We from Discovering Destinations had an unforgettable 25-day road trip across Greece in May 2024. As part of our trip, we spent three nights and two full days in Athens, Greece. Although our main base was at a cozy and modern apartment in Tolo Beach, we couldn’t resist dedicating time to explore the ancient capital. And, of course, Athens was high on our “must-see” list!
Our Airbnb host from Tolo, who lives in Athens with his family, helped us navigate the overwhelming choice of hotels. However, with a limited budget and a rental car, we made some mistakes when booking our Athens stay—and we’ll share those mistakes to help you avoid them!
In this blog, we’ll:
- Share tips on what to look for and avoid when booking a hotel in Athens
- Recommend five top hotels in Plaka, one of the city’s most popular areas
- Suggest five great hotels near the Acropolis, based on visitor reviews
- Provide personal recommendations from our Athens walkabout, including the hotel we booked for a customer who loved it!
So, if you’re ready to find the perfect hotel for your next vacation to Athens, let’s dive right in!
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What to Check and Avoid When Booking a Hotel in Athens
As we mentioned earlier, unfortunately, we made a few mistakes when booking our accommodation in Athens. Even though Konstantinos, the owner of our apartment in Tolo Beach, who lives with his family in Athens, gave us great recommendations on the best locations to stay near the Acropolis, we tried to stick to a budget. We thought it would be fine to stay a little farther from the Acropolis and the main attractions since the place we found offered “free parking” for our rental car and had a metro station nearby.
But let us walk you through our tips based on those mistakes, so you can decide if any of these are deal breakers for you. If they are, you’ll know what to avoid while looking for your ideal hotel in Athens—especially for a short stay like ours.
Our Tip #1: Free Parking maybe it’s a “Street Parking“
We thought we had found a great apartment on Michalakopoulou Street with “free parking” listed on Booking.com. Turns out, it was “street parking“, Not private parking! Street parking in Athens is almost impossible to find, and after 30 minutes of frustration, we gave up and paid for parking at a nearby hotel (Crowne Plaza Athens – City Centre, an IHG Hotel).
Actually, Crowne Plaza Athens it’s a really nice hotel, and if you don’t mind staying a bit farther from the main attractions in Athens, it’s a great option to consider for your stay.
What we learned:
- Confirm if “free parking” means “private parking on-site” or street parking.
- Avoid driving in Athens unless absolutely necessary—public transport is much more convenient.
Also, watch our “Driving in Greece” vlog to learn more about driving and parking in Athens, Greece.
Our Tip #2: Best Areas to Stay in Athens
During our stay, we realized that although Michalakopoulou Street is well-reviewed and offers a selection of local shops, cozy coffee spots, and restaurants, it wasn’t the ideal location for us.
It was about a 45-minute walk to the Acropolis, and in the warm May weather, that trek was exhausting.
What we learned:
- As a suggestion, if you only have a couple of days in Athens, it’s better to stay closer to Plaka, Syntagma Square, or the Acropolis, so you spend more time enjoying the sights rather than commuting.
- Even though the Athens metro is generally considered easy to use by tourists, we found it a bit complicated—mainly because, by the end of the day, we were exhausted. Taking the metro and needing more than 20 minutes to get back to our hotel felt like a challenge after a full day of exploring.
Our Tip #3: Super Important – The Shower Situation in Athens
Here’s a surprising thing for those unfamiliar with Europe: In some older buildings in Greece (and as confirmed later by Eli’s niece who lives in Europe), you need to activate a water heater panel at least 30 minutes before taking a shower.
The funny part? This important detail wasn’t mentioned in the apartment listing on Booking.com. Instead, it was included later with the instructions for accessing the door code. Since we’re not used to this system back home, we didn’t notice it right away.
After walking more than 10 km on a hot day, we returned to the apartment around 10 p.m., hoping for a refreshing shower—only to find out there was no hot water available! Even after pressing the button, the water heater still wasn’t working.
The apartment host explained (after some back-and-forth messaging at almost 11h30pm) that a circuit breaker key had been switched off, causing the water heater to malfunction. After sending her a picture of the panel, she confirmed that it had been turned off by mistake. To make things worse, the hot water only lasted for one person, meaning the next person had to wait even longer!
What we learned:
- Look for listings that mention 24/7 hot water.
- Hotels usually already offers hot water 24/7, but to be safe, if you choose hotels or apartment’s, ask the host directly if hot water is always available, especially if you’re booking an apartment.
TOP Hotels to Stay in Athens
Based on our experiences and research, here are some of the best hotels in Athens that are well-located and highly rated. These hotels are ideal if you’re working with a short itinerary—like our 2 days and 3 nights in Athens—allowing you to explore the city comfortably on foot without exhausting yourself on long commutes.
Hotel Recommendation: Trusted by Our Customer
The first hotel on our list is the one we recommended to a Discovering Destinations customer for her October 2024 trip to Athens. She absolutely loved her stay!
Hotel @ Syngrou Fix (Budget) – 9.2 Hotels.com | 4.5 Google
Located just a short walk from the Syngrou Fix Metro Station, this hotel offers a local vibe with easy access to the Acropolis and Plaka.
It’s a great value for those seeking an affordable yet comfortable stay.
- Modern, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi
- Rooftop terrace offering city views
- Close to the Acropolis Museum and local restaurants
- Convenient public transport access via Syngrou Fix Metro
- Ideal for travelers seeking a quieter neighborhood still near major attractions
Our customer booked one of the smaller rooms within her budget, but she found it clean and comfortable. She absolutely loved the breakfast and even sent us lots of pictures of the buffet and her beautifully plated dishes!
Extra Tips for Hotel@Syngrou Fix – Athens:
Nearby Hotel @ Syngrou Fix you will find two delicious cafe & bistro restaurant we loved it!
- Lotte cafe-bistrot: Snacks, cakes & cocktails served in a charming cafe that has nostalgic decor & outside seating.
- Little Tree Books and Coffee: Bookstore & coffeehouse serving sandwiches & dessert in a laid-back setting with sidewalk seating.
Top Hotels in Plaka, Athens
Plaka is one of the most vibrant and fun neighborhoods in Athens, known for its lively atmosphere, quaint streets, and proximity to the Acropolis.
Here are some excellent hotels located in the heart of Plaka, Athens.
Electra Metropolis (Luxury) – 9.6 Hotels.com | 4.7 Google
Located in the heart of Athens, Electra Metropolis Hotel offers a luxurious stay with unbeatable views of the Acropolis from its rooftop terrace. The hotel is 6 minutes walking distance from Plaka and its perfect for travelers looking to explore Plaka and enjoy the comfort of modern amenities.
- Rooftop pool with panoramic views of the Acropolis
- Elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi, marble bathrooms, and premium bedding
- On-site restaurant and bar with Greek and Mediterranean cuisine
- Spa services and fitness center for relaxation
- Walking distance to Syntagma Square, Plaka, and the Acropolis Museum
AthensWas Hotel (High-End) – 9.6 Hotels.com | 4.6 Google
Set in the vibrant Plaka neighborhood, AthensWas Hotel combines contemporary design with a prime location near Athens’ historical landmarks. This boutique hotel it’s 5 minutes walking distance to Plaka and offers travelers a comfortable and stylish base to explore the city.
- Rooftop restaurant offering spectacular views of the Acropolis
- Spacious, modern rooms with Coco-Mat mattresses and balconies
- Personalized service and concierge recommendations
- Close to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Acropolis Museum
- Ideal for food lovers and explorers seeking luxury in the city
The Marblous Athens (Mid-Range) – 9.8 Hotels.com | 4.6 Google
Located just steps from Syntagma Square and really close to the lively Plaka neighborhood, The Marblous Athens offers a comfortable stay with elegant touches, ideal for couples and families alike.
- Beautifully renovated rooms with modern amenities and rainfall showers
- On-site bistro serving a la carte breakfast
- Rooftop terrace with city views
- Excellent access to Monastiraki, Roman Agora, and other attractions
- Perfect for those wanting a balance of comfort, location, and value
Sweet Home Hotel (Mid-Range) – 9.4 Hotels.com | 4.8 Google
Nestled in a beautifully restored building in Plaka, Sweet Home Hotel combines Athenian charm with modern comforts, making it a favorite for families and couples.
- Cozy rooms with handcrafted furniture and modern amenities
- Family suites with interconnecting rooms for added convenience
- Greek breakfast served daily with local specialties
- Walking distance to the Acropolis and Monastiraki Market
- Friendly staff with personalized recommendations for sightseeing
Palladian (Budget) – 9.2 Hotels.com | 4.6 Google
Palladian Home offers a charming and affordable stay right in the heart of Plaka, Athens. This boutique-style hotel combines character with a central location, perfect for travelers wanting easy access to major landmarks without overspending.
- Stylish rooms with unique decor, some offering Acropolis views
- Located within walking distance of the Acropolis and Monastiraki Square
- Surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and local shops in vibrant Plaka
- Warm, attentive staff known for their hospitality
- Ideal for budget travelers seeking charm, comfort, and convenience
Top Hotels Near Syntagma Square, Athens
We selected these hotels near Syntagma Square because of their unbeatable location, perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. Staying here makes it easy to explore Athens efficiently, thanks to these advantages:
- Close to Syntagma Metro Station, providing quick access to the airport and other key areas.
- Walking distance to Monastiraki Square, a central hub linking to Plaka, the Acropolis, and more.
- Surrounded by vibrant restaurants and cafes for an authentic taste of Athenian cuisine.
- Easy access to Ermou Street for those interested in shopping and local markets.
- Proximity to cultural sites, including the Parliament and National Gardens.
These hotels offer the ideal combination of convenience, comfort, and access to Athens’ top attractions.
Grande Bretagne Hotel (Luxury) – 9.4 Hotels.com | 4.8 Google
On our first afternoon in Athens, we passed by the Grande Bretagne Hotel on our way to Plaka, and wow—this place felt like a destination in itself! The grandeur of the building, with its timeless elegance, makes it feel like a movie star’s hotel. We could already picture ourselves enjoying just one night there… maybe one day, when all our dreams come true!
What’s amazing is that you could experience a stay here starting at $550 USD per night (taxes included) with Acropolis views, which is comparable to some hotels in downtown Montreal—but without the iconic views of ancient history right from your room!
Located on Syntagma Square, the Grande Bretagne offers a lavish stay with stunning Acropolis views from its rooftop terrace. This hotel is perfect for travelers seeking elegance and convenience in the heart of Athens.
- Rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the Acropolis and Parliament
- Opulent rooms with antique furnishings and marble bathrooms
- Full-service spa and fitness center for relaxation
- Steps away from luxury shopping in Kolonaki and Syntagma Metro
- Renowned for its exceptional service and historic ambiance
The Modernist Athens (Mid-Range) – 9.8 Hotels.com | 4.8 Google
Located in the chic neighborhood of Kolonaki, The Modernist Athens offers a stylish and comfortable stay with easy access to Athens’ top attractions. Though not in Plaka, it’s just a 10-15 minute walk to the Acropolis, making it a perfect base for those who want to explore the city while enjoying a modern, peaceful setting.
- Minimalist, design-forward rooms with premium bedding
- Rooftop terrace offering cocktails with Acropolis views
- Convenient access to the metro, museums, and local dining spots
- Warm and attentive staff praised for exceptional service
- Great for travelers looking for a balance of comfort and location
This change ensures a better fit since The Modernist Athens offers a modern, mid-range option in a central yet slightly quieter area. The hotel’s combination of thoughtful design, friendly service, and proximity to attractions makes it an excellent alternative to luxury options nearby.
New Hotel (Mid-Range) – 9.4 Hotels.com | 4.6 Google
Located a short walk from Syntagma Square, New Hotel Athens combines contemporary design with eco-friendly practices, offering a trendy stay for travelers.
- Unique rooms with recycled art installations and modern amenities
- Rooftop restaurant with city views and signature cocktails
- Close to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Plaka
- Friendly staff with excellent local recommendations
- Perfect for art lovers and sustainable travelers
Elia Ermou Athens Hotel (Mid-Range) – 9.6 Hotels.com | 4.7 Google
Located on Ermou Street, Elia Ermou Athens is a modern hotel that offers easy access to Syntagma Square and top attractions, with contemporary amenities and a wellness center.
- Stylish rooms with city views and free Wi-Fi
- Wellness club with sauna and fitness area
- Rooftop bar and restaurant with Acropolis views
- Steps from Syntagma Metro and Monastiraki Market
- Great value for travelers seeking comfort and central location
A for Athens (Budget) – 9.2 Hotels.com | 4.5 Google
Perched above Monastiraki Square, A for Athens offers affordable luxury with a lively rooftop bar boasting panoramic views of the Acropolis.
- Rooftop bar with vibrant nightlife and scenic views
- Comfortable rooms with modern decor and city views
- Central location next to Monastiraki Metro Station
- Walking distance to Plaka and the Acropolis
- Ideal for budget travelers looking for atmosphere and convenience
Consider a Guided Package for a Stress-Free Experience
We from Discovering Destinations understand that organizing travel—especially booking hotels, planning activities, and coordinating transport—can feel overwhelming. If you’d like a hassle-free option, you might love the “Best of Greece“ package by G Adventures, a 15-day guided tour that covers the best of Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Crete, and Santorini.
This package offers a seamless experience with accommodations, guided tours, and transport between destinations. It’s ideal for travelers who want everything arranged for them while they enjoy the highlights of Greece without the stress of planning.
What’s Included in the Best of Greece Package:
- Accommodations in hotels and one overnight ferry with organized transport between locations (private vans, trains, and ferries).
- A guided tour of Ancient Delphi and a hike through Samaria Gorge in Crete.
- Cooking classes in Athens for a hands-on experience of Greek cuisine.
- Time to explore Athens, Santorini, and Crete at your leisure.
- Services of a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), ensuring you get insider tips and smooth travel throughout the tripAdventure Begins Here – TourRadarBookmundi.com.
If this sounds like your ideal vacation, click here to learn more about G Adventures and also learn more about the package and enjoy Greece the easy way:
Conclusion: Booking the Perfect Hotel in Athens, Greece
Well, we from Discovering Destinations spent three nights and technically two full days in Athens—one afternoon when we arrived and one morning before we hopped on our boat to Santorini. Though it was a short stay, it was an amazing experience! If we were to book again for a short trip, we’d absolutely choose one of the hotels we recommended in this blog.
Why? Because we know these locations firsthand, and we took detailed notes while exploring Athens to help you find the perfect spot for your stay. Whether you’re looking for luxury, charm, or budget-friendly comfort, these hotels offer great locations, making it easier to enjoy Athens without the hassle.
We wish you the most wonderful Athens experience! And don’t forget—our full travel blog with tips on places to visit and things to do in Athens is coming soon. Safe travels and enjoy every moment!
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