Hyatt boasts three distinct swimming spots. For something low-key, the ground-floor atrium pool is tucked into a handsome courtyard that catches a surprising amount of sunshine. But the real magic happens on the roof. Perched on the terrace alongside the rooftop restaurant, you'll find an adults-only pool on one side, and a breathtaking infinity pool on the other, framing a spectacular view of the Acropolis. With lots of loungers and exceptionally speedy, intuitive poolside service, the atmosphere is one of pure indulgence. In a delightful touch of hospitality, the spa team even makes the rounds up at the pool! I didn't have time for a full session, however a complimentary two-minute back and neck massage offered at my lounger gave a tantalising preview of the hotel's wellness credentials (The award-winning Aegeo Spa is one of the largest in Athens and boasts a 25m pool, three treatment rooms, steam room and sauna). Ultimately, there is no finer way to end the day than by soaking up some sunshine while having a crisp cocktail by the pool and gazing at Athens' pièce de resistance!

Purists might note that the hotel sits slightly outside the bustling core of Monastiraki and the Acropolis, but don’t let that deter you. It’s a straightforward, 30-minute stroll into town if you fancy stretching your legs. However, with Uber, Bolt, and Free Now taxis readily available to whisk you into the centre for as little as €5, you get the absolute best of both worlds: easy access to ancient history, and a peaceful, luxurious retreat to escape to when the city heat gets too much. It’s also perfectly positioned for an easy transit from Athens International Airport, or the ports of Piraeus and Rafina.

Whether you're embarking on a swift city break, passing through on your way to the Greek islands, or visiting on business (the hotel regularly plays host to high-flying corporate conferences, but the layout is so cleverly designed that business and pleasure coexist seamlessly; you’d barely notice a conference was happening alongside your relaxing stay), the Grand Hyatt Athens delivers a flawless, immaculate experience. With its meticulously designed rooms, top-tier service, and that show-stopping rooftop oasis, it is a brilliant base for exploring the ancient capital.