Electra Metropolis, Athens

Pros

• You can admire one of the best Acropolis views around from the rooftop pool and restaurant.
• Explore the history of the hotel's foundation by checking out the 2,500-year-old wall in the basement or visiting the 16th-century chapel next to the lobby.
• Those with mobility needs can book one of the two accessible rooms.
• The hotel's retro-style lounge area, adorned with artwork, offers a unique space to enjoy a coffee or drink.
• The central location on Mitropoleos means that Syntagma, Monastiraki, and the Acropolis are all easily accessible.

Cons

• The rooftop pool is small and can get full quickly, so book a sunbed to ensure you get a prime spot.
• The hotel's central location is quite busy, so higher-floor rooms may be more peaceful, but all units are sufficiently soundproofed.

Authenticity

Designed by the renowned architect Patroclos Karantinos, Electra Metropolis opened in 2017, but for decades prior, it was the home of the Ministry of Education. Preserving its history, mid-20th-century elements appear throughout the property (note the facade), while its more ancient history is on display in the basement with the Themistoclean Wall, a prime defense measure from Classical Era Athens. Then there's the tiny 16th-century chapel of Agia Dynami, which the hotel is built around (it stands between the property's exterior pillars at its entrance).

Location

One doesn't get a more central location than the Electra Metropolis, which is on Mitropoleos Street, just 5 minutes on foot from buzzy Syntagma Square and its metro station. Popular shopping street Ermou is one block over, where travelers can peruse numerous shops in a car-free zone. The posh Kolonaki neighborhood and the traditional Plaka area are within walking distance, offering a range of museums, shops, cafés, and dining options. The Acropolis and Monastiraki Square are both just a 10-minute walk, while the Parthenon and Acropolis Museum are slightly farther.

Rooms & Bathrooms

216 sophisticated contemporary rooms offer options for couples, families or groups, and people with mobility needs. Triple and connecting rooms are available for larger parties, and Acropolis view rooms bring the ancient world right into your bed. Book the Acropolis Suite to enjoy that view from various spaces, like the balcony or even the bathroom, or book an Internal Art Room for views of Fassianos artwork within the property's central atrium. Images of historic Greece and original artwork add something more personal and warm to rooms, as does velvet furniture in rich jewel tones of purple and blue and dark parquet flooring. Bathrooms are marble-tiled with vessel sinks and appointed with Frederic Malle toiletries.

Amenities

As a 5-star property, you'll find a host of exceptional amenities, including a rooftop pool with a waterfall effect and a sun terrace providing stunning views of Athens and the Acropolis. The spa offers massage and other treatments, while the heated indoor pool (available upon appointment) and Jacuzzi provide an escape in the chillier months (or at any time of year). There's also a sauna, steam room, and a gym available to guests upon appointment. The Metropolis Roof Garden and M Bar on the 10th floor serve gourmet dishes, as well as breakfast, and signature cocktails. The retro-style Atrium lounge bar serves light fare and drinks with Fassianos artwork as a backdrop, and the Lobby Athens bistro features an open kitchen serving sliders and drinks.

Family-Friendliness

Electra Metropolis isn't particularly tailored for families with young children as there aren't any exceptional amenities geared toward them. Kids three and older, for example, are charged as adults. However, cots and kid meals can be requested for a charge, and families with older children may still enjoy the central location, pools, and proximity to major attractions.