Athens, a city brimming with historical charm, attracts thousands of visitors each year. For travelers on a budget, finding a hotel that is both cost-effective and stylish is crucial. It allows you to save money while enjoying the beautiful sights of Athens.
- City Circus Athens
Location: This hotel is located in the vibrant Psiri district, which is filled with bars, restaurants, and art galleries. It’s just a short walk to the famous Monastiraki Market and the ancient Acropolis.
Facilities: City Circus Athens stands out with its chic and modern design. The rooms are comfortable and designed with an artistic touch, reflecting the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit. The hotel’s rooftop bar is the highlight, offering a stunning panoramic view of the city and a great place to relax while enjoying delicious cocktails. Additionally, the hotel features a small library and art exhibition space, providing guests with a creative and cultural experience. Rooms come with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and high-quality bedding, ensuring you have a restful retreat after a day of exploration.
Surrounding Activities: Psiri is one of the most dynamic districts in Athens, with an array of coffee shops, bars, and eateries serving both traditional Greek snacks and innovative modern cuisine. Within a 15-minute walk, you can explore the popular shopping areas or take a peaceful stroll through the National Garden, a green oasis in the city. The proximity to these vibrant spots allows you to enjoy Athens’ bustling atmosphere and rich culture.
Recommendation: City Circus Athens offers a modern accommodation experience while preserving Athens’ unique historical charm. It’s perfect for travelers who love art and culture.
- Athens Gate Hotel
Location: This hotel is located in the heart of Athens, just steps away from the Acropolis. Whether you’re visiting the Acropolis Museum or the ancient market area, Athens Gate Hotel provides a convenient location.
Facilities: The hotel features a rooftop restaurant that boasts breathtaking views of the Acropolis and is considered one of the best dining spots in Athens. The rooms are tastefully designed with modern furnishings, providing a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Each room comes with a cozy bed, modern amenities, and free high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring that your stay is both comfortable and convenient. The hotel staff is friendly and always ready to offer insightful local travel tips, ensuring you make the most of your time in the city.
Surrounding Activities: The hotel’s central location allows guests to easily visit some of Athens’ most important historical sites, such as the Temple of Zeus, the Ancient Agora, and the bustling Plaka district. This area is perfect for shopping, wandering through quaint streets, and sampling delicious traditional Greek dishes. For those seeking an authentic Athenian experience, this neighborhood offers a lively atmosphere and a rich cultural experience.
Recommendation: Athens Gate Hotel, with its excellent location, exquisite facilities, and high cost-performance ratio, is an ideal choice for visitors who want to dive deep into Athens’ history and culture.
- Kimon Athens Hotel
Location: Kimon Athens Hotel is situated in the old town of Plaka, an area filled with traditional Greek architecture and charming streets. It’s within walking distance to the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and other important landmarks.
Facilities: The hotel features elegant yet minimalist rooms that are thoughtfully designed to combine comfort with affordability. Each room comes with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Guests particularly praise the breakfast, which is served daily in a cozy dining area and includes fresh local produce like Greek yogurt, honey, olives, cheeses, and seasonal fruits. The friendly and multilingual hotel staff are always ready to assist with personalized travel advice, day-trip planning, and restaurant recommendations, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable stay.
Surrounding Activities: Staying at Kimon Athens Hotel means you’re in the middle of a vibrant cultural hub. Plaka is a wonderful area for slow-paced exploration, where you’ll find hidden courtyards, artisan shops, and small museums. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a traditional Greek coffee in one of the vintage cafés or browse through local craft stores for handmade souvenirs. For a more structured experience, guests can join local walking tours covering mythology, ancient ruins, or even Athenian cuisine, offering a deeper understanding of the city’s multifaceted history.
Recommendation: Kimon Athens Hotel provides high-quality accommodation within budget, making it an excellent choice for culture and history enthusiasts.
- The Zillers Boutique Hotel
Location: This boutique hotel is located in downtown Athens, just a 10-minute walk from the Plaka district and the Acropolis. The surrounding area is full of lively dining and shopping options.
Facilities: This boutique hotel stands out for its distinctive design, blending modern elegance with vintage charm. The rooms feature custom-made furniture, high ceilings, wooden floors, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. Select rooms even offer balconies with direct views of the Acropolis. Guests are invited to enjoy breakfast on the rooftop terrace, which also serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes and cocktails throughout the day. The panoramic vista from the terrace is particularly stunning at sunset, offering a postcard-perfect view of the ancient city skyline. Additional services include concierge support, airport transfers, and curated local experiences.
Surrounding Activities: The area surrounding The Zillers is a haven for those who love urban culture and lifestyle. Numerous trendy cafes, stylish bars, and local fashion stores line the streets, making it a great base for those who want to explore Athens’ creative scene. Art lovers will find nearby galleries showcasing contemporary Greek artists, while foodies can venture into the central market or attend local wine tastings. Public transportation is easily accessible, allowing quick travel to other neighborhoods like Kolonaki or the seaside district of Piraeus.
Recommendation: With its stylish design that blends modern and traditional elements, The Zillers Boutique Hotel is a perfect choice for travelers looking for luxury without exceeding their budget.
- St George Lycabettus Hotel
Location: Located near the Lycabettus Hill on Athens’ tree-lined avenues, St George Lycabettus Hotel offers a higher vantage point where you can enjoy stunning views of Athens and the harbor, although it’s a bit farther from the city center.
Facilities: The hotel is a haven of sophistication, offering top-tier facilities that cater to both relaxation and luxury. Guests can unwind in the beautiful outdoor swimming pool, enjoy a workout in the well-equipped fitness center, or indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the spa. Dining is a delight with multiple on-site restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine crafted from fresh local ingredients. The rooms are not only spacious and stylishly decorated with a blend of classical and contemporary aesthetics, but also offer stunning private balconies. Each room includes complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, plush bedding, a minibar, and HD televisions for the ultimate in-room comfort.
Surrounding Activities: Just steps away from the hotel, guests can embark on scenic hikes up Lycabettus Hill or explore the tree-lined streets of Kolonaki, where designer shops and cultural landmarks await. For those seeking a memorable experience, the nearby funicular railway provides an effortless ascent to the Lycabettus summit, where visitors are rewarded with a panoramic 360-degree view of Athens and a charming chapel. In the evenings, this area transforms into a romantic setting perfect for couples or solo travelers looking to unwind.
Recommendation: If you want to enjoy a tranquil environment and breathtaking views of the city while being conveniently located to explore central Athens, St George Lycabettus Hotel is the perfect choice.
- Plaka Hotel
Location: Plaka Hotel is located in the historic Plaka district, just a short walk from the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus. This area is a blend of ancient charm and modern vibes, making it an excellent starting point for exploring Athens’ history and culture.
Facilities: Plaka Hotel offers a delightful combination of comfort and practicality, with thoughtfully designed rooms that are both welcoming and modern. Every room includes essential amenities such as air conditioning, a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi. One of the hotel’s highlights is its rooftop terrace, where guests can enjoy an al fresco drink while gazing at the illuminated Acropolis at night. The breakfast buffet is generous and well-reviewed, featuring local products like Greek yogurt, fresh fruits, and traditional pastries. The friendly staff is always available to offer sightseeing tips and assist with tour bookings or airport transfers.
Surrounding Activities: Staying at Plaka Hotel means you’re never far from Athens’ cultural treasures. Within a 10-minute walk, you can reach Syntagma Square, the Hellenic Parliament, and the historic Monastiraki Flea Market. The nearby Anafiotika neighborhood, with its Cycladic-style houses, offers a quaint and photogenic escape from the busier parts of the city. Food lovers will appreciate the variety of tavernas, ouzeries, and gourmet bistros within walking distance, offering everything from classic moussaka to fusion Greek cuisine.
Recommendation: With its prime location and modern amenities, Plaka Hotel is an ideal choice for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the history of Athens and experience the local lifestyle.
Hotel Booking Platforms Recommendation
For booking hotels in Athens, I recommend using the following platforms to find the best prices and the best accommodations:
- Booking.com
- Agoda
- Expedia
These platforms offer a wide range of options, from budget to luxury hotels, and provide guest reviews to help you make an informed decision. With the recommended hotels, you can choose the right one based on your needs. Whether you want to experience Athens’ history and culture or enjoy modern conveniences, these hotels will offer a satisfying stay.
