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Last updated: 27 October, 2022
Expert travel writer: John Malathronas

It takes chutzpah to call your hotel NEW – but this Design Hotel is still cutting-edge, although it opened in 2011. Brazilian designers Fernando and Humberto Campana were recruited to spruce up the Olympic Palace, a 1950s landmark on the edge of Plaka.

Renowned for their eco-ethos, the Campana brothers worked with local architecture students, upcycling the original fittings alongside bespoke pieces of their own creation. The result: edgy design at democratic prices.

Coupled with can-do service and the best breakfast in town, this is an ideal choice for design junkies and first-time visitors.

Surrounding area

On a busy road, surrounded by typical Athenian apartment buildings, the view isn’t picturesque. But it’s only a block away from the serene National Garden in one direction, and the pretty old town of Plaka in the other.

The main archaeological sites are less than 10 minutes’ walk, and it’s just around the corner from the city’s main pedestrian high street, Ermou, with excellent little eateries in the surrounding backstreets, from sushi and ramen to burger and souvlaki joints.

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Key facilities

Airport transfers*
Beach: None
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Kids club
Parking
: Nearby *
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Plaka

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.3 miles]

The heart of old Athens, Plaka has an authentic charm with winding lanes, shady squares and atmospheric Byzantine churches.

Best for ages: Any | Free

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Acropolis Museum

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.7 miles]

A jaw-dropping array of antiquities – all the Acropolis’ treasures – in one very modern museum designed by starchitect Bernard Tschumi.

Best for ages: 15+ | £4

The Acropolis

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.7 miles]

This dazzling ancient citadel, perched on a hilltop rising above the city, houses some of the most impressive ancient buildings in the world. The jewel in the crown is the Pantheon, a 2,500-year-old temple dating back to 438 BC.

Best for ages: 7+ | £9

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Overview >

Grand Promenade

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[1.1 miles]

A unique and extraordinary 3km pedestrian promenade peppered with world-class antiquities – triumphant arches, ancient amphitheatres, Greek temples, and ‘Socrates’ Prison’.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 3 kilometres

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Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first

People watching a film on an outdoor screen
Experience

Cine Paris

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.3 miles]

On Kydathinaion Square, Cine Paris is one of the loveliest outdoor cinemas in Athens. If the film disappoints, you can just gaze at the Parthenon under the moonlight. Open May to October.

Best for ages: 10+ | £7 | 2 hours

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Overview >
The exterior of the Hellenic Parliament building on Syntagma Square
Experience

Syntagma Square

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.3 miles]

Greece’s busiest square and scene of political demos, made famous by the world’s media during the Euro crisis. This is the frenetic, traffic-filled epicentre of Athens.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >
Patrons of Brettos bar smile at the camera. The bar behind them is lined with rows of multicoloured bottles up to the ceiling
Experience

Brettos

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.3 miles]

Pop into Brettos, the oldest distillery in Athens, for a shot of ouzo or mastic liqueur. The cosy interior, lined with multi-coloured bottles and barrels, dates from 1909.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >
Tourists look small in comparison to the large ruins of the Temple of Zeus
Experience

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.4 miles]

Designed to honour Zeus, the head of the Olympian Gods, with the largest temple in Greece, construction started in 6th century BC. When it was finally finished (ca 131 AD) it comprised no fewer than 104 gigantic columns, although only a dozen or so remain today.

Best for ages: 13+ | £5

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Overview >

Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay

Athens

Central Greece, Greece

Antiquities galore, contemporary culture, scintillating nightlife and fantastic food: there’s something for everyone in Greece’s cosmopolitan capital that’s continuously reinventing itself.

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Overview >