It would be remiss to plan a trip to Greece and skip its historic capital city. However, with many flocking to the Cycladic islands of Mykonos, Santorini and Milos, for which Athens acts as a gateway, well-heeled travellers often see this sprawling ancient city as simply somewhere to pass through, rather than a destination in its own right. But, brimming with culture, history and enough five-star hotels to satisfy even the most demanding traveller, get ready to dispel that notion in a heartbeat. 

Famously one of the busiest cities in the world, attracting more than 10 million tourists per year, Athens was once the epicentre of the Ancient Greek empire, with countless fifth-century architectural landmarks peppered across its hills to prove it. Must-see sites include the Acropolis, the Temple of Hephaestus, the Ancient Agora of Athens, and the Panathenaic Stadium (the world’s only marble stadium). The spring and summer seasons see Mount Lycabettus come to life with wildflowers and, if you hike to the top, expect to be rewarded with birdseye views of the city beyond. 

Alongside its architecture, galleries and museums, foodies can get their fill of the most authentic cuisine in the country, ranging from family-run cafes serving freshly-baked spanakopita, gyros and souvlaki, to Michelin-starred and world-ranking bars single-handedly changing the mixology game. 

Tempted to book a sunny sojourn here this summer? So you should be. Step inside the best luxury hotels in Athens, where five-star service and world-class views come as standard. 

The Dolli at Acropolis, Plaka 

Located in the historic Plaka district of Athens, The Dolli at Acropolis is ideally situated for exploring all the city has to offer. Housed in a meticulously restored 1925 neoclassical building, the property comprises 46 rooms and suites, many with the city’s best views of the Acropolis and an enviable art collection featuring works by Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau – both of whom were influenced by the notion of ‘kallos’ or Classical Greek beauty. 

While the hotel’s interiors, spanning a street-facing café, library, and speakeasy bar, are inspired by its fabric shop origins, the hotel tends to keep the focus on the historic skyline – and we can see why. From the infinity pool and rooftop restaurant – serviced by a refined menu by chef Athanasios Tzanetos, blending Asian ingredients with traditional Athenian flavours – enjoy an unrivalled view of the Parthenon in the distance. Ready to get out and explore? Concierge can arrange a host of experiences and cultural excursions, including private tours of the Acropolis and New Acropolis Museum, bespoke art tours, scuba diving and kayaking in the Athenian Riviera, rock climbing on Hymettus Mountain, and more.

From £718 per night. 

Hotel Grand Bretagne, Syntagma Square

Having celebrated its 150^th anniversary last year, Hotel Grande Bretagne is easily one of Athens’ most famous hotels, situated moments from the Palace of King Otto and a firm favourite among the Greek elite. Since opening in 1874, Grande Bretagne has been the Greek State’s official guesthouse, welcoming kings and queens, heads of state, prominent figures in art and literature and famous film stars. Those looking for the royal treatment will certainly find it here; the former King Constantine of Greece, a second cousin of King Charles III and godfather to the Prince of Wales, used to have his own suite and butler at the hotel whenever he visited Athens. 

Guests looking to follow in royal footsteps can enjoy their own personal butler when staying in any of the 320 rooms, including 58 suites. For a truly regal stay, book the Royal Suite, adorned with silk fabrics, crystal chandeliers, museum-worthy antiques and original artworks, as well as spectacular views of Athens’ ancient landmarks including the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill. Fancy a tipple? Guests are given exclusive access to the well-stocked wine cellar, with a choice of over 300 international and local vintages to sample. If that’s not enough, indulge in one of the seven bars and restaurants that span the hotel – we love the look of Alexander’s Bar, set against an authentic 18^th century tapestry of Alexander the Great – and seasonal GB Pool Bar and Grill for those unrivalled views. 

From £670 per night. 

Anthology of Athens, Plaka

Despite only opening last autumn, Anthology of Athens has already cemented its status as a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and earned a Michelin key – so expect great things. Showcasing glamorous mid-century modern design surrounded by antiquity architecture, Anthology of Athens embodies the essence of the Grecian spirit across 18 rooms, a vibrant patio and lush rooftop gardens which have been designed to promote a sense of wellbeing. Book an executive room to enjoy unobstructed views across to the Temple of Zeus at Olympia – arguably one of the best terraces in Greece from which to enjoy a morning coffee or two. 

Fresh, modern Greek cuisine is served at the Botany restaurant, while the Peristyle Bistro is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, serving fresh pastries and coffee in the morning and small plates in the evening. Don’t miss the stand-out Balaneion Spa, which offers a steam room and relaxation area as well as a host of treatments tapping into Ancient Greek remedies. 

From £330 per night. 

Royal Olympic, Plaka

This family-run, five-star property takes its position directly in front of the Temple of Zeus, Acropolis, Hadrian's Gate and Marble Stadium extremely seriously – and embodies a level of opulence to match. More of a place to linger than a city crash pad, staying at the Royal Olympic is an experience in itself, with rooms adopting a bold palette of yellow and blue, with some fringing the rooftop pool while others boast views of the Acropolis. 

A real highlight is the Athenian Panorama suite which undoubtedly offers one of the most historically significant views in the world, as well as a lavish, gold and white marble bathroom with a huge bathtub, double vanity and waterfall shower. There are four dining outlets to choose from, but the Ioannis Restaurant on the seventh floor is easily the most impressive, offering a selection of fine wines and Greek dishes. 

From £150 per night. 

King George Hotel, Syntagma Square

A fine example of Athens’ neoclassical architecture also happens to be one of the city’s most opulent hotels: King George. Dating back to 1930, the 102-key hotel is where the Greek capital’s most well-heeled travellers wine, dine and relax in old-world elegance. King George is located within walking distance of the wonders of the city, such as the neighbourhoods of Agora, Plaka, and Thission, home to upmarket boutiques, world-renowned museums, and the city’s vibrant business district. Looking for a standout stay? Journey to the ninth floor via a private lift to arrive at the palatial two-bedroom Penthouse Suite, home to an expansive private outdoor pool with views of the Acropolis, as well as an array of lounges and dining areas. 

While you’ll certainly find authentic fare outside of these four walls, we highly recommend booking the on-site Michelin-starred Tudor Hall restaurant. Helmed by executive chef Asterios Koustoudis, menus feature charcoal-grilled scallops with roasted white asparagus and grapefruit, and red shrimp tartare with caviar, kombu and passion fruit. The hotel is also home to boutiques from KG Perfumery and Valmont, where you can shop fragrances by Acqua di Parma and Il Profumo and beauty products from Valmont and Espa, as well as a Vilbrequin shop catering to all your swimwear needs. 

From £540 per night. 

Electra Metropolis, Syntagma Square

Electra Metropolis opened in 2016 as the chicer, younger sibling to one of Athens’ hospitality stalwarts: Electra Palace in the Plaka neighbourhood. This hotel, however, is situated a stone’s throw from Syntagma Square – a garden from which tourists can marvel at the surrounding sights – and Athens’ most popular shopping street, Ermou. Also within walking distance is the Greek capital’s foodie district and Plaka, which fringes the Acropolis. In short, this hotel boasts one of the best locations in the city. 

Inside, 216 rooms and suites have been created by Greek architect Patroclos Karantinos while local artist Alekos Fasianos has installed two impressive installations in the lobby and at the rooftop pool. Talking of, we highly recommend a spot of languid lounging on the 10^th floor to make the most of the open-air pool, where cocktails are paired with a clear view towards the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill. There are three restaurants to choose from – we love that the Lobby exclusively serves slider burgers, while the Rooftop Garden specialises in creative Mediterranean cuisine. The Aegeo Spa, meanwhile, boasts an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna steam room and treatment menu inspired by Greece’s native flora and fauna. 

From £270 per night. 

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