Periscope Hotel, Athens

Pros

• The large open plan penthouse suite offers incredible views of Athens, which can be experienced from bed or the room’s jacuzzi on the balcony.
• Manager Nikos and the rest of the staff are warm, welcoming, and invested in their guests’ well-being, which helps set this hotel apart.
• The location of the Periscope allows guests to be in the heart of Kolonaki without the noise of busier streets.
• As of writing, the rooms include skincare products from the excellent Greek brand Olive Era, which is a major plus for anyone who wants to feel and smell good.

Cons

• The standard and superior rooms have interior views and don’t have balconies. They do have windows that aren’t able to be opened, so those looking for more outdoor space are better off booking any one of the suites, which all include balconies.
• With the exception of the Penthouse, the rooms don’t include coffee makers, but guests are welcome to grab coffee or other drinks in the lobby and bring them up to their rooms. There are also free snacks in the lobby, such as chips, nuts, sodas, and more traditional Greek delights for guests to enjoy.

Authenticity

The aesthetic of the Periscope skews more modern, as seen in its darker tones and visual approach, but the hotel incorporates a motif of Athens in all of its rooms. Every room includes a different photograph of the city taken by a local Greek photographer and some of the rooms even have these images blown up on the ceiling, so guests can go to sleep “under” the city lights.

Location

The Periscope is located on the quiet street of Charitos in Kolonaki and it’s just a two-minute walk from the outdoor cinema, which is open in the spring and summer. The major street of Patriarchou Ioakim is just a block away, where guests can find some of Kolonaki’s best restaurants and shops. Lykabettus Hill is a five-minute walk from the hotel, while Syntagma is 15 minutes away and  the Acropolis is 30. The closest metro is Evaggelismos, which is just 10 minutes away by foot.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The Periscope has 22 rooms in total, which range from standard and superior to junior suites and one large penthouse suite. The standard and superior rooms do not include balconies, so those looking for that outdoor space can check out any of the suites, which all do have terraces overlooking Charitos Street. This neighborhood itself is very quiet anyway but all the rooms are soundproofed and offer a feeling of peace and privacy.

Folks looking for something extra special can check out the Penthouse suite, which sleeps up to four people split between a large bed and couch. The Penthouse includes a large terrace and rooftop jacuzzi and lounge cushions for guests to relax and gaze at the Acropolis and sea for as long or as little as they’d like.