Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens

Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens: A Retro-Chic Riviera Retreat with a Modern Pulse

Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens, a Michelin Key Selected property in Glyfada, offers a distinctive blend of 1970s sun-soaked glamour and contemporary Greek modernism. Guests consistently praise its unique design, vibrant atmosphere, and attentive service, making it a highly recommended destination on the Athenian Riviera.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens is overwhelmingly positive, with an excellent rating of 8.7 out of 10 based on numerous reviews. Guests frequently describe their experience as "stunning," "amazing," and "everything was so nice," highlighting a strong sense of satisfaction with the hotel's offerings and ambiance.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the hotel:

• Design & Vibe: The hotel is celebrated for its retro-chic aesthetic, channeling the elegance of post-war Greek architecture and the glamour of the 1960s and 70s. The design incorporates clean lines, curves, warm woods, vintage furnishings, and a curated collection of local art, creating a relaxed modernism and a strong sense of community.
• The Swim Club & Pool Area: A standout feature, the outdoor swimming pool and lounge area receive high praise. Described as a "great pool and lounge area" and even "incredible," the pool is designed as an "open-air theatre" with tiered wooden platforms, playful parasols, and DJ sessions, evoking a 60s and 70s poolside mood.
• Service & Staff: The staff are frequently described as "amazing," "highly attentive," "friendly," "helpful," and "welcoming." Their kindness and ability to make guests feel at home are recurring themes in positive feedback.
• Location: While a short distance from central Athens, the Glyfada location is appreciated for its proximity to the beach and the vibrant Glyfada district, with its hip bars, shops, and restaurants within a 20-minute walk.

3. Room Quality

The 120 rooms and suites at Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens are designed as "urban hideaways," reflecting Greek midcentury modernism with soundproofed windows and comfortable beds. Many rooms feature balconies, some offering views over the Saronic Gulf, the pool, or the city. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, free high-speed WiFi, air conditioning, mini-fridges, bathrobes, slippers, and organic bath products. Notably, some rooms enhance the retro vibe with turntables and a selection of vinyl, or even D'Angelico acoustic guitars. Guests have praised the rooms for being clean, well-organized, and comfortable.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a diverse and highly-rated dining experience:

• Sebastian (Ground-floor Restaurant): This bistro-style restaurant blends French and American influences with Mediterranean ingredients, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is particularly well-regarded, described as "very good with fresh fruits and freshly made eggs" and "rich in variety." Lunch features salads, fresh bites, and burgers, while dinner includes dishes like Ionian lobster frites and steak au poivre.
• Good Chemistry (Café): This coffee shop is serious about its coffee, serving fresh brews, day-starting smoothies, pastries, and parfaits.
• Poolside Bar: Offers food and drink options, including rum-laced milkshakes and Greek wine, for poolside enjoyment.
• SORA Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge: A modern Pan-Asian restaurant is scheduled to open on the rooftop in March 2025.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens consistently receives exceptional feedback. Guests frequently commend the staff's professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness. Reviewers have highlighted the team's ability to make them feel "at home" and have praised their helpfulness and kindness. The attention to detail from the staff is also a noted positive.

6. Location & Accessibility

Located in Glyfada, the hotel is situated on the Athens Riviera, offering a coastal setting within easy reach of the area's best beaches. Glyfada's bustling center, with its shops, bars, and restaurants, is approximately a 20-minute walk away. While not in the immediate city center, Athens City Centre is accessible within a 40-minute bus or tram ride. The 24-hour X96 bus stops directly outside the hotel, providing convenient connection to Athens International Airport, located 24km away. Free public parking, including electric-vehicle charging stations, is available on-site. The hotel also offers bike rentals. Nearby attractions include Glyfada Golf Club (1 km) and Lake Vouliagmeni (10-20 minute drive).

7. Value & Pricing

The hotel is generally considered to offer good value with quality service, with prices starting from approximately €139 (or US$169) for stays. Rates may not always include breakfast, which can be purchased for a surcharge (EUR 25 to 60 per person). Direct bookings may offer perks such as room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, and complimentary daily breakfast.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points can be inferred:

• Breakfast Cost: Some reviews indicate that breakfast is a surcharge, which might be a minor complaint for guests expecting it to be included.
• Pool Area Noise (Summer Evenings): During summer evenings, the pool bar terrace can become a more lively and "rowdy spot," which might not appeal to those seeking peaceful dining.
• Rooftop Pool: While a highly anticipated amenity, the rooftop pool was noted to be opening later in 2025, meaning some guests might have stayed before its completion.
• Smoking Policy: The hotel strictly enforces a non-smoking policy in all rooms, with a significant fee for violations. This is not a complaint but a policy to be aware of.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. michelin.com
3. wallpaper.com
4. booking.com
5. mrandmrssmith.com
6. acehotel.com
7. expedia.com
8. independent.co.uk
9. trip.com
10. acehotel.com