Best Urban Hotels in Greece

Near to the buzzing Plaka area but secreted away on a quiet road, the AVA Hotel and Suites is a small but perfectly formed hotel that is central to all that Athens has to offer for tourists and business travellers. Suites range from regular to larger executive and exclusive options, and the latter have living area, small kitchen and a large balcony. There is a subdued luxury throughout the hotel and each of the 16 rooms resemble apartments and are furnished in a bright, fresh style. Views from the balconies include the Acropolis, Hadrian Arch and the Temple of Zeus, and a bottle of champagne is an added luxury that is presented to every guest on arrival.

This former government building has been transformed into a hotel that is a hybrid mixture of chic 1950s and 1960s style with ultra modern touches thrown in to create a luxurious experience for guests. The tenth floor houses a stunning roof garden with panoramic views over Athens. The hotel has two pools including one on the roof, a spa area, and one of it’s main attractions is a striking piece of artwork in the inner courtyard atrium which consists of swarming birds and bees that rise up to over 30m in height, and guests can sit and enjoy the view over a coffee.

A luxury hotel near to the lively Syntagma Square, the MET34 offers luxury suites with high-tech materials and a central position in the hub of the main shopping areas and historical attractions. Rooms have king-size beds and marble bathrooms and are very spacious and ideal for groups of friends or family. The hotel is near to Syntagma and Monistiraki train stations and the location makes it easily accessible for the airport and Piraeus Port. The hotel also has a cafe-style bar and 24-hour room service.

Katikies, Santorini is much more than a luxury stay on the stunning whitewashed island and boasts multiple awards. Located in Oia, its exceptional design, unforgettable views, and first-class service have given this hotel a reputation of sheer excellence. The hotel is built into the steep hillside of Caldera and is known for picture-perfect sunsets and sea views. There is a range of chich guestrooms and suites on offer – some with jetted tubs and plunge pools for an extra element of elegance. Michelin-starred dining is available at Botrini’s Santorini while Katikies Lower and Upper Deck Lounges spoil guests with cliffside opulence overlooking the expansive infinity pool and Aegean Sea. Lavish experiences are also there for the taking at Champagne Bar by Fleur de Miraval. Complete serenity is on offer at the on-site cave spa while Luisa World Boutique Katikies Santorini affords guests a high-end shopping experience.

King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens is a lavish boutique hotel which dates back to 1930 in the historical Greek capital. Guests are invited to indulge in a five-star stay in one of the 102 luxurious guestrooms and suites, including the spacious two-bedroom Penthouse Suite with a private outdoor pool overlooking the Acropolis. On-site dining is available at the Michelin-starred Tudor Hall Restaurant with spectacular city views and even better cuisine. Guests can also take advantage of the 24-hour fitness centre and the fully equipped business centre. The hotel is family-friendly and offers a range of children-specific services to make every guest feel at ease and at home, including babysitting services.

If you’re searching for a five-star getaway on an idyllic island, look no further than Castro Hotel Syros. The hotel is surrounded by natural beauty, from golden sands to clear blue waters and skies, and boats a collection of exquisite accommodation options, ranging from Classic and Signature Rooms to Honeymoon and Prestige Suites. Each of the rooms have been thoughtfully designed with a unique blend of contemporary and classic design. There are three tempting on-site dining venues where guests can dine all throughout the day with al fresco dining at Aithrio Lounge Syros and sophisticated celebrations at Cellar 1857 Wine Bar while Ousyra Modern Mediterranean Restaurant serves a range of local flavours in a chic setting. The hotel features state-of-the-art wellness facilities including a full-service spa with a private Hammam, relaxing indoor Jacuzzi and massage facilities.

Housed in a beautifully restored neoclassical mansion in the Vaporia district, Hotel Aristide dates back to 1860. It accommodates just a handful of guest rooms, suiting those who prefer an ultra boutique feel. Each is uniquely designed and decorated with antique furniture and sumptuous fabrics, to reflect its heritage. The public spaces comprise a lounge area, a bar, a charming courtyard with a peaceful ambience where breakfast is served daily, and the rooftop terrace with a plunge pool, a destination eatery and stunning views of Ermoupolis and the sea. A swimming platform into the sea can be reached within a few minutes walk.

A 150-year-old neoclassical mansion, Ploes is the former home of the Negreponte, Samios, and Lorentzos clans. Now it operates as an eight-bedroom boutique hotel, its top suite affording residents with a private plunge pool. Right across from the sea, Ploes is handy for a dip in the sea (there’s a private swimming area) and its café-bar, Plous, boasts gorgeous views of the Aegean Sea for guests’ meals. The hotel is decorated with handmade rugs, Venetian chandeliers, and a curated collection of late-20th-century art pieces by Greek artists. Ploes opens to guests from April to October every year.

With it’s cutting-edge modern design, The New Hotel has a unique style that made headlines when it first opened in 2011 as part of the ‘Yes!’ chain of hotels spearheaded by Dakis Iaonnou whose love of modern art is reflected in the funky, retro designs. Ultra comfortable beds are a feature, as are futuristic looking bathrooms with gold sinks that extend out into the room! The hotel has a spa, a gym and a number of excellent dining opportunities including The Art Lounge – a Mediterranean bar and restaurant on the top floor.

World-renowned Greek restaurant group, estiatorio Milos, is delighted to announce the opening of the very first luxurious gastronomy 5* hotel right in the heart of Athens. Combining the concept of “philoxenia” – making a stranger feel at home – with striking simplicity, the hotel will offer guests world-class hospitality. Comprising 43 individually styled rooms and suites all of which present an air of Greek elegance; think high ceilings, marble bathrooms, wooden floors, and velvet soft furnishings. The restaurant is at the heart of the hotel and offers an artistic yet authentic Mediterranean menu; showcasing the finest quality produce to perfection. Guests can also make use of the 24-hour state-of-the-art gym and the hotel’s prime location makes it the perfect base from which to explore exciting Athens.

This hotel is set on a slight incline that gives superb views of Mount Lycabettus from the rooftop terrace, and which is also easily accessible for those interested in an early morning or evening stroll on the slopes. The hotel has a rooftop pool bar, a gym area and many rooms have great views of the magnificent Acropolis. There is also a spa with a pilates studio, and the rooftop restaurant has an unmissable panoramic view and a whole host of truly delicious dishes, and for those hot summer months the pool bar is a cool way to enjoy a relaxing drink.

This unusually named hotel takes its inspiration from its Greek industrial past and was nominated at the 2018 World Boutique Hotel Awards. The designers have a thoughtful and ethical approach to preserving the history of the building and telling its story. All rooms have been designed using the 3 elements of construction – namely wood, cement and brick – to create a lovely effect of modern and traditional. Many rooms have amazing views of the Acropolis and city skyline.