Athens Hotels and Accommodation

(Athens, Attica, Greece)

The accommodation scene in the Greek capital of Athens has greatly improved following the successful 2004 Olympic Games, when many of the city's hotels enjoyed a thorough and long overdue facelift, both inside and out. In some cases, a number of old hotels were complete rebuilt, while an array of new boutique-style lodging also arrived in Athens.

As a result of this considerable refurbishment, hotel rates have understandably risen, although you can certainly expect a much higher standard of accommodation than in the past. When choosing where to stay in Athens, do bear in mind that this can be a very lively and noisy city, and so if you like peace and quiet, consider lodging tucked away down side streets, or standing on pedestrianised squares.


Finding accommodation can difficult, with problems being heightened at the top of the tourist season (July to August). Therefore booking in advance is really advisable and virtually compulsory during the summer holidays.

Some of the most popular hotels and pensions (guest houses) in Athens reside around the Plaka area, where prices will suit most budgets. There are also a number of very appealing mid-range hotels to be found on the southerly side of the Acropolis, within the districts of both Koukaki and Makrygianni. Other appealing areas of the city offering plenty in the way of accommodation include both the Syntagma and Thisio districts.

The Monastiraki and Omonia neighbourhoods have enjoyed much revitalisation in recent years, and whilst accommodation in this part of Athens is competitively priced, the area still remains relatively unappealing, particularly at night. If you are on a tight budget, then the Athens International Youth Hostel on the Victor Hugo is well worth considering.

For luxury accommodation in Athens, there are a number of appealing and often surprisingly affordable lodging options to choose between. These include the Hotel Grande Bretagne on Constitution Square (next to the House of Parliament), the Hilton on the Vassilissis Sofias Avenue (opposite the Acropolis), the Royal Olympic Hotel on the Athanasiou Diakou Street (with good views of the Temple of Jupiter), and the Park Hotel on Alexandras Avenue (just a stroll from the Athens Archeological Museum).