Name: AthensWas Hotel
Address: 5 Dionyssiou Areopageitou street, Athens, 11742
Telephone: 0030 210 9249954
Price range: $$

AthensWas Hotel

5 Dionyssiou Areopageitou street, Athens, 11742

Why We Like It

This is a compact hotel (21 rooms) with a discreet touch of class, quality materials (3 types of famed Greek marble, highly sought-after Greek walnut wood) and warm tones, that manages to live up to the high expectations. The staff is impeccably trained and the cleanliness is gleaming. Combined with the perfect location, it explains for the loyal and returning clientele over its young life, despite a hefty price tag.

Fodor's Expert Review

This newly-built (in 2015) boutique hotel already has a loyal client base even though it does not come cheap. On top of its discreet touch of modernism (with unique design items such as the Le Corbusier LG3 chairs from 1928 and the Utrecht sofa by Rietvelt from 1935), it also offers impeccable service and a distinguished feel. And that's on top of its perfect location.

Tip Look out for the 45 black and white photographic close-ups of ancient Greek statues throughout the hotel, setting a subdued and classic tone.

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Room

Decorated in warm walnut tones and with modernist furnishings with a '30s vibe, the classic (i.e. standard) rooms have a work table, space for an additional single bed if required, and a small interior looking balcony.

Tip The more pricey suites are individually decorated, and offer an additional living space, and large balconies with an Acropolis view.

Bathroom

Korres toiletries are a welcome luxury in the spacious all-marble bathrooms that form a strong first impression.

Lobby

The lobby oozes modernism and also houses a small brasserie coffee bar and restaurant with a small interior garden where you can have a snack and a drink. Main meals are also served.

You Should Know There is only one elevator which lands one level up from the lobby. Ask for help if you are trying to carry luggage, the staff is always obliging and eager to help.

Gym

There is a small gym in the hotel, consisting mainly of a treadmill and an elliptical machine. It is open 24 hours and is located in the basement.

Dining

Breakfast is a la carte, rather than buffet-type, which means that everything is freshly prepared for you, and the coffee is reportedly some of the best in town. The Sense Fine Dining gourmet restaurant on the rooftop has incredible Acropolis views, high-end creative cuisine, and a bar area.

Drinking

Brasserie Modern by the lobby and the Sense Fine Dining rooftop bar and restaurant are both excellent options.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

It is a manageable walk from the Syntagma square metro station (10 minutes) while the Acropolis metro station nearby is on the Red line (5 minutes). The taxi will leave you at the entrance of the hotel even though this is a mostly pedestrianized and touristy street. The hotel offers valet airport transfer at an extra charge.

Restaurants

There are plenty of restaurants in neighboring Plaka, but even closer than that you can find Strofi (5-minute walk) for a spectacular and open-air introduction to traditional Greek cuisine, combined with an Acropolis view. Daphne’s (10-minute walk) is an elegant restaurant for special occasions, while for a hearty Italian meal head to Aglio, Oglio e Peperoncino (3-minute walk).

Bars

A must in the area is Hitchocktales (3-minute walk) for cocktails and finger-food at affordable prices. Tiki Bar (5-minute walk) has an exotic décor, live music on Sundays and its bartender can prepare dozens of imaginative Martini and champagne cocktail recipes.