Finding a hotel in Athens isn’t challenging. Generally, our accommodations provide good value for money. They’re clean, and the welcome is typically warm.
There are a number of options to choose from, depending on your wishes, constraints and budget.
Here are a few tips to help you make your choice.
See also our articles :
Where to sleep in Athens?
The classics
First of all, here are the areas of downtown Athens most popular with tourists. They have the advantage of being centrally located, making it easy to explore the city on foot. And they’re also very well served by public transport.
- Plaka : a popular area for travelers, home to a wide range of hotels at all price points. If you choose this area, which is certainly very touristy, you’ll enjoy a calm atmosphere in the morning, and you’ll be spoilt for choice in the evening for dinner or a drink. To find a hotel in Plaka, click here.
- Syntagma, the heart of modern Athens. This is where most of the high-end hotels are concentrated. An ultra-central neighborhood. Here is a selection of hotels in the Syntagma district: here.
- Monastiraki, a lively central district in the immediate vicinity of archaeological sites. Here are some suggestions for hotels in Monastiraki: here.
- Psyri, a trendy, slightly alternative district, with plenty of trendy restaurants and bars.
- Around the Acropolis, you’ll also find numerous hotels. Here are our favorite hotels near the Acropolis (Live-Athens selection).
- Koukaki is also a pleasant, well-located neighborhood.
Off the beaten track
Here are two districts that have the advantage of being less touristy and therefore less expensive… but also less well-frequented than the more touristy districts. Both are easily accessible by public transport and within walking distance of Athens city center.
- Exarchia: a bohemian, lively and non-conformist district, renowned for its lively nightlife and street art (but also for its protest demonstrations). To see hotels in Exarchia, click here.
- Omonia: this is where you’ll find the cheapest hotels in Athens… but the area isn’t necessarily very inviting, especially at night. So be careful when choosing a hotel in Omonia, especially if you’re bringing a family. Here’s a list of hotels in Omonia: here.
Hotels in Athens by the sea
If you’re in the mood for a waterfront vacation, opt for a seaside hotel in Glyfada, Lagonissi or Vouliagmeni.
- The advantage : guaranteed idleness and a relaxing setting.
- The downside: these neighborhoods are far from the city center, which is less convenient for visiting Athens.
Here are some ideas for seaside hotels in Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Lagonissi.
Types of accommodation and hotels in Athens
Youth hostels
An economical solution, especially if you’re traveling alone.
Two Athenian youth hostels are affiliated with Hostelling International. There are also other hostels such as Youth Hostel Athens, Pagrati Youth Hostel or Athens Backpackers
(a youth hostel located just a 1-minute walk from the Akropoli metro station, with unbeatable prices).
Find the complete list of youth hostels here.
Homestay
While this user-friendly solution is widely used on the Greek islands, it is much less common in central Athens. However, there are a few domatia (“rooms” in Greek).
A word of advice: don’t hesitate to visit them before committing yourself, and leave if you’re not satisfied.
Hotels in Athens
The Greek Tourist Board classifies hotels into six categories (Luxury, A, B, C, D, E). The criteria are complex and the categories very broad. It is therefore quite possible for a brand-new category C hotel to be more expensive than a classic category B hotel.
In general, hotels in Athens are rather simple: small rooms, rustic furnishings, functional but charmless bathrooms. In principle, there’s no problem with cleanliness – standards are good.
Luxury hotels in Athens
Looking to treat yourself? In Athens, there are top-of-the-range hotels that have nothing to envy Parisian palaces. Some of them also boast a breathtaking view of the Acropolis. Here are a few suggestions.
Find a child-friendly hotel in Athens
Are you travelling with your family and looking for a good place to stay?
Here are some hotels that may be of interest to you:
- City Circus Athens: A central, friendly address. Family rooms can accommodate up to 8 people
- Novotel: A very family-friendly offering. Not only are children under 16 free of charge, but they also get free breakfast (and a small gift on arrival). Small downside…it’s not very well placed…
- InnAthensHotel: A modern hotel in Athens, close to the National Garden. It offers attractive family rooms overlooking an inner courtyard.
- Adonis Hotel: affordable family rooms in the Plaka district
Choose a hotel in Athens with a swimming pool
Yes, it can get hot, even very hot, in central Athens during the summer. Being able to cool off and take a dip in your hotel pool is a real treat. Here are a few hotels with pleasant swimming pools:
- Novotel Athens
- St George Lycabettus Hotel
- Fresh Hotel
- Divani Caravel
- Poseidon Athens Hotel
- Radisson Blue Park Hotel
- not forgetting the Semiramis swimming pool in Kifisia (a chic suburb of Athens)
Here is the complete list of hotels with swimming pools.
Booking a hotel in Athens: practical tips
If you’re coming during the summer months, make sure you book well in advance to ensure a wide choice and affordable prices.
Rates can be very low in the off-season, but rise considerably between May and October, with a peak in July and August.
Laure M.
