Best Hotels in Athens for Christmas

Whether you’re a local Athenian looking to spoil yourself with a luxurious weekend in your home city or an international visitor wishing to experience the best the capital has to offer, those seeking a festive hotel stay for Christmas in Athens are spoiled for choice.

To help you plan your winter trip to Athens, we’ve curated a list of the best festive hotels that have gone above and beyond to make it a Christmas to remember.

Expect decadent feasts, wonderfully extravagant decorations, soothing melodies, and plenty of champagne upon arrival! 

Hotel Grande Bretagne 

Fancy spending Christmas right in the heart of Athens? Hotel Grande Bretagne allows guests to celebrate many magical experiences inside its hotel, and you are only footsteps away from the festive events taking place around the city! From the majestic 7-metre-tall Christmas tree in the glamorous lobby to the timeless crystal ornaments that adorn every space within and around the hotel- this is one of the best places to stay. Enjoy special menus in the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and bars for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day – where you can expect to find fine caviar, live jazz performances, as well as the most enchanting ambience accompanied by breathtaking views and the sparkling lights of the city below. And with the exclusive King George Perfumery and GB Store downstairs – you don’t need to go far to spoil loved ones (or yourself)!

A: 1 Vasileos Georgiou A, Syntagma Square 

Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens 

Offering a calming oasis away from the buzzing city, Four Seasons Astir Palace, located in Athens Riviera promises a delightful stay during this time of year. From a signature winter wonderland at Avra bar to special festive crafts and activities for kids to take part in every day, plus the charming and thoughtful gifts available at the boutique store- there’s no need for anyone to leave the hotel to feel the Christmas magic in the air. Guests can also spoil themselves with a relaxing spa treatment and savor some of the most exquisite dishes and traditional sweets at one of the many fabulous restaurants found right here. 

A: Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni 

The Dolli

Indulge in the “Jolly Dolli” spirit by celebrating Christmas with the iconic Acropolis hovering just overhead, while also enjoying the all-day dazzling festivities that have been put together for each guest. The hotel’s first Christmas includes tailored handmade adornments, whimsical surprises and the scent of Christmas treats that transform The Dolli into a welcoming wonderland. The festive agenda also features a distinct range of dinners and drinks with stunning panoramic views and music, a delightful afternoon tea, and a standout weekend brunch infused with a festive spirit.

A: Mitropoleos 49, Athens

Athens Capital Hotel

Experience the joy of the season at the Athens Capital Hotel, located in the centre of the city. Here you can immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, adorned with unique decorations and the breathtaking panoramic view of the illuminated Acropolis. The hotel’s award-winning chef Boutsalis Dimitris invites guests to savor the magic of the Réveillon extravaganza on Christmas Eve, a Réveillon de Noel – a delightful Christmas lunch, and you can also welcome the New Year in glamorous style at the dazzling New Year’s Réveillon.

A: 4 Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue & 2 Kriezotou, Syntagma Square Street, Athens

Gatsby Athens  

Another hotel promising to bring the magic of Christmas to life is the Gatsby Athens. Featuring live musical performances each night, as well as a delightful seasonal menu that is inspired by this special time of year- guests will feel warm, cozy and festive from morning till late evening. It’s the perfect place if you are looking to finish your Christmas shopping or experience the magic of Christmas in the centre of the capital, as luxury boutiques and lively events are right at your doorstep. 

A: Lekka 18, Athens

Main image Courtesy of Hotel Grande Bretagne

Hotel Review: Mona Athens, Raw Luxury and Delicate Details

Hotel Review Mona Athens

Tucked into a gritty alley in the downtown Athens neighbourhood of Psyrri, sits Mona Athens boutique hotel: a sanctuary for the senses just moments away from buzzing Monastiraki Square. 

The lowdown

Housed in a building from the 1950s that has been preserved with great love and creativity, Mona Athens is the ideal spot for those who seek a unique stay and want to be among the bustle of downtown Athens. 

Details

The delicate details throughout Mona Athens are in contrast to the underground feel of its street-level surrounds. The plush yet industrial touches you see in the rooms and common spaces are custom, hand-made, or recycled from found materials and made by the hotel’s design studio House of Shila. Many of the items on display are also available for purchase. 

Rooms

The hotel has 20 rooms of different sizes that each embody a raw sense of luxury in their own way. The openness of the rooms reflects the hotel’s philosophy of surrender and freedom. The bath area in particular, which includes a large bathtub, has an open design with sheer draping (heavy velvet curtains make for room separators when privacy is needed). Boasting comforts like raw cotton sheets and ultra-comfortable low, natural mattresses treated with olive oil, there’s also fresh coffee beans, loose-leaf tea and a minibar filled with gourmet Greek products making guests feel right at home. Room types include the Intimate, Velvet, Floret, Amour, Penthouse and Mona suites, sleeping 2-4 people.

Food + Drinks

The breakfast room on the ground level is a peaceful communal space that resembles an industrial living room surrounded by exquisite design pieces. The Levantine-inspired breakfast includes savoury and sweet options, such as eggs, a selection of mouthwatering spreads served with sourdough bread, yogurt bowl and pancakes. Your morning coffee and choice of food can also be enjoyed in the comfort of the rooms or on the rooftop. Also good to note, room service is available throughout the day.

Extras touches

When Mona’s rooftop isn’t playing host to art and book launches or supper club events, it makes for a stylish spot to unwind while serving yourself from the Honest Bar which runs on an honour system. A selection of hand-picked natural wines is a highlight. 

Mona’s reception and concierge services are accessed via a tablet placed in each room. Here, you can also find information about additional services that can be arranged for guests like personal training sessions, massage treatments and laundry services. 

What’s close-by

Almost everything! Being a few minutes walk from Monastiraki Square means that you’ll be moments from the Monastiraki Flea Market, the historical district of Plaka and walking distance to the Acropolis, along with great bars, cafes and restaurants just a stone’s throw away. Also worth mentioning is the close proximity to the metro line that takes you to both the Airport and Piraeus port. 

Highlight of stay

While there’s no shortage of accommodation options in downtown Athens, it’s the cool, considered details that make Mona Athens stand out from the pack.  

Perfect for

Trendy couples and 30 to 40-something travellers who want to indulge in a feeling of sensuality and comfort while in the heart of downtown Athens.

Accommodation type: Boutique hotel 

Location: Kakourgodikiou 4, Athens