In a city as historic as Athens, it's not surprising to discover that many of the best luxury hotels bring the past to life. Each hotel incorporates the city's offerings in different ways that will appeal to couples, families, and groups alike. Time travel to the 19th century with a stay in an opulent neoclassical landmark building, take in Acropolis views from your room or a rooftop pool, or engage in a lively discussion in a philosophy-inspired hotel.

COCO-MAT Athens BC

Relax on a sunbed overlooking the Acropolis and Lycabettus (photo courtesy of COCO-MAT Athens BC)

Although the COCO-MAT Athens BC opened in 2019, it quickly became one of the city's best and most affordable luxury hotels. This comes partly from its location just behind the Acropolis Museum, which gives it one of the best rooftop Acropolis views in Athens. The hotel is all about relaxation, so decompress in the rooftop pool or restaurant or head down to the spa for a calming treatment.

COCO-MAT is a Greek organic bedding company whose philosophy of upscale, sustainable comfort runs through the hotel and pushes it to the top of Athens' luxury accommodations. While COCO-MAT hotels are all over Athens, the BC stands out thanks to its bridging of the ancient and modern. Ask the staff about the ruins of the Roman wine distillery in the lobby or the history of the turtle sculptures under the glass floor next to reception.

The hotel's 110 rooms are bright and minimalist, with warm and natural tones that embody the brand's earthy character. Some have Acropolis views, and most are doubles, making this hotel ideal for couples, business travelers, or friends. No matter what room you book, rest assured you'll sleep well on COCO-MAT bedding. Further your relaxation by heading to the rooftop pool and restaurant, which offer panoramic views of the city and perfect spots to enjoy the sunset.

Read kimkim's review of COCO-MAT Athens BC

Grande Bretagne 

Live in 19th-century opulence in any of the rooms (photo courtesy of Grande Bretagne)

Standing above Syntagma Square, the Grande Bretagne's neoclassical facade is one of the most recognizable in the city. Athens' oldest hotel embodies European luxury with its 19th-century style, fantastic Acropolis views, and stellar hospitality. A rooftop restaurant, two pools, and a spa all combine with historical objects and opulent design to turn the Grande Bretagne into a living museum. In fact, you can ask for a Museum Tour to learn about the hotel's antiques and art.

Book a room on the sixth or seventh floor to receive personalized butler service or splurge for the one-of-a-kind penthouse suite to relax in a private pool with an unimpeded Acropolis view. Chandeliers, marble bathrooms, and antique furniture comprise the 320 rooms that capture a Belle Epoque style. Syntagma views look over the Parliament, where you can watch the changing of the guards, and Acropolis view rooms are more expensive.

Couples will love the romantic atmosphere, while families can spread out in two-bedroom and connecting rooms. The top-notch staff is on hand to meet all guests' needs, whether arranging a special evening for couples or daycare for young kids.

Read kimkim's review of Grande Bretagne

AthensWas 

Enjoy a memorable Acropolis view from the restaurant or your room (photo courtesy of AthensWas)

Many of Athens' luxury hotels include fantastic views of the Acropolis, and arguably, none has better panoramas than the AthensWas. Located at the start of the Dionysiou Aeropagitou pedestrian path in Plaka, this boutique luxury hotel has a unique retro 1970s and 1980s design. The pièce de résistance is the Michelin-rated rooftop restaurant, which pairs upscale Greek cuisine with a stunning panoramic view of the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus, and everything in between.

The bold patterns and visuals of original 70s and 80s designs characterize the rooms, which capture a more recent era of Athens' history. All rooms have a terrace or veranda, although the ones with a view of the Acropolis are clear standouts and are ideal for couples seeking romance. Large suites and connecting rooms are available for families or groups, and all guests can take advantage of the concierge service, which can arrange for things like in-room massages and helicopter tours.

Step outside the lobby and reach the south entrance of the Acropolis in less than two minutes or start your day at the Acropolis Museum, just opposite that entrance. Begin your walk through Plaka in the same amount of time and wander its streets to reach Monastiraki Square in 15 minutes. For breathtaking views of Athens, walk 10 minutes up the Aeropagitou path to reach Filopappou Hill, which overlooks the city as far as the sea.

Read kimkim's review of AthensWas

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King George

Soak in the romance of history in this landmark hotel (photo courtesy of King George Hotel)

Overlooking Syntagma Square and Parliament, the historic King George is one of Athens' most well-known luxury hotels. This former residence of the Greek prime minister dates back to 1837 but opened as a hotel in 1930. Its 102 rooms include antique furniture and marble bathrooms, and a number of them have Acropolis views. The Penthouse Suite has a private elevator and outdoor pool that looks directly upon the Parthenon.

The main draw of the King George, which has attracted guests from Marilyn Monroe to Madonna, is its rooftop Tudor Hall restaurant that offers a clear view of the Acropolis. Soak in the restaurant's neoclassical decor while enjoying its modern twist on Greek cuisine and one of the most unrivaled views of the Acropolis around. The hotel doesn't have a spa or pool, but guests can use those facilities in its sister hotel, Grande Bretagne, just next door.

If you're ready to see the Parthenon up close, the site is just 15 minutes away on foot. Stroll down the shopping street of Ermou and the winding streets of Plaka before exploring Athens' most famous monument. The King George stands in a highly central location, as the Syntagma Metro is just outside the door. Sites like the Parliament, the Temple of Zeus, and the Acropolis Museum are all within 15 minutes walking.

Read kimkim's review of King George

Electra Metropolis

Gaze at the Acropolis from your bed or balcony (photo courtesy of Electra Metropolis)

While the Electra Metropolis opened in 2017, its building has been a recognizable landmark since 1959 when it housed the Ministry of Education. It's one of the best examples of the ancient and modern colliding in Athens, as this 10-story building was constructed around the tiny 16th-century chapel Agia Dynami, which stands outside the hotel's lobby doors. That's not the only bit of history here since the basement includes remnants of the 2,500-year-old Themistoclean Wall.

This historic building holds 216 clean and contemporary rooms, a small rooftop pool, and a restaurant with an incredible Acropolis view. Book a sunbed on the roof to get a coveted spot overlooking the Parthenon or cool off in the second indoor pool. A spa, gym, and sauna are all available for guests to relax in this centrally located hotel, less than five minutes from Syntagma Square and just 10 minutes from the Acropolis and Monastiraki Square.

Triple and connecting options are available for families or groups, and two rooms are wheelchair accessible. Acropolis view options are available, and the Acropolis Suite is the most luxurious, as you can enjoy the epic vista straight from your bed or on your balcony. Overall, the hotel offers modern comfort and privacy in the middle of Athens' city center.

Read kimkim's review of Electra Metropolis

Athens Capital

Marvel at the panoramic view from the rooftop (photo courtesy of Athens Capital Hotel)

The Athens Capital opened in 2020, and despite its proximity to staples of Athens' luxury hotels like the Grande Bretagne and King George, it has stood on its own as a worthy competitor. Located a few blocks away from Syntagma Square on the border of the high-end neighborhood of Kolonaki, the Athens Capital situates luxury in a modern space where Greek art and bespoke objects shine.

The undeniable draw is its rooftop pool and restaurant, which have a sweeping view of the Acropolis. While the ground-floor Galerie Cafe has a great menu of Greek cuisine, the rooftop M Flavours is the go-to spot for those who want upscale Greek food with panoramas of Athens. The heated pool has a glass side, so you can enjoy the view while doing laps. 

One hundred seventy-seven contemporary rooms offer a sense of peace with minimalist design, original artwork, and marble bathrooms. None have Acropolis views, although the Presidential Suite looks onto Mount Lycabettus. Sofabeds are available for extra guests, but overall, the rooms are ideal for couples or people traveling in pairs. The hotel's "Inspired by Her" program offers activities and safety measures tailored for female travelers.

Read kimkim's review of Athens Capital

Academias Hotel

Relax in deeply comfortable beds with views of the Acropolis (photo courtesy of Academias Hotel)

Inspired by ancient Greek philosophy, the Academias Hotel is a modern-day academy in a luxury hotel on the border of Kolonaki. Philosophy is the primary motif, as seen in quotes written along the walls and on key cards. There are weekly "Dialogue Soirees" where guests can participate in discussions inspired by Plato's "Dialogues of Plato." The daily "Reading Time" encourages folks to turn off their phones and settle in with one of the many books scattered around the hotel or call the in-room book delivery service. 

Sixty rooms follow a modern design of clean monochrome colors that create a peaceful environment, further enhanced by extra comfortable beds. Rooms are available for people with wheelchairs, and while all rooms comfortably sleep two, families can request cots for kids. Grab an Acropolis view room or head up to the rooftop restaurant and terrace for an even clearer look at the Parthenon. Other facilities include a peaceful spa and sauna, a 24-hour fitness center, and an indoor pool.

While the Academias Hotel is part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, the hotel feels tied to Athens rather than being a copy-and-paste situation. The hotel is all about Athens and ancient Greece, and its central location puts sites like the Acropolis and Monastiraki Square just 15 to 20 minutes away walking.

Read kimkim's review of Academias Hotel

Perianth Hotel

Take in Acropolis views from the living room or terrace (photo courtesy of Perianth Hotel)

Located in the hip Agia Irini Square next to Psyri, this 1930s landmark building is now the Perianth Hotel, a 38-room boutique hotel. The Monastiraki Metro and flea market are less than five minutes on foot, and the Acropolis is 15. Although if you book the penthouse or a superior room with straight-on Acropolis vistas, you may not even feel the need to journey to the Parthenon.

Custom-made furniture, modern art, and art deco design offer upscale comfort in a relaxed environment. Most rooms are doubles, and two are ADA-compatible for folks with wheelchairs. The Penthouse has two bedrooms for families or groups. It also has a private pool and Jacuzzi, both of which look directly upon the Acropolis. Some superior rooms also have Acropolis views.

The Zen Center is a relaxing place to do yoga, meditate, or take a martial arts class, while the plush lobby lounge is ideal for reading or working. Agia Irini can get quite busy at night, so book a higher floor for more quiet. The hotel embodies a different era of Athens' history—namely, 1930s modernism—and it does so in a thoughtful way that makes it one of the more interesting hotels in the city. Read kimkim's review of Perianth Hotel