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AthensWas Design Hotel

Athens • Plaka • OPTIMIZE

avg. $227 / night

Includes $12 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

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Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Part of Design Hotels

Location

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At a glance

A 21-room modernist hotel by Alexandros Tombazis positioned directly across from the Acropolis with Parthenon views from every room.

Best for: Architecture enthusiasts visiting classical Athens

Highlights:

  • Alexandros Tombazis modernist structure opposite the Stoa of Attalos
  • Rooms with full-height walnut headboards and Parthenon-level terraces
  • Rooftop restaurant with Acropolis as the dominant architectural feature
Modernist-classicalintimate

PB hotel design editorial

Directly opposite the Stoa of Attalos, on Dionysiou Areopagitou street where the Acropolis fills the skyline at an almost unreasonable proximity, AthensWas Design Hotel makes its central argument through position rather than scale. The building — a modernist structure of restrained concrete and dark steel — was conceived by Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis and houses 21 rooms across its compact floors, each oriented toward the rock above. The lobby announces its ambitions immediately: a chevron floor in verde and white marble, a walnut-panelled volume bearing the hotel's brass-lettered name, and a raw limestone wall dressed with a mid-century pendant lamp that nods toward Gino Sarfatti. Le Corbusier-influenced sling chairs in tan leather and a navy sofa establish a lineage running from the Bauhaus to sixties Italian rationalism without straining for effect. The guestrooms continue that same conversation between antiquity and modernism: full-height walnut headboard walls hung with monochrome prints of classical sculpture fragments, deep burgundy leather tub chairs, geometric patterned carpet in charcoal and cream, and glass-balustrade terraces that place the Parthenon at eye level — an adjacency no amount of interior design can manufacture or improve upon. The rooftop restaurant, enclosed in floor-to-ceiling steel-framed glazing and furnished with forest-green velvet bistro chairs against marble-topped tables, turns the Acropolis into the room's dominant architectural feature, present at every table simultaneously.

Travel notes

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About

The AthensWas, a proud member of Design Hotels, is a luxury hotel in Athens situated in the beating heart of the city and just a breath away from the Acropolis Museum, the sacred Acropolis Hill and the old town of Athens, Plaka. Boasting an incredible location, right on Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian street, AthensWas offers 5 star design rooms and utterly luxurious suites and basks in magnificent views overlooking the most prized neighbourhood of Athens. This exquisite design hotel in Athens actually represents the Athens that was, is and will always be. Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, AthensWas is the ideal choice as it is in close proximity to Athens’ most important landmarks and, at the same time, in the heart of the modern city centre. Guests can saunter around the charming area by foot and absorb the Greek capital’s enchanting ambiance. The only downtown hotel with best view of Parthenon, AthensWas is a place to indulge all your senses. Here you will immediately immerse into the vibrant vibes of a city that carries centuries of culture and heritage. This modern design hotel in Athens promises an indelible stay experience with immaculate Acropolis views, superior services and a thorough list of facilities, thus ensuring its guests’ absolute satisfaction. Ideally situated on the most prestigious pedestrian walkway of historic Athens, Dionysiou Areopagitou street, your day here will start with amazing pictures: right next to Acropolis on one side and within the bustling city centre on the other, the options are endless to ensure the most comfortable holidays in Athens. So if you are in search of the best 5 star luxury hotel near Acropolis, seek no further: AthensWas is your perfect match. Experience a piece of Athenian history and indulge in the unique sensation of timeless elegance and modern sleekness. AthensWas hotel is a tribute to Athenian cultural authenticity and a pillar of modern day Athenian hospitality. Paying homage to the luxurious, classical Athenian era and imbued with the minimalist simplicity that the current age demands, clean, uncluttered lines dominate the interiors of AthensWas, one of the top design hotels in Athens. AthensWas embraces its guests in the best of Athenian aesthetics, understated luxury and incomparable levels of comfort. The lustrous finesse of Greek marble, sourced from different locations around Greece, the perennial grandeur of Greek walnut wood and the minimal sophistication of the Italian, designer furnishings and fabrics come together to exude a sense of contemporary refinement and demure opulence, justifying its title as a luxury design hotel in Athens. Those who look for out-of-the-ordinary hotels with luxury suites in Athens will be surprised by AthensWas’ unparalleled design, inimitable character and unsurpassed offerings. This five star hotel in the centre of Athens is as unique as the glorious history and culture of this diversified city. Furthermore, SENSE Restaurant is perched at AthensWas hotel’s most prized spot: its spectacular rooftop. Graced with impressive views of the striking Acropolis, SENSE is undeniably among the best rooftop restaurants in Athens combining incredible panoramic views of the city with delectable dishes. Our Chef, Alexandros Charalambopoulos and his team have devised an utmostly creative menu that focuses around original, inspired Greek combinations with a modern approach and a twist of refinement. Profound love for Greek gastronomy, commitment to the best ingredients and a dedication that comes with experience are the foundations upon which the menu of SENSE Restaurant is built. SENSE Restaurant occupies a prime location in Athens city that is available to be enjoyed throughout the day with a selection of signature cocktails and an exemplar list of wine appellations. SENSE Restaurant is also the place where business meets pleasure. Business lunches take on a different turn at our rooftop restaurant, as the incredible surroundings lend themselves to create a most enjoyable and pleasant aura. We can prepare a bespoke set menu and make sure all your needs are met ensuring the success of your corporate event. Not to be missed to mention that AthensWas offers the ideal option for indulging in a mouthwatering breakfast, full of flavour and goodness. Devised by our Chef, even the breakfast carries his personal signature and passion for vibrant Greek flavours made from the freshest ingredients. A scrumptious selection of dishes made with Greek raw materials, 95% organic, based on classic recipes with a modern twist and a bit of an edge to steer clear of being ordinary. Also, PROMENADE is the new outlet of AthensWas Hotel and it consists in a cool and unpretentious ambience offering delectable comfort food and a fine selection of mostly Greek wines and refreshing cocktails. Located on the hotel’s ground floor, PROMENADE is wrapped in the intimacy of the hotel’s exquisite yet serene atmosphere, giving guests a cozy feeling of warmth and a huge welcome to authentic Athens. At last but not least, a fully equipped fitness corner with cutting-edge technology equipment is available, as well as an ultra-modern business centre with design furniture and all necessary equipment for a flawless corporate event. * Kindly note, that the hotel cannot provide accommodation to people with walking disabilities.

Amenities

Internet

Free Internet

Free Wifi

Suites

Room service

Restaurant

Bar/Lounge

Pets Allowed

Spa

Airport transportation

AthensWas Design Hotel Reviews

607 reviews

"AthensWas Design Hotel is a great choice for a stay in Athens. Its biggest asset is the fantastic location — right in the heart of the historic Plaka district, just a stone's throw from the Acropolis, so everything is within easy walking distance. The absolute highlight was breakfast served at the rooftop restaurant — the food was delicious and varied, and enjoying your morning coffee with a view of the Acropolis is simply unforgettable. The hotel staff deserves special praise: wonderful, friendly, and always happy to help. The rooms are on the cozier side and decorated in darker tones, which may not be to everyone's taste, but they are comfortable and well-appointed. Overall, we had a really enjoyable stay and would gladly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Athens."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 10, 2026

"We only stayed one night and it was our first night upon arrival. You have to carry your bags up a small flight of stairs to reach the very tiny elevator. We booked a standard room with breakfast. Check in process was smooth and the room met all expectations. Breakfast was better than expected, appreciated that it was not buffet-style. Location can't be beat - appreciated having many attractions and restaurants nearby. You have to be creative when booking car transportation to/from hotel as there is no direct street access, but worth it to be in such a walkable area."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 05, 2026

"We travelled as a family with 2 young kids, 4 and 7, and booked the executive suite. We chose this hotel mainly because it was close to the Acropolis. It was a 5 min walk to the entrance of the acropolis and about a 15 min walk to Syntagma square. The hotel was very well maintained, clean, and our room was more than enough space for 4 people. They converted the sofa into a bed, and there was second bathroom, which was great for our kids as the sink was lower. The only downside was a set of stairs, maybe 5 steps, from the lobby level to the elevator. but the staff helped with the luggage and stroller"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jun 13, 2026

"When booking an Acropolis view room, I never imagined it would be the most increadible view of the entire Acropolis from the bedroom and balcony. Wow! This exceeded our expectations. The hotel is perfectly located for walking around the Old town and seeing the sights. Would highly recommend."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jun 02, 2026

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