A Traveler’s Guide
(Ed. note, updated Aug 09′)
This list includes: The Electra, The St. George Lycabettus, The Hotel Grande Bretagne, The Semiramis, Ochre & Brown, & Divani Apollon Palace & Spa.
Athens is the capital of Greece and the most well-connected of Greek cities. It can be easily reached by travelers from within Greece and those hailing from foreign locations.
In fact, most tourists to Greece arrive at Athens and, as a result, Athens has one of the most flourishing hotel industries in the world.
Airlines that fly from the New York area to Athens include Olympic Airways, Air France, Continental and Delta; and all have direct weekend flights. Round-trip fares for late May start at about $1,100. An express bus from the airport to Syntagma Square runs about every 15 to 20 minutes and costs 3.20 euros, about $5.22 at $1.63 to the euro. A cab into the city center is 25 to 30 euros.
This Guide Covers:
- Where to Begin Your Hotel Search
- Popular Districts & Neighborhoods
- Recommended Luxury Hotels
- Recommended Moderate Hotels
- Recommended for the Frugal Traveler
Where to Begin Your Hotel Search?
Hotels in Athens are available to suit your budget and tastes. The hotels are typically graded according to the traditional 5-star, 4-star, 3-star and further categorized as A-category, B-category, etc. In Athens, hotels that are clean, centrally located, friendly, and with great service can be found throughout the city.
The tourist season typically lasts from April to October.
Whether you are traveling on business, with your family, or as a budget traveler, it is smart to look for Athens hotels online and, if possible, book well in advance. Booking your hotel early in Athens can lead to advantages such as discounted pricing and, if you are really lucky, a ride from the airport.
It especially makes sense to book in advance if you plan to visit Greece during the tourist season when Athens hotels fill up incredibly quickly.
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Popular Districts & Neighborhoods:
The Plaka District
Plaka is a terrific place for frugal tourists looking for relatively cheap rates. You can get a double room with private bath and balcony in cheap Athens hotels for prices as low as 32 Euros! In Athens, hotels often offer quality service and added amenities such as Wi-Fi internet and free parking spaces; though some may charge for these added services.
The Kolonaki District, Trendy With High-End Shopping
(Greek: Κολωνάκι), literally “Little Column” is a neighborhood in central Athens, Greece. It is located on the southwestern slopes of Lycabettus hill.
Kolonaki is a wealthy, chic and upmarket district, and a fashionable meeting area. As one of the capital’s leading shopping areas, it includes a number of high-end boutiques from young adult to casual fashion to prestigious haute couture from Greek and international designers. One of its main shopping streets, Voukourestiou Street, is now known for its jewelery.
The Kifissia District, Mansions, Villa, Shopping
Kifissia is one of the first suburbs of Athens and has always been an elite one. You will notice many mansions and villas and expensive apartments. Now, Kifissia has become an expensive shopping district along with Kolonaki. There are also many cafes and luxurious hotels especially in an upper district of Kifissia, Kefalari.
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List of Luxury Hotels in Athens Greece
The Electra 18-20 N. Nikodimou Street
(30) 210-337-0000; fax: (30) 210-324-1875www.electrahotels.gr
The St George Lycabettus
Phone: 210/322-2210, 888/222-88592 Kleomenous Street
(30) 210-729 -0711; fax: (30) 210-729-0439
www.sglycabettus.gr
Details: Newly renovated hotel with 148 room and 6 suites and located in the center of Athens in the Kolonaki area. Like the Hotel Grande Bretagne, it has wonderful views of the Acropolis from both the south-facing balconies and the rooftop restaurant/club called the SaintG. Rooms from $185.
The Hotel Grande Bretagne
Constitution Square (30) 210-333-0000; fax: (30) 210-322-8034 www.grandebretagne.grDetails: 321 recently-renovated rooms (part of Starwood’s Luxury Collection, exudes elegance), located in one of the best locations in Athens with great views (some panoramic of the Acropolis). Rooms from $330.
The Semiramis
Details: Located in the trendy Kifissia district, you’ll notice the modern design scheme, with lots of color, and a very hip ambience.
Designed by Karim Rashid (Cairo-born industrial designer) rooms feature uber-modern furniture and stunning contemporary art works adorn the lobby (the hotel is owned by art collector Dakis Joannou). Rooms from $240.
Ochre & Brown
Leokoriou 7
30-210-331-2950
www.ochreandbrown.com
Details: In spite of being located in the less attractive Psyrri district, The Ochre & Brown hotel has elegant, minimalist rooms and is located conveniently close to the central Athens sights.
Rooms from 190 euros in high season.
Divani Apollon Palace & Spa
Aghiou Nikolaou 10 and Iliou
30-210-891-1100
www.divanis.gr
Located in Vouliagmeni all rooms have balconies with scenic views of the sea.
Doubles including breakfast start at 280 euros.
