What better place for a luxury escape than the city that is the cradle of Western civilization? There are very few cities in the world that can boast a backstory like that of Athens. Here in Greece’s capital, several millennia of human history combine with modern, hip culture to produce a distinctive blend of the old and the new. Many of Athens’ finest 5-star hotels are concentrated in the city’s compact centre where you will never be more than a few minutes away from ancient monuments such as the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. You will also find lots of smaller, intimate, luxury hotels in the leafy outer suburbs where the relaxed Medditerranean lifestyle is still the only way to live. For lovers of food and wine, Athens is a bacchanalian paradise. You can grab a snack of souvlaki or bougatsa from sidewalk stalls while you explore the city, or indulge in the best of contemporary Mediterranean fusion dining in chic restaurants tucked away in quiet back streets. The ancient Athenians perfected the good life. All you have to do is come and enjoy it.
Rating: 8.7
This luxury hotel is all about comfort from years of knowledgeable service. It is strategically placed too, on top of all major venues and entertainment. Even though the entertainment never stops at this hotel, if you want to go further, 5 minutes away is the Evangelismos Metro Station as well as major bus lines. Nearby is the Kolonaki shopping district and the list goes on.
You will be hard-pressed to find better facilities; from the service at the rooftop pool, the sundeck, exclusive gym and spa, and trendy accommodation and restaurants. Enjoy spectacular views over the sea and the Acropolis; other views overlook Athens city and Mt. Hymettus. The rooms and bathrooms make you feel thoroughly spoiled, which of course is what it is all about – sheer pampering.
Enjoy continental cuisine with finger foods served all day long if that is what you like. Try the Constantinople Café or the classic Brown’s Bar Restaurant for their delicious Mediterranean cuisine. What about cocktails or something delectable like the traditional “bougatsa” pastry – see how well it goes down!
It’s about value for money at this prestigious ‘Best Hotels in the World’ group member. It’s all about functionality – your magical journey starts already at the vigilant porters at the revolving door entrance. Stin ygeiá sas!
Rating: 8.7
The Grand Hyatt luxury hotel is abuzz with gracious hospitality, drawing people year after year. View Greece from a superb rooftop pool while you sip cocktails from the bar.
Settle into an airy, bright room with luxurious furnishings that open onto a small, private balcony – relish views of the Filopappou Hill as well as the Acropolis, or lie back and relax with your flat-screen TV. Refreshments are available from your minibar with some yummy Greek products laid on. The bathroom is sheer luxury with marble surfaces that remind you that you are in the heartland of ancient Greece.
Head over to the gym in the morning or take your breakfast at the rooftop restaurant – you will be overwhelmed by the delicious Greek fare laid on. The Grand-by-Interni Restaurant has a metropolitan feel to it with delightful fusions of both Asian and Mediterranean cuisine.
The hotel itself certainly lives up to its grand name, blending in with Greece’s magnificent cultural past. Tour the Acropolis and the Parthenon; don’t forget to shop in Ermou or Kolonaki Square, and the outdoor markets. All this comes offered to you for an unparalleled stay at this classic hotel.
Rating: 8.7
This modern 5-star luxury hotel right, in the city center, is very close to a metro stop. That means the city is at your fingertips. With impressive features like a rooftop pool, 2 restaurants, and a lounge bar with 360-degree views over the city, including the Acropolis, you might find yourself spending much more time here than you anticipated!
Away from the sauna, spa, 24-hour gym, the pampering doesn’t end there. Your exquisite room is assured of a coffee machine, safe, minibar, iron, tea options, slippers, bathrobe, and much more to welcome you. All the suites have turn-down services schedule.
Hungry palates will relish the Greek cuisine from the Mediterranean as well as international dining. For more casual eating, you will adore the Silk Lounge Bar which offers light snacks, drinks, and coffee. The Fos Restaurant offers delectable American-style breakfast buffets – it’s about 5-star treatment!
Check out the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Omonia Square, for sure, but don’t forget very artsy city vibes down in downtown Athens. Plaka, Monastiraki, districts like Koukaki, Anafiotika, and the vibrancy of the Gazi districts. Enjoy pure the 5-star fun and adventure from Wyndham. It oozes exquisite charm, continuing to welcome visitors with open arms. No wonder Socrates said, “Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued” – that’s at the Wyndham Hotel!
As the capital city of Greece, Athens has the perfect balance of ancient treasures and modern delights, giving you plenty of things to do and see outside of your luxury hotel. To help you plan a fantastic trip to this European gem, here are seven experiences in Athens that you should not miss.
1. Check out the must-see monuments.
Whatever you do in Athens, make sure you set aside some time to visit a few of the monuments here. The 5th-century hilltop temple, Acropolis, is a must-visit, along with the iconic Parthenon ruins. To avoid the crowds, you can buy skip the line tickets or even take a private tour around the sites to learn more about the ancient city’s history.
2. Have a VIP beach day at Astir.
The best antidote to a busy day of sightseeing is a relaxing day at the beach. The pristine Astir beach is just 30 minutes south of Athens and offers a platinum experience with its VIP section. Here you can enjoy a private sunbed and waiter service in the exclusive beach club, so you can sip on a cocktail while looking out to the crystal clear waters.
3. Try the oldest bathing tradition at Hammam Bathing House. Athens is full of beautiful spas, but if you’re after a truly authentic experience, head to Hammam Bathing House. This highly-rated bath house has traditional yet stylish decor with gold taps and marble floors. In addition, the spa has individual basins where you can relax and let the steam melt away your worries. Aside from the Hammam bath, massages and deep peeling treatments are also available.
4. Enjoy panoramic sunset views at the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.
This 2500-year-old temple is one of the city’s must-see landmarks and is an incredible place to visit for sunset. The ancient monument sits on the edge of Cape Sounion. It overlooks the Aegean Sea, giving breathtaking views and memorable sunsets. You can also take a private sunset tour here, where your driver will pick you up and drop you off at your luxury hotel in Athens.
5. Go on a private sailing tour.
Athens is so much more than monuments and temples. The surrounding waters are full of hidden gems, such as secluded coves, snorkelling spots, and picturesque port towns. You can explore these and more on a private sailing day trip. This personal boat trip is tailored to you so you can choose your own adventure with the knowledge of your experienced captain and co-skipper. Plus, many luxury boat trips include an authentic Greek lunch and wine onboard.
6. Book a private movie screening at Cine Aegli outdoor cinema.
If you’re visiting Athens in the summer, here is an alternative evening experience for you. Outdoor cinemas are big in Athens, with 65 of them currently in operation! However, Cine Aegli in the national garden is the longest-standing one and has been operating since 1903. Here you can watch a movie in total privacy and also have a private dinner brought to your seat, prepared at the restaurant next door.
7. Party the night away at Island Club Restaurant.
Island Club Restaurant is one of Athens most renowned night establishments, famed for the international celebrities who have passed through it. Depending on the day of the week, the atmosphere varies but ranges from relaxed cocktail lounge nights to lively dance parties. If you’re not a party animal, you can enjoy some fine Mediterranean cuisine at the waterfront restaurant here instead. The menu includes fresh fish, handmade pasta and a host of flavourful creative dishes. What’s more, the restaurant’s cellar features 150 different labels of Greek and international wines, champagnes and spirits. After a night on the town here, head back to your luxury hotel in Athens for a well-earned rest. You’ll be ready to do it all again tomorrow, and explore everything that Athens has to offer.