Athens Gate, Athens

Pros

• Every room has a balcony and nearly all of them look over the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. Just be sure to book a room facing Sygrou, rather than the back of the hotel.
• The central location is perfect for those who want to see Athens’ most famous sites, like the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, and Plaka, which are all just a few minutes away by foot.
• The rooftop restaurant offers a fantastic panoramic view of the city that spans from the Acropolis to Mount Hymmetus to the sea.
• The rooms are quite spacious for an Athens city center hotel and there are several options for families, couples, or groups.
• Travelers with cars can use the hotel’s underground parking garage, which is rare in this part of Athens.

Cons

• Sygrou is one of the busiest streets in Athens that connects to the center and Syntagma Square, which may not feel peaceful or pleasant for some. However, the hotel has soundproofed all the windows to make sure that street noise doesn’t come in.
• The rooms feel a little basic stylistically, which is made up for with their spacious sizes and views of the Temple of Zeus or Acropolis.
• Rooms that face the back side of the hotel don't include a view, so be sure to book one that faces either the Temple of Zeus or the Acropolis.

Authenticity

The Athens Gate Hotel is a family-run business that was first opened in the 1970s. Arguably, it has lasted for all these decades thanks to its prime location across from the Temple of Zeus. This gives travelers a unique bird's eye view of the Temple, which you just can't get when visiting the site. Perhaps more importantly, its approach of situating guests squarely in this place of Greece. Most of the rooms feature views of the Temple of Zeus and some even look out onto the Acropolis.

The Athens Gate seeks to be authentically Greek both in ancient and modern ways. So, you might notice a lacy wire sculpture cascading down the building’s facade. This is a work of art by Nikos Alexiou, a contemporary Greek artist and participant of the 2007 Venice Beinnale. He created this modern sculptural representation of the veil of Amalia, the first queen of Greece, which is a way of blending the old and the new.

Location

The Athens Gate Hotel sits squarely on Sygrou Avenue, which is the major street that feeds directly into the heart of Athens and Syntagma Square. The Athens Gate’s location orients it towards all the nearby archaeological sites: the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch are right across the street and two minutes away by foot, while the Acropolis Museum is three minutes away and the entrance of the South Slope of the Acropolis is five.

Monastiraki Square and metro are 15 minutes away walking and Syntagma Square and metro are just a 10-minute straight shot down Sygrou. Those who want to explore Athens in a different way can rent a bike from the hotel. The location of the Athens Gate is quite busy, so it’s best suited for those who want to be in the mix of a major tourist hub and feel the energy of an area that’s usually busy and moving.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The Athens Gate has 99 rooms, many of which offer views of the Temple of Zeus. While that means they face out over Sygrou, the hotel has soundproofed windows to ensure that guests can sleep well. The smallest room is the Superior, which is 236 square feet (22 sqm) and features a bed – separate twin beds are optional for parties of two – small desk, and closet. Bathtubs are available in some rooms, so those looking to relax in the tub can check with the reservations department to secure one.

Family room options include two superior rooms with a connecting door in between. Each room has its own balcony and bathroom, which offers a greater feeling of privacy and space. These and other larger rooms can hold up to four people, while families traveling with just one child can also book a Triple Room. The family-run aspect of the hotel comes through in some sweet touches, such as bags of dried lavender left on the pillows, which guests can use to feel calm and of course, take home with them. 

Other Highlights

The Athens Gate has an underground parking garage but there are a limited number of spots, so be sure to check in with the hotel to secure your spot. The rooftop restaurant offers unimpeded views of nearly all of Athens, so enjoy some gazing time with the Acropolis, Lycabettus, or the Temple of Zeus. Folks who want to switch out their vacation books can grab another one from the library in the lobby, which also includes a fireplace and a few cozy couches for people to lounge.