Gatsby, Athens

Pros

• Each room includes a "dare button," which guests can press once during their stay and receive a tailor-made surprise.
• The lush rooftop garden and lounge area offer clear views of the Acropolis and a beautiful space for hotel guests to work or hang out in a private setting. 
• All rooms feature upscale amenities such as customized boxing-style robes and rotary phones that call down to reception, while some rooms include features such as a projector and screen or a private jetted tub (either on a private terrace or in-room).
• The hotel's design and aesthetic are very coherent and considered, effectively evoking the spirit of Jay Gatsby and the roaring 1920s of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel.
• The Geco restaurant, next to the lobby and open to the public, offers drinks and Greek and Mediterranean-style food in a beautifully decorated setting. 

Cons

• While the Gatsby is a great option for younger travelers or those looking for social media-worthy backdrops at every turn, it may be less appealing for an older crowd.
• Some rooms include balconies of varying sizes, but none have a view of the Acropolis. However, guests can head up to the rooftop to get that view (in the distance).

Authenticity

The 1930s building of the Gatsby was one of the city's first police stations, but you'll be hard-pressed to find any sign of that history in this glamorous space. Where there were once overflowing file cabinets and ashtrays, there are now marble sinks and pieces of art. The spirit of Fitzgerald's Jay Gatsby is the theme of the hotel, which isn't "authentically" Greek per se since "The Great Gatsby" is quintessentially American. However, the Gatsby Athens offers a Greek take on that theme of 1920s decadence evident in its artwork, ambient music, cuisine, and classic cocktails crafted with a Greek twist (think pistachio syrup and yogurt).

Location

The Gatsby is located in central Athens, an easy 5-minute stroll away from Syntagma Square. All of the major sites of Athens are nearby: Plaka and Monastiraki are only 7 minutes away, while the Acropolis is under 20. The area surrounding the hotel is a lively hub of restaurants, bars, and shops, as the commercial pedestrian street of Ermou is a few blocks away. There isn't any parking on-site.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 33 rooms of the Gatsby Athens vary in size and amenities, but all share a style that's coherent with the hotel's overall Jazz Age aesthetic and glam "Gatsby" vibes—rose pink headboards, gold and velvet accents, diamond tiled marble bathrooms, and satin bathrobes. Couples looking for something extra special can book the Gatsby Party Suite, which includes an outdoor Jacuzzi and movie projector screen with a selection of titles. The smaller rooms, like the Juliet Petit or the Cool Corner, are perfect for solo travelers or couples. All rooms feature a unique "dare button" you can press only once for an individualized surprise.

Amenities

Standout amenities include the all-day restaurant, Geco, which serves breakfast until noon (included in most room rates) as well as lunch and brunch until switching over to dinner service at 6 pm, and a rooftop terrace with a cozy fireplace offering city views and a glimpse of the Acropolis. Grab a signature cocktail at Gatsby Bar or head up to the roof to order from the Cloud 9 bar. You'll also find a moody treatment room you can book yourself in for a massage, a concept gym, and a pop-up event space that's often used as a restaurant for a few days of the month, run by passing-through international chefs. 

Family-Friendliness

Gatsby Athens is more suited for night owls seeking a sophisticated urban stay. That said, while you won't be able to request an extra bed, some rooms can connect for larger groups, and a few of the Elite Junior and Bubbly suites are outfitted with sofa beds. Babysitting (for an hourly fee) can also be arranged with some notice.