Greek Chic: Seven Sublime Boutique Hotels in Athens

Greek getaway on the cards? You’re in safe hands. We’ve rounded up seven top-notch places to bed down at in the country’s cosmopolitan capital. From boho beachfront suites to historic city-centre crash pads, these are the design-driven boltholes to bookmark this summer.

Oh, Greece - sun-kissed land of whitewashed villas, welcoming tavernas and stretches of golden sand - we are undeniably obsessed with you. This being one of Europe's best-loved and most-visited countries, it's hard to know where to start (or stop) when exploring this slice of paradise. So, we suggest beginning at the heart of the action, in the charming capital, Athens. Stroll through higgledy-piggledy streets, browse artisan boutiques and rub shoulders with a buzzy crowd of creatives at boho beach shacks and hip restaurant hangouts. But, hold on - don't book that one-way ticket just yet. First, tag along with us as we take you inside some of the city's hottest-ticket boutique stays.

Design-driven bedrooms and farm-to-fork dining: the best hotels for a Greek getaway

The Modernist Athens

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The Modernist

The hip little sister of The Modernist Thessaloniki, this 38-bedroom Athens set-up sits within the creative neighbourhood of Kolonaki, just a 10-minute stroll from bustling Syntagma Square. Rooms are spread across six floors and split into four categories - S,M,L and XL - and, while they differ in size, each has timber flooring, whitewashed walls and leather and brass accents. Founder Kostis Karatzas is big on community and has weaved it into every aspect of the hotel's core, from the playlists blasting sets by local DJs to the colourful murals illustrated by Athenian artists. This place might not offer spa facilities, but it more than makes up for it with a funky rooftop terrace. Attracting a relaxed crowd, it's found at the top of a marble staircase, where a retro phone awaits your cocktail order. Kick back for the ultimate sundowner, accompanied by impressive bird's-eye views.

Address

Ioannou Gennadiou 4, 106 76

The Margi Athens

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The Margi

Nestled just a stone's throw from the sun-kissed Vouliagmeni Bay, the elegant enclave that is The Margi has been welcoming savvy travellers since 1960. Rooms are elegant and comfortable, featuring neutral hues and wood-panelled walls adorned with abstract paintings. Yes, the pool is something to shout about, but the biggest draw here, in our book, is the food. Since 2015, the property's owners have been inviting guests to dine in an intimate setting at the on-site organic farm. Menus are designed by head chef Panagiotis Giakalis, who crafts his dishes around seasonal produce. Insider tip: find Giakalis' best-loved recipes on the website - his cauliflower soup is our current go-to.

Address

11 Litous Street, Vouliagmeni 16671, Athens

Bedroom Gatsby Athens Greece

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Gatsby Athens

Exploring this compact, 33-key boutique stay won't take long, considering its diminutive size, but the centrally located Gatsby packs a big punch. A not insignificant asset is the residents-only rooftop terrace, Cloud 9: think hypnotic flickering flames from the fire, fluffy pillows upon which to rest your head as you gaze up at the stars, an open-air film screening room and a note-perfect drinks list. Pale, sleek guest rooms feature art deco styling, and come equipped with cutting-edge technology (goodbye, having to get out of bed to let room service in - there's a button for that!). We love the baby-pink velvet headboards, golden wardrobes and swish cotton robes, the thoughtfully curated drawer full of munchies, well-stocked minibar (particularly the tub of Caprice choco-praline wafer cigars), balconies and rosy-hued, harlequin-tiled bathrooms complete with beautifully packaged Ortigia products.

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Address

Lekka 18, 105 62

Roof Garden at Shila

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Shila

If we were to dream up a design-driven playground aimed at creatives, it would look something like this. Part gallery, part guesthouse, Shila has the sort of gritty 1920s facade that you could easily walk past without giving it a second glance. Once through the leafy door, however, you'll find yourself in a blissfully tranquil setting. With just six suites, each decorated with upholstered furnishings, shabby-chic bookshelves and stripped-back walls, a stay here promises a real opportunity to recharge. Our favourite part is the jungle-like roof garden, which feels more like an exhibit at Kew Gardens than a private space in which to relax and unwind. Wade through the tangle of palms to unearth plush day beds, rainforest-style showers and sun-dappled corners.

Address

Mantzarou 10, 106 72

The Foundry Suites

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The Foundry Suites

Digital nomad on the hunt for your next adventure? Bingo. This airy Psiri escape has all the trappings expected by savvy travellers looking for a longer-term, practical space to make their base. You'll find 12 open-plan apartments that fuse traditional and contemporary style: think plant-clad stone walls, bespoke wooden bed frames and wicker chairs offering views out over private courtyards. Hotels are quick to label themselves as offering a home-from-home vibe, but few actually go beyond the obvious. Happily, at The Foundry Suites, form and function go hand in hand. With pianos, typewriters, turntables and quiet desks tucked away in secluded corners, you're going to want to extend your stay for at least a month.

Address

Sarri 40, Athina 105 53, Greece

Monsieur Didot Athens

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Monsieur Didot

It's no secret that we love a dynamic duo, and best buds Natalia Georgopoulou and Margarita Papaioannou are officially our new girl crushes. Both civil engineers, they are the founders and faces of Monsieur Didot, a two-storey, six-suite 20th-century townhouse that has undergone a major restoration, resulting in splashes of modish flair providing a counterpoint to original period features. Outside, the building's previously crumbling exterior has been transformed and is now a sleek pastel pink, while, inside, intricate fireplaces and plaster walls are framed by overgrown potted plants and the kind of abstract artworks that you'll want to take home with you. There are no communal spaces here (minus the petite roof garden), so don't be surprised if you don't cross paths with another guest during your entire stay. We're talking splendid isolation at its finest.

Address

Sina 48, 106 72

Ergon House

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Ergon House

Brought to us by artisan food-loving brothers Thomas and George Douzis, aka the guys behind Ergon Foods, the 38-room Ergon House is the ultimate foodie hangout. With the entire, industrial-style ground floor brimming with fresh fruit and vegetables, guests can flit between an on-site deli, roastery and bakery, or go all-in with a five-course meal in the dining area. Scoffing aside, the bedrooms prove that simplicity is key. Reminiscent of upmarket spa treatment rooms, expect exposed concrete ceilings, terrazzo tiles and frosted glass, all making for a comfortable and cosy refuge in which to enjoy some quality R&R.

Address

23 Mitropoleos, 105 57

metohi-kindelis-facade

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