Monsieur Didot, Athens

Pros

• You'll be located between two appealing central Athens neighborhoods, with most of the city's sites within easy strolling distance.
• The building's lovingly renovated interiors blend original neoclassical details with elegant modern decor. 
• All six rooms and suites incorporate high ceilings, large windows, and custom furniture, plus WiFi, air-conditioning, and Nespresso machines.
• Head to the sunny rooftop terrace for a breakfast of local products like traditional marmalade, homemade granola, and fresh-squeezed juices (plus gluten-free and vegan options).
• The hotel's bespoke feel extends to the service: ask for a yoga mat or a tablet to enjoy in-room, choose a book from the extensive library, or set off to explore with one of the hotel's rental bikes.

Cons

• The first and second floors are accessed by stairs, with no elevator. 
• You won't find large common areas in this townhouse-style property, but there's a small library and a rooftop terrace.
• There's no parking available on-site, but there are several private garages within a few blocks.

Authenticity

Monsieur Didot's blush-colored building dates to the 1890s; once the home of an aristocratic Greek family, today it's an intimate, six-room boutique hotel dreamed up by best friends and co-owners Natalia and Margarita. Inside, natural textures, sculptural lighting, and contemporary art complement original neoclassical features like carved frescoes and marble floors. Art and literature are a guiding inspiration here: rooms and suites have romantic names like "The Sonnet" and "The Ode," and bookshelves throughout invite guests to grab a Greek-themed read for their stay. The attention to detail extends to the breakfast: a homemade affair brimming with locally sourced specialties and served on the sunny rooftop.

Location

The hotel sits at the intersection of two central Athenian districts—upscale Kolonaki is full of aristocratic townhouses and designer boutiques, while Exarcheia is youthful and alternative, home to independent publishers and art cafés. You're a 5-minute walk from the slopes of Mount Lycabettus; Syntagma Square and the Old Royal Palace are a 15-minute stroll, and landmarks like the Acropolis, the Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus fall within a 30-minute radius. You'll have excellent public transport links on your doorstep, with bus and metro stops a few blocks away. There's no parking available on-site. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Each of the six air-conditioned rooms and suites features soaring ceilings, large original windows, herringbone oak floors, custom furniture, and brushed concrete bathrooms with rain-style showers. On the ground floor, two suites (The Tale and The Novel) sleep 3-4 with separate living areas, while upstairs you'll find three king rooms surrounding a small lounge; nab The Sonnet for an original marble fireplace and a charming secret door, or choose The Anthem for a marble balcony. On the top floor, The Ode includes a sunny private terrace and a glass-encased wet room-style bathroom. 

Amenities

Monsieur Didot feels more like a private residence than a hotel, but what it lacks in amenities like a pool or spa, it makes up for with thoughtful details and bespoke service. You'll find a few inviting seating areas spread across the ground and first floors, and rooms and common areas contain a curated selection of books handpicked to showcase Greece and Greek culture (you can also check out more recommended books on the hotel's website). A highlight is the beautifully presented complimentary breakfast, served in the comfort of your room or on the sunny roof terrace, with an array of local treats like homemade granola, Greek yogurt, fresh-squeezed peach juice, and strong traditional coffee. 

Family-Friendliness

Families are welcome here, and the two ground-floor suites can sleep 1-2 children alongside parents (The Tale includes a private entrance that adds a convenient, home-like feel). Larger groups can book the entire first floor, which includes three king rooms around a small lounge area. Ages under 12 stay free, complimentary baby cots and high chairs are available, and considerate extras like drawing kits, in-room tablets, and a special gift at checkout make little ones feel especially catered to. 

Sustainability

The property takes a thoughtful approach to sustainability, with lots of small touches to limit its energy use and minimize waste. A discrete 5-minute hourglass sits in the bathrooms to encourage guests to conserve water, and all electronic devices shut off when the rooms are empty. A clever sensor pauses the air-conditioning when patio doors are open, rooms feature filtered water versus bottled, and natural, eco-friendly products are used throughout the hotel.