Athens is rich in history and culture, and the city makes these and other elements accessible for travelers with all kinds of budgets. The best standard hotels in Athens are affordable, and offer stays that are anything but standard. Instead, these options highlight the city’s best aspects, whether with views of the Acropolis and other ancient sites, the warmth of Greek hospitality, or perfectly preserved historic buildings that bring the past to the modern era.
Moon & Stars Boutique Hotel
Venture through one of Athens’s most captivating iron-wrought doors and discover a hidden gem: a 1920s landmark building that has been lovingly transformed into a five-room boutique hotel in the vibrant neighborhood of Thissio. This unique establishment, known as the Moon and Stars, draws its inspiration from a former resident – a toymaker whose spirit infuses every corner of this carefully preserved historical slice of Athens. It’s a family-run establishment with each room meticulously designed to evoke the playful wonder of childhood games, offering guests a truly memorable and whimsical experience.
Each modern and stylish room within the Moon and Stars hotel incorporates original architectural elements, seamlessly blending the past with contemporary comforts. Expect to find intricate moldings, beautifully preserved wooden floors, stunning art deco tiled floors, and elegant iron partitions that subtly divide the living spaces. The owners have taken great care to maintain the integrity of this landmark building’s original layout, ensuring that each room is distinct, with its own unique character and charm. It’s important to note that, due to the building’s historical nature, there isn’t an elevator available. While some of the larger rooms offer a sofabed that can accommodate a third guest, they are most comfortably suited for two people. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will undoubtedly appreciate the hotel’s historic atmosphere, while friends can relish the thoughtful and detailed design touches found throughout.
Ascend to the expansive rooftop terrace and be rewarded with a breathtaking, unobstructed view of the majestic Acropolis. This iconic landmark is a mere 20-minute walk from the hotel, making it easily accessible for exploration. For guests seeking a more unique and personalized experience of Athens, the owner, Theodore, offers tours of the city in his charming vintage 1970s Fiat. The hotel’s central location makes it an ideal base for discovering all that Athens has to offer. Monastiraki Square and the enchanting streets of Plaka are just a short five-minute stroll away, while the vibrant restaurants and shops of lively Psyri are conveniently located directly behind the hotel.
Sweet Home Boutique Hotel
Located on the edge of the charming Plaka district, the family-run Sweet Home Hotel aims to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, truly living up to its name. The staff achieves this through their heartfelt philoxenia, the traditional Greek concept of hospitality. Owner Aphrodite treats each guest as though they were part of her own family, a sentiment that is deeply woven into the fabric of this 120-year-old historic building. The lobby is adorned with cherished photographs of Aphrodite’s mother as a child, offering a glimpse into the family’s history, while the basement houses her father’s impressive vintage gramophone collection. Guests can always rely on Aphrodite and her attentive staff’s warmth and helpfulness to ensure a truly memorable and delightful stay in Athens.
The Sweet Home Hotel boasts 17 comfortable rooms, perfect for couples, friends, or families traveling together. The penthouse suite offers ample space for up to five people, while connecting rooms are available for larger groups seeking to stay together. Several rooms feature private balconies, some of which offer delightful partial views of the Acropolis. Original wood floors and other carefully preserved architectural details further enhance the unique character of the spaces. While the standard rooms may feel somewhat compact, offering just enough space for a bed and desk, the superior rooms and above provide more spacious and comfortable accommodations.
Start your day with a delicious homemade breakfast and freshly brewed coffee in the inviting lobby dining area before venturing out to explore the city from the hotel’s convenient central location. Syntagma and Monastiraki squares are both just a short five-minute walk away, while the historic heart of Athens, Plaka, is even closer, just less than five minutes from the hotel’s doorstep. Take a leisurely stroll through Plaka’s enchanting winding streets, soaking in the atmosphere before heading towards the magnificent Acropolis, which is easily accessible within a 10-minute walk.
Athens Gate
The Athens Gate hotel is a renowned and established presence in Athens’s hospitality landscape, having welcomed guests since the 1970s. Its enduring popularity stems from its prime central location, offering unparalleled views of both the majestic Acropolis and the ancient Temple of Zeus, as well as its diverse range of room options that cater to all types of travelers, from couples seeking a romantic escape to families traveling together. Situated directly across the street from the imposing Temple of Zeus and the historic Hadrian’s Arch, the hotel features 99 well-appointed rooms and a remarkable rooftop restaurant that provides breathtaking panoramic views of some of Athens’s most iconic landmarks.
The rooms at the Athens Gate are clean, comfortable, and offer a range of configurations to suit different needs. Options include double rooms, connecting rooms for larger families, and triple rooms. Each room features a private balcony, with the majority offering stunning views of the Temple of Zeus. Some rooms, however, provide equally captivating views of the Acropolis. Given the hotel’s location on the bustling thoroughfare of Syggrou Avenue, light sleepers may prefer to request a room on a higher floor to minimize any potential noise disturbance. For many guests, the hotel’s most alluring feature is undoubtedly its rooftop restaurant, which boasts a truly panoramic vista of Athens. From this vantage point, you can gaze upon the sparkling sea, the verdant slopes of Mount Lycabettus, and the magnificent Parthenon, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
The Athens Gate’s strategic location places you at the very heart of both ancient and modern Athens. The iconic Acropolis, the fascinating Acropolis Museum, and the charming streets of Plaka are all within a convenient five-minute walk. Syntagma Square is also easily accessible, just a 10-minute walk away. For guests traveling by car, the hotel offers a valuable parking lot, a significant advantage in the often-crowded city center. However, it is advisable to book your parking spot in advance to ensure availability.
Home & Poetry
Housed within a beautifully restored neoclassical building, the Home and Poetry hotel offers a unique and immersive experience. With just 16 rooms, this intimate establishment is almost perfectly positioned between the iconic Acropolis and the historic Hadrian’s Arch. Each room is thoughtfully named after a different Greek poet, and excerpts of their work are creatively displayed on the walls or in other areas of the room, providing guests with an engaging introduction to one of Greece’s most significant and beloved art forms. Families will find ample space and comfort in the two-bedroom skylight loft, where multiple skylights are sure to delight children. Couples may find the deluxe suites, some of which feature private balconies or partial views of the Acropolis, particularly appealing.
The Home and Poetry hotel seamlessly blends original architectural elements with modern comforts. Guests will appreciate the preserved marble staircases, elegant iron-wrought railings, warm hardwood floors, and carefully selected vintage furniture, all of which contribute to a tangible sense of history. The rooftop breakfast area provides a pleasant and serene setting to enjoy a cup of coffee and a homemade meal while admiring the back side of the Acropolis. While the Parthenon and other prominent landmarks are not directly visible from the hotel itself, the southern entrance to the Acropolis is just a short five-minute walk away. History truly surrounds the hotel, with Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Zeus located just down the street, and the vibrant streets of Plaka within easy reach, only five minutes away.
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