Best hotels in Athens, Greece for 2026

A few years ago, a round-up of hotels in Athens as extensive and luxurious as the one our editors have curated below would have been almost unthinkable. While the Greek capital has long been a city-break destination for history buffs and sunshine seekers, it’s only recently that Athens hotels have caught up with the appetite for long weekends and shoulder-season trips from a chic, jet-setting crew. Far from a stop-over on the way to the islands, Athens is reaping the rewards of a long-overdue renaissance, with a buzzing food scene at the best restaurants in Athens and the relatively, surprisingly new phenomenon of rooftop bars with views of the Parthenon; constantly regenerating neighbourhoods where new stores and galleries pop up next to long-standing institutions; and, finally, some smart places to stay.

A new hotel seems to open in the centre of Athens every week — from funky guesthouses and chic boutique hotels to restored neoclassical monuments and coastal resorts. In the centre, book into chic design hotels, urban-cool restaurants with rooms or centuries-old landmark buildings which have had new life breathed into them. Stays in the heart of the city mean you’re in the thick of the action, and can spend days wandering idly along the crumbly streets or brushing up on your history at the big-hitting attractions. But don’t overlook the Athens Riviera. This recently regenerated coastal area, about 10 miles out of the city, is where slick resorts from big-name brands (One&Only, Four Seasons) and cool, low-key beachy properties offer the best of both worlds – many have vibey pool scenes and private beaches to slip into the Aegean from. Here we feature our favourite Athens hotels, each tried and tested by one of our editors.

Editor’s picks