The boutique AthensWas Hotel stands at the start of Dionysiou Areopagitou, a beloved picturesque pedestrian boulevard in the Greek capital. Known for its captivating charm, this people-only thoroughfare is a favourite for locals and tourists alike and the historical Plaka neighbourhood, filled with artisan outlets, cafés, and tavernas, is just across the street.

Yes, some of Athens’s must-do sights are, quite literally, on the hotel’s doorstep. And we’ve put together a guide to the best things to do in Athens and where and what to eat in the city too.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

AthensWas review

Lobby interior at Athenswas
The lobby

AthensWas occupies a seven-storey structure, once an apartment building dating back to the swinging sixties. The inner-city neighbourhood in which it sits captivated me with its blend of neoclassical and modernist architecture, much of it still home to local residents.
Marble, wood, and thick woven carpets were popular design elements back in the 60s. Stage Design Office transformed the building, merging the earlier-era décor foundations with contemporary aesthetics. The glass-fronted lobby, with its geometric black and white marble floors, walnut-toned walls, and marine blue sofas, provided me a glimpse of what’s to come.

The hotel features distinct furniture pieces, from the lobby to the suites and SENSE restaurant. Renowned designers like Le Corbusier and Philippe Starck contributed to its sophisticated style. Celebrated houses Driade, Cassina, and Magis provided other furnishings. Distinctive lamps and lighting features from Italian design houses, such as Flos and Nemo, add a warm, stylish touch to the rooms.

The lead designers also commissioned the autumnal-coloured, carpet-imprinted wall-length tapestry that fills the lobby level MODERN interior wall. As a historical reference, distinguished photographer Stefanos Samios was responsible for 45 striking textural images displayed across the hotel. Each depicts aspects of statues at the National Archaeological Museum.

Rooms

Classic room interior at AThensWas
The Classic room

AthensWas offers 21 rooms and suites. They feature warm timber tones, abstract carpets, and bold colour-block drapes for a modern aesthetic. Black or grey marble bathrooms offer fabulous walk-in rain-showers, while the French Damana bathroom amenities add an eco-touch. All rooms have spacious marble-tiled verandahs with furniture to linger on. Many have pedestrian boulevard or tree-top views. Upper-level suites offer expansive balconies with stunning Acropolis views.

My Classic room looked into the central rear courtyard of the surrounding apartment building, neighbourhood laundry and all. A work table with USB outlets, minibar, and Nespresso machine added to the room’s comforts. Classic rooms like the one I occupied are comfortable at 28 sqm, while the suites, starting at 40 sqm, have separate lounge rooms for added space and comfort. Queen-sized beds are standard for AthensWas rooms.

Food and drink

View of Acropolis Hill from Sense restaurant at AThenswas
Food with a view at SENSE

Breakfast was served à la carte at the rooftop SENSE restaurant, which featured plenty of local flavours. Unparalleled views of the Acropolis and Mount Lycabetus made breakfast unforgettable. Staff explained that the breads and juices were all freshly made in-house. Menu highlights included creamy sheep’s yoghurt, an omelette with feta, capers and vegetables, or French toast with kasseri cheese.

In the evening, SENSE is a fine-dining restaurant centred around seasonal five or seven-course tasting menus plus a vegetarian version. Executive Chef Alexandros Charalabopoulos innovatively fuses international cooking techniques with authentic Greek flavours and plenty of creative detail. A rooftop kitchen garden provides many of the aromatic herbs. The chef also treats diners to selected regional extra virgin olive oil samples as an introduction to this nuanced Mediterranean staple.

And those postcard-worthy views of Acropolis Hill are even more enchanting of an evening.
Daytime, ground floor eatery MODERN, with its indoor or boulevard terrace dining, offers coffee and snacks ranging from gourmet sandwiches to salads, pizza and pasta meals. An excellent selection of Greek wines is also available.

What else?

AthensWas has a small fitness room on the lower level. However, you won’t find a swimming pool, spa, or other facilities. This hotel is all about its location. Step out of the hotel to your right, and you’ll find ancient landmarks like the Arch of Hadrian and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Turn left onto Makrigianni Street to reach the Acropolis Metro station. Along the way, a tempting array of tavernas and restaurants await. Immediately across from the hotel’s entrance begins the historic and picturesque Plaka neighbourhood.

All the attractions of the southern side of Acropolis Hill, including the Theatre of Dionysus and Odeon of Herodes Atticus, are an easy five-minute walk. The must-visit Acropolis Museum is also just steps away. Join the locals for a leisurely afternoon stroll along Dionysiou Areopagitou, leading to the tranquil Philopappos Hill, less than a kilometre away.

Final thoughts

AthensWas is ideal for visitors who want to prioritise the Acropolis and other nearby attractions. This boutique hotel’s curated selection of comfortable and modern guest rooms and outstanding dining strikes me as a stylish and convenient option when visiting Greece’s capital. This Athens property is a member of Design Hotels – a portfolio of 300+ privately owned and operated hotels that reflect each independent hotelier’s design and architectural vision.

Learn more about AthensWas or Book through Booking.com

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