The Best Budget-Friendly Hotels to Book in Athens, Greece
The Arion Hotel's seventh-floor terrace has an excellent view of the Acropolis | Courtesy of Arion Hotel / Expedia
Budget travellers in Athens aren’t confined to backpackers hostels or scruffy accommodations miles from the centre. There are plenty of superb, cheap bases in Greece’s ancient capital, ranging from smart, self-catered apartments to cosy boutiques – and most of them are situated in the oldest and most famous neighbourhoods, near to the Acropolis and more. Read on for our guide to the best cheap hotels in the city of temples and columns, and discover where to stay without wrecking your wallet.
Courtesy of Centrotel / Expedia
Centrotel Hotel offers retro accommodation in a residential quarter, about a half-hour walk from the Acropolis and historical centre. The basic, comfortable rooms range in size from singles to family suites, and all have a private balcony and jacuzzi. Shared facilities include free underground parking, a snack bar, a flower-filled courtyard that’s perfect for a tranquil early-evening drink, and a lounge where breakfast is served. The nearest attraction is the National Archaeological Museum, a 12-minute walk away.
Courtesy of Urban Frame / Expedia
Central Athens’ Urban Frame Hotel is geared towards the budget traveller who wants their accommodation to have a little contemporary flare. All fifteen rooms are individually decorated and have views of either the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus or the city; some also have private internal courtyards or their own balconies. Situated in the heart of Plaka, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, it’s within easy walking distance of major attractions such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Botanical Gardens and the Acropolis. Relaxation spaces comprise a lounge with a small library and a snack bar.
Acropolis Plaza Smart Hotel and Spa
Courtesy of Acropolis Plaza Smart Hotel and Spa / Expedia
Acropolis Plaza Smart Hotel and Spa’s quality design and central location make it an excellent-value base from which to explore the Greek capital. Rooms are designed in bold Mediterranean blues, oranges and whites and feature smart apps and TVs; most have hydromassage shower rooms. A rooftop bar with Acropolis views serves breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks and provides a congenial spot to mix with fellow travellers. It’s a 20-minute walk into Plaka, or you can hop on a bus or Metro just down the street from the hotel. English-speaking staff happily provide sightseeing and restaurant tips.
Courtesy of Acropolis View Hotel / Expedia
The wallet-friendly Acropolis View Hotel delivers on its name, offering unfussy rooms in the tranquil neighbourhood of Philopappou, most of which look towards the mighty ancient monument. Also overlooking the Acropolis is a rooftop terrace, where you can take breakfast in the morning or wine in the evening. Located nearby are the fascinating Acropolis Museum, the Filopappou Hill – from which you can survey the whole of Athens – and, at the bottom of the hill, the Prison of Socrates, where the philosopher is rumoured to have been held before his trial in 399BCE.
Courtesy of Athenian Foss / Expedia
Shoppers won’t do better than Athenian Foss, a smart, 15-room boutique just off Ermou street, the Greek capital’s premier shopping thoroughfare. Suites go all the way up to a rooftop option with sweeping views, but the standards are superb-value, featuring smart TVs, handmade headboards and desks and marble bathrooms with rainfall showers. Plaka’s restaurants and tavernas are just a five-minute walk away, but if you fancy staying in, there’s a quality Greek eatery on the ground floor. All major archaeological attractions are within a 10-minute walk from reception.
Courtesy of Victory Inn / Expedia
Victory Inn offers competitively-priced single, double and triple rooms directly opposite Pedion Areos, one of Athens’ largest public parks. Within the park, you can see the statues of 21 key figures in the Greek revolution of 1821 against the Ottomans. Perks include a bar, breakfast included in the room price, wifi in every corner of the building and private parking down the road for an extra daily fee. It’s a good 50-minute walk into central Athens, or you can hop on the Metro at Victoria Station, just nine minutes away on foot.
Courtesy of Hotel Frida / Expedia
Situated in a low-key residential neighbourhood north of Athens’ centre, Hotel Frida is unpretentious, friendly and inexpensive. There are 15 colourful double rooms, all of which have TVs, air conditioning, bathrooms and balconies. Breakfast is available for an extra fee, but you’ll have to head into town for other meals and drinks, or explore the tourist-free joints in the neighbourhood. The nearest points of interest are the Pedio Areos Park and the National Archaeological Museum, 10 and 15 minutes on foot, respectively.
Courtesy of Thanasis Place / Expedia
Thanasis Place should be top of the list for solo travellers looking for a social base in Athens. Situated opposite Mount Lycabettus, the hostel arranges group activities every day, ranging from walking tours and pub crawls to a weekly dinner of souvlaki – a classic Greek dish of skewers loaded with meat and vegetables. You can also make friends by staying in the mixed, four-or-six bed dorms, which are attached to separate male and female bathrooms. If you want more privacy or are travelling in a group, there are also two-bedroom apartments with balconies and living rooms.
Courtesy of Art Suites Korai / Expedia
When a hotel gives you a free bottle of wine upon arrival, as Art Suites Korai does, you know you’ve booked right. Its contemporary, minimalist rooms sleep up to four guests, each has an ensuite toilet complete with a jacuzzi and many also have balconies with city views. Shared facilities are impressive for a budget hotel, and include two small outdoor pools, a bar, wifi throughout the property, a fitness centre and a restaurant serving traditional Greek cuisine. The Pedion Areos Park and National Archaeological Museum are nearby and it’s a 25-minute walk to the Acropolis.
Courtesy of Spotapart Residencies / Expedia
Geared towards self-caterers, Spotapart Residencies offers fifteen smart, well-equipped apartments in a recently-renovated building in the alternative neighbourhood of Exarchia. The Studio flats are perfect for solo travellers, featuring cute corner balconies and kitchenettes with two hobs, a fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster. There are also one-and-two-bed apartments and a one-bed, two-storey loft, which has two wraparound balconies with views of Lycabettus Hill and the city. To experience Exarchia’s animated, rebellious street life, head to the Kallidromiou Street farmer’s market on Saturday mornings.
Courtesy of Arion Hotel / Expedia
Arion Hotel in Athens offers a boutique vibe without the cost. Rooms are warmly furnished with dark wooden beds and earthy tones, and the hotel bright interiors have an energising, upbeat feel. The hotel is situated in the trendy Psiri neighbourhood. The location is perfect for exploring the best Athenian nightlife, with a plethora of bars and restaurants only a short walk away. Enjoy Acropolis views from the terrace on the hotel’s 7th floor.
Courtesy of Amalia Hotel / Hotels.com
This retro hotel opened in Athens in the 1960s and has retained a laid-back, arty vibe ever since. Interiors are simple and thoughtfully decorated. Throughout the hotel you’ll find idiosyncratic art works, and the space is light and bright thanks to numerous windows. What really makes this hotel special is its location. Situated right on the National Gardens, the hotel is perfect for travellers wanting to check out the vibrant contemporary neighbourhoods that make up Athens. From the Amalia Hotel you can easily walk down to Pangrati and Mets, or up to Kolonaki for a luxurious day out. They serve delicious breakfasts, too.
Courtesy of Periscope Hotel / Hotels.com
A design hotel with plenty of character, Periscope is located above the luxurious area of Kolonaki. The distinct aesthetic is obvious as soon as you step through the doors, with industrial features and modern furniture. Guests can enjoy great views throughout the hotel, from the cityscapes from the standard rooms to panoramic views of the city in superior suites. With just 22 rooms, the service is dedicated. Whether you need help deciding which cocktail to enjoy or how to spend a day in Athens, the staff can offer tips and advice.
Courtesy of Acropolis Hill / Expedia
The Acropolis Hill Hotel in the centre of Athens features chic, minimalist interior design and a private rooftop pool. It offers a slice of luxury yet is entirely affordable. The staff are warm and welcoming and the location is perfect for exploring the city. By day you can head to the ancient sites and in the evening, the Koukaki location makes it perfect for checking out some of the best restaurants and bars in the city.
Courtesy of Twentyone Hotel, Kifisia / Expedia
Twentyone Hotel is part of the YES Hotel group, and as such offers stand-out design features with a cool urban twist. Twentyone is situated in the luxurious suburb of Kifisia, which lies a short car or train ride north of Athens. It’s not ideal if you’re looking to walk to the sights, but perfect for those who seek a more exclusive, in-the-know spot. Highlights include a beautiful terrace restaurant and bar, and a piece of art by Georgia Sagri, which sprawls through all 21 of the hotel’s rooms.
Courtesy of Fresh Hotel / Expedia
Located a 20-minute walk from the Acropolis and near Plaka and Monastiraki Square, Fresh Hotel is the ultimate urban resort in Athens. Offering minimalist decor and bright colours, this is a vibrant place to stay in the heart of the city. Athens’ Central Market is located just up the street, a great place to pick up delicious local produce. The rooftop pool and bar offers sweeping views of the centre of Athens. Relax on the sunbeds while sipping on a cocktail as the sun sets.
Courtesy of Coco Mat Hotel Athens / Expedia
In the heart of Kolonaki, Coco-Mat Hotel is a surprisingly affordable option for a hotel of its calibre. It offers high-quality mattresses and a pillow menu, for a perfect night’s sleep. Rooms are warmly furnished with plush rugs and design details, such a minimalist, Scandi-style furniture. Breakfast is a definite highlight, with a host of freshly made traditional Greek options, and an honesty bar allows you to help yourself to drinks and snacks throughout the day. In the evening, head up to the rooftop bar for striking city views.
Airotel Alexandros Hotel, Athens
Courtesy of Airotel Alexandros Hotel, Athens / Expedia
Relaxed, vibrant interiors with a bright, airy feel throughout makes Airotel Alexandros Hotel in Athens a sure bet for a relaxing visit to the city. Although a little far from the centre, it’s still easy to move around the city from this hotel, and it’s only a few tube stops from the Acropolis. There are some cool design features, such as retro games in the lobby, and a chic reception and restaurant/cafe area that’s perfect for unwinding. In the morning, the Greek buffet breakfast will set you up for the day ahead.
This is an updated version of an article originally written by India Doyle.
These recommendations were updated on February 4, 2021 to keep your travel plans fresh.
