The Best Hotels in Thessaloniki, Greece, for Every Traveller

If you’re looking for a complete break in the this part of Greece, you can’t do much better than this 5* luxury resort. ocated in the heavenly pebble beach of Agia Paraskevi region, renowned for its unique natural environment of pine tree forests and natural springs, Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort offers one-of-a-kind ultra-all inclusive luxury hospitality services through the accommodation at one of its 171 guestrooms, bungalows and villas. The weather is sublime, even in the later part of the season, so if you’re looking for a final getaway this year we think this is great option.

This sprawling hotel draws heavily on both Thessaloniki’s extensive history and its own lavish title – you can hardly name a place Mediterranean Palace Hotel and not serve up a bit of pomp and pageantry. A popular choice for wedding parties, the Midas touch is palpable throughout the Mediterranean Palace Hotel, with gilded furnishings all around, glass chandeliers and art deco interiors that draw on the aristocratic atmosphere of the 1930s. Visit the Bonsai Lagoon & Spa to indulge in the back-lit lagoon pool, jacuzzi and sauna, or an aromatherapy massage in the treatment room.

In keeping with its name, the Modernist follows a sleek aesthetic that goes against the grain of typical Grecian design and is more attuned with a Scandi-style layout – a welcome reprieve for those who bristle against beachy bohemianism. Unsurprisingly, the hotel draws young creative types who use the Modernist as a co-working space as well as a place to stay. Everything from the hand-made toiletries by the family-run Physis Laboratory, to the Amma garments uniforms of young, friendly staff have been created by local craftspeople. Experimental cuisine comes courtesy of Ergon Foods and is served on stoneware clay crockery by Athenian Open Studio Ceramics.

First built in 1929, this neoclassical building started life as a seraglio so hospitality runs through its foundations. A bed and breakfast since 2015, The Caravan is flooded with sprouting plants and travel memorabilia such as vintage trunks, globes and decorative VW vans that nod to its storied history of hosting guests from across the globe. This multicultural vibe is echoed in the eclectic furnishings and the owners’ own world travels – including a van trip from Athens to Lisbon, which birthed the idea for the Caravan.

A stay at city Hotel Thessaloniki is like getting in a warm bath. The hotel stays true to the laid-back pace of Greek life, and there is a firm focus on green – both in terms of aesthetic and ethos. Snack on home-cooked food made with seasonal produce in the pared back Green Bar after a restful night in modestly decorated eco-suites and airy hotel rooms. Mixing ergonomic design with influences from the natural world, the inside-outside-style rooms inspire healthy sleep and an eco-friendly approach to travel.

A hotel that stands out from the crowd, the Electra Palace has an astonishing Byzantine-inspired façade and is located mere minutes away from Aristotelous Square. Probably one of the most elegant establishments in Thessaloniki, the Electra Palace aptly mixes modernity with a traditional character, which definitely gives it a strong presence. Boasting a wellness centre including a spa and sauna, it is the ideal place to enjoy a first-rate city trip.

The vibrant COLORS Budget Luxury was actually the first apart-hotel complex to be built in Thessaloniki, back in 2011. It was born out of the imagination of a brother and sister, Christina and Fotis Drakopoulos, in an attempt to offer to visitors affordable yet stylish accommodation. They have done so in the form of bright rooms, including family-size spaces for bigger groups, and small apartments with fully equipped kitchens for modern travellers who want to feel at home while away.

The second project born out of the COLORS family, COLORS Ladadika, allows visitors to experience the dynamic district of Ladadika, with many restaurants and bars just a few steps away. This delightful hotel still features the unique ethos of the brand, with colourful quarters and signature affordable luxury decor. You can enjoy your breakfast in your room at whatever time you want, at no extra charge. These little touches are how they turn first-time guests into long-term returnees.

Located on Tsimiski Street, in the heart of the city, COLORS Urban Hotel is a casual yet cool boutique hotel with 21 rooms and suites. Besides the convenient location, the decadent breakfast buffet and the child-friendly vibe – in-room babysitting services are available – the hotel features a garden cocktail bar and a wellness spa where you can indulge in a series of treatments and rituals for a relaxing afternoon. You’ll love the simple furniture, the minimalist yet vibrant decor and the spacious rooms and suites – some come with balconies offering fantastic vistas over the city.

Blue Bottle Boutique Hotel is a small, comfortable and homely hotel offering a great price/quality ratio. Add to this a convenient location and helpful staff and you get a great accommodation in Thessaloniki. As the city is an exploration-friendly location with its many streets lined with eye-catching wonders and buildings, Blue Bottle Boutique Hotel innovates with an efficient bike rental service.

The Bristol Hotel is a homely two-storey hotel set in 1870 in the former Ottoman Post Office. Successfully renovated in 2000, it is located in Thessaloniki’s Historical District – Ladadika – and a few minutes away from the waterfront. The hotel has a bar and a delicious Italo-Argentinian restaurant, but remember to save some room for the morning breakfast as this is one of the best in town. The hotel facilities include car and bike rental, as well as theatre reservations. You have no excuse to get bored.

This elegant five-star hotel, set in a recently renovated building from 1924, is conveniently located next to Aristotelous Square, within the city’s commercial and business centre. The Excelsior has modern facilities and includes a spectacular roof garden restaurant where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. Refined, sophisticated and welcoming, you will easily feel at home during your stay.

As soon as you step inside the Met Hotel, you will see that it has something special. This hotel and art gallery features vast public areas, where sculptures and art pieces are methodically dispersed. The minimalist vibe, innovative restaurant and rooftop pool are just a few features that make the Met stands out. Ideal for art lovers, the Met offers a unique accommodation experience in this underrated city.

Located in the heart of the city and offering incredible views over the sea, five-star Daios Luxury Living Hotel is a top choice. If you are into luxurious elegance, this is the place for you. Designed to look like a ship ready to set sail, Daios seamlessly combines sophistication and comfort. Paired with a spectacular location and a top-notch breakfast service, the hotel will be your home away from home.

Looking for more places to stay in Greece? We’ve got you covered. For a beach getaway, discover our guide to the best hotels in Laganas on the island of Zakynthos or explore the mighty Pindus mountain range in mainland Greece by checking into one of the best places to stay in Meteora — all bookable with Culture Trip.

Mischa Smith contributed additional reporting to this article.

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