AthensWas Design Hotel review: Understated luxury and divine fine dining in Athens Greece

The AthensWas Design Hotel is an oasis in the heart of busy Athens, a cool refuge in the summer, a cosy retreat in the winter. For this luxury boutique hotel, it’s all about location – just a moment’s stroll from the Parthenon, the Acropolis museum and Plaka, the city’s old town. 

This closeness to the main sights makes it a perfect base for visitors. It also means the rooftop restaurant and many of the rooms are treated to a stunning view of the Acropolis. 

Its design successfully blends classical Greece with a more contemporary look, always remaining elegant from the walnut and dark marble lobby, to the more minimalist, sleek bedrooms.   

AthensWas Design Hotel – rooms and amenities

Understated luxury is the name of the game in the 21 suites and rooms. Amongst the grey tones and panelling you may find a Venus chair by Grcic, a lamp by the Bouroullec brothers or an antique divan or coffee table. Soft lighting and a funky carpet add to the cheerful vibe. 

As you would expect there’s a Nespresso machine for when you open the blackout curtains in the morning and breathe in the city. 

Ask for a room overlooking the Acropolis. It is so close it feels as if you could almost touch it, and the view never gets dull, even at night when it is lit up. 

The marble and wood theme continues in the bathrooms; rainfall showers and Damana products helped make me feel like Zeus before hitting the city!

AthensWas Design Hotel – dining

Talking of being treated like a God, the tasting menu we experienced in the hotel’s main restaurant SENSE was, quite simply, divine. It is fine dining at its best. Greek cuisine but with exciting twists.

The dishes kept coming, classic Greek flavours like lamb and seabream but presented almost as an art form. 

We matched it with wines, beautifully described by the sommelier. In all my years eating out I have never asked to meet the chef, but here I sought him out and shook him by the hand. It was that impressive. 

Breakfast is also a delight. Fresh pastries, eggs, fruit, yoghurt all brought to your table with a smile.

AthensWas Design Hotel – location

The AthensWas Design Hotel is situated on the most prestigious pedestrian walkway of historic Athens, Dionysiou Areopagitou street. The city’s ancient sights are all within walking distance, as are numerous tavernas, restaurants and shops.

Given its stunning location don’t expect a huge hotel or a spa. There’s a small gym (or ‘fitness corner’) but with so much on your doorstep you won’t be wanting to spend much time indoors.

AthensWas Design Hotel – verdict

If you want an amazing location in Athens, stunning views, charming staff and informal luxury, this is the place for you.  

Just don’t leave without trying the restaurant.

The details 

5, Dionysiou Areopagitou Str. 11742 Athens, Greece  +30 210 9249954  www.athenswas.gr. A double room at the AthensWas Design Hotel starts at £180 including breakfast. To book your stay click here.