Opened in May 2019, this Academias Hotel, with its distinct styling and personality, offers guests a modern, sophisticated base, whether travelling for business or pleasure. Sitting on Akadimias Avenue, one of downtown Athens’s main boulevards, the property is surrounded by everything you need, and is the ideal jumping-off point to explore the city. The upmarket Kolanaki neighbourhood, with its galleries, high-fashion boutiques, and distinct dining, is immediately above. While Syntagma Square, the Hellenic Parliament, several museums, and the city’s business and shopping districts are an easy walk.

Take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Athens for first-time visitors and where and what to eat in Athens too.

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

Academias Hotel Review

Local firm mtarchitects and global interior design firm HOK combined to transform the existing seven-floor building, once part of the nearby University of Athens Law faculty, to its current incarnation. The designers took inspiration from Plato’s Academy—the first university in the Western world—to incorporate its three pillars of learning: philosophy, science, and art. The Academy, which operated nearby some two and a half millennia ago, inspired greats like Aristotle, Heraclides, and many more.

A marble bust and Socrates’ quote: “Wisdom begins in wonder”, welcomed me as I entered the glamorous white, black, and emerald lobby. While wandering around the property, I found other inspirational quotes from Aristotle, Hippocrates, and Plato designed to inspire or encourage reflection. The order of Philosophy plays out in the guestrooms and suites, which have undertones of contemporary private libraries. Science is manifested in restaurants and bars, while the Arts are evident in the hotel’s public areas.

Rooms

Interior of executive room
Interior of the Executive room

Academias Hotel incorporates 60 guestrooms, including three suites, from a comfortable 28 sq-m to the decadently spacious 66 sq-m, one-bedroom A-Suite. My corner Executive room, at 34 sq-m, was more than adequate and came with the bonus of Parthenon views. Blonde-coloured timber floors contrasted the room’s black and white palette, while the dark green headboard added a vibrant splash.

A modular desk and an upholstered lounge under a picture window added function and comfort, while the outrageously comfortable king-size bed fostered lingering. I couldn’t resist admiring the brass light fixtures and artful décor that added a touch of elegance to the space. A curated assortment of books on various topics encouraged investigation and brought Plato’s order of philosophy into play.

I appreciated the curated mini-bar of local beverages and snacks and the Nespresso coffee machine. The monochrome theme continued in the marble and brass bathroom. A bath and separate rain shower gave choice, and I indulged in the French perfumer Diptyque’s bath products after a long day of sightseeing—a small but blissful luxury.

Food and drink

Aegean Tiradito at NYX Japanese restaurant Academias Hotel
The Aegean tiradito from NYX Japanese Fusion

Named after Plato’s most famous and notable work, Symposium restaurant is a bright space with a mustard, mint, and marble palette and offers daily breakfast. Given the breadth of temptation, the thoughtfully curated buffet had distinct Mediterranean influences and required restraint. Try the thick local yoghurt topped with herbaceous honey, or the bagel-looking Koulouri bread rings to get into the groove.

The lobby-level Plato Lounge Bar, with its corrugated bronze bar illuminated by a giant halo of light and emerald green banquette seating, is perfect for a quick coffee or snack. Or stay to explore their dedicated international gin collection, sampling mixologists’ creations infused with Greek natural herbs, citrus, and fruits.

NYX Japanese Fusion restaurant occupies the building’s top floor and enjoys superb Acropolis Hill vistas. Executive Chef Dimitris Kotsalis draws on Asian traditions and Japanese gastronomy to create a fusion menu built around exceptional, fresh, local produce. Dishes are categorised under Raw, Yaki, Robata (charcoal grilled), Sushi, and Signature. The Aegean tiradito (sashimi-style seafood in a spicy sauce) transported me to a breezy seaside taverna, while the beef gyoza was a surprising umami-packed delight.

Orloff Pnoes Wellness Centre

Orloff Pnoes Wellness Centre at Academias Hotel
Orloff Pnoes Wellness Centre

Incorporating a fitness centre with the latest Technogym equipment, sauna, and treatment room, Orloff Pnoes Wellness on the lower ground level is the best remedy after taking in Athens’ sights. A dramatically lit heated lap pool anchors the space and is complemented by a blank wall acting as a cinema screen playing classic black and white movies.

The verdict

At check-out time, I found myself lingering, reluctant to leave. Academias Hotel doesn’t just offer a stay—it offers an experience. From superb room comfort and décor, superior dining and personalised service to thought-provoking expressions, every detail of this modernistic property contributed to a highly memorable stay. Whatever your reason for visiting this vibrant city, Academias Hotel offers a contemporary base for exploring. Independently owned and operated, yet a member of Marriott’s exclusive Autograph Collection of hotels, it combines individuality with world-class standards.

Learn more about Academias Hotel or Book through Booking.com

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