The Best Hotels to Book in Plaka, Athens

How do you like your eggs in the morning? The Plaka Hotel’s lavish – and free – breakfast buffet serves a delightful spread of continental, Greek and hot dishes. Reception knows all the hottest nightlife spots in nearby Monastiraki, but if you’d rather relax after a day of sightseeing, ask for a chilled bottle of wine to be brought up to the roof terrace; all the sun loungers face the awe-inspiring Acropolis.

Nature dictates everything at innAthens, a boutique hotel across the road from the National Garden. The courtyard – complete with twinkling outdoor fairy lights and sinkable sofas – is dominated by a fruitful lemon tree, while a gorgeous glass roof floods the atrium with bountiful Greek sunshine. There’s an emphasis on calmness here, despite being in the centre of Athens; the soundproof windows, minimalist feng shui and ergonomic Coco-Mat mattresses in every room guarantee a great night’s sleep.

Wrought-iron balconies and a chandelier inside the lobby are just a taste of the grandeur at the five-star Electra Palace Athens. Korres toiletries showcase the best of Greek herbal bathing; put some into your jacuzzi tub for a relaxing soak. Treat yourself to a spine-straightening massage in the spa, complete with an Ottoman-style hammam and an indoor pool. There’s also an outdoor pool so that you can swim with an Acropolis view. Will you ever want to leave? Probably not.

Plant-based living is relatively new to Greece, and the Niki Athens Hotel in Plaka is leading the charge. The first “vegan hotel” in the city proudly proclaims sustainability as its core value, and all the food in the foliage-draped Winners Vegan Restaurant is seasonal, healthy and delicious – you’ll crave the dragonfruit puree all day long. After taking in the sights, go up to your room, where sensuality reigns supreme. The beds are invitingly arranged with plush pillows, and only a blurred glass wall separates you and the hot rainfall shower.

Ancient sites abound outside the Plaka Arch Suites. Hadrian’s Arch peeps out at the end of the street, while the ruined Sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia is a short stroll away. But inside this magnificent neoclassical building lies a thoroughly modern hotel in Plaka, with spacious rooms decorated with brushed wooden floors and ornamental ceilings. If that isn’t enough to spark your interest, the Wonka-esque on-site coffee shop and gelateria will excite your inner child.

Palladian Home has it all. Spiral staircases? Check. Views over a taverna-filled plateia (town square)? Check. Handy kitchenettes on every floor? Check. Little cakes and pastries are even available for when you get peckish. Opt for a room with a view of the iconic Acropolis or bustling Filomousou Eterias Square. The only thing it doesn’t have is a roof garden, but there’s still plenty of entertainment nearby. The rooftop Cine Paris is directly opposite – most films are in English.

Next to the Acropolis’s south entrance is the five-star Kyria Boutique House; the most romantic hotel in Plaka comprises five elegant rooms. The Victorian building was once the home of Aliki and Giovanni, a couple who triumphed against their hesitant families – and a language barrier – to marry. Every detail inspires the soul – whether it’s the single blush roses wrapped into your fluffy bathrobe, the wine served on the roof terrace or thoughtfully placed trinkets in the rococo-styled rooms.

Within sight of the Hellenic Parliament, this aparthotel offers a taste of 21st-century city life. Your plush pad comes with two double bedrooms, a corner sofa bed, two marble bathrooms, a kitchenette and art by creative colourist Apostolos Yayannos. The mattresses are cloud-like, and if you can get yourself out of it in time for breakfast – brought directly to your room – expect a variety of spongy Greek cakes and nouvelle cuisine-inspired dishes.