AthensWas, Athens

Pros

• You don’t really get much closer to the Acropolis than the AthensWas, which is situated at the start of the Areopagitou pedestrian street, just below the entrance of the south slope of the Acropolis.
• The Michelin-rated Sense restaurant on the rooftop of the AthensWas offers guests both spectacular food and views of the Acropolis. 
• The retro aesthetic of the hotel calls to mind different eras of Athens, which sometimes get lost in the shadow of ancient Athens, but are no less worth admiring.
• All of the rooms have a terrace or veranda, which is a boon for those looking to enjoy the Mediterranean sun and sounds.
• The hotel staff wants guests to feel welcome, so those checking in can find a small treat of local snacks and drinks to help them settle into their Greek trip.

Cons

• Due to the presence of archaeological remains under the building, certain changes to the structure can’t be made. Therefore, there are steps to get to the elevator, which may be an issue for people with different accessibility needs. 
• The AthensWas is located in a serious tourist hotspot, so the street outside of the hotel can get packed in the summer. However, soundproofed windows ensure that guests aren't disturbed by the crowds outside.

Authenticity

The AthensWas has maintained the retro style and aesthetic of its 1970s building, while bringing it into the 21st century. So, don’t worry, the carpets may look like they’re from 1982 but everything here is fresh and modern. The walnut wood mimics that which was originally found in the building and some of the carpets feature designs that were once on tiles of the era. 

As sales manager Flora noted, the AthensWas wants to give travelers a different impression of Athens from the ancient Greek one by showing how the city has transitioned through the decades. Several rooms feature photographs that make sculptures look like paintings, while custom prints by local Greek artists can be seen in common spaces. Both design and Greece are the focus of this hotel, which seeks to combine both in unexpected ways.

Location

If the Acropolis is your main interest, you won’t find a better location than the AthensWas. The hotel is situated at the start of the Aeropagitou pedestrian street, which begins just below the Acropolis and winds its way around Athens’ most famed site. The Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, and Plaka can be reached in two minutes by foot. You can reach Syntagma in 10 minutes by foot and be at Monastiraki in 15.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 21 rooms of the AthensWas they vary in size and amenities but all include a veranda or balcony. The rooms can sleep from two to six people, which can fit into the largest one of the Hellenic Grand. All of the rooms are designed with the hotel’s signature retro aesthetic and some of the larger rooms include small kitchenettes. Family rooms with connecting doors are available and those looking to get an Acropolis view can do so from suites such as the AthensWas, Hellenic, or the Superior Deluxe. 

Other Highlights

Sense, the rooftop restaurant of the AthensWas, offers one of the best and closest views of the Acropolis in Athens. The Michelin Star-rated restaurant is open year-round and offers diners the chance to try a new take of Greek cuisine that you won’t be able to get in any taverna. It may be hard to turn away, but don’t forget to take in the whole view, which includes Mount Lycabettus and all of Athens in between.