AthensWas

AthensWas, a Michelin Key Selected property in Athens, Greece, consistently garners high praise for its prime location, sophisticated design, and exceptional service. This boutique hotel, with its modern aesthetic and thoughtful amenities, offers a tranquil yet central base for exploring the city's ancient wonders.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

AthensWas generally receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, earning a "Guest Best" rating of 19.2 out of 20 from Tablet Hotels based on verified stays, and a 9.3/10 from Trip.com. Guests frequently describe their stays as "Exceptional" and "Excellent," highlighting a strong sense of satisfaction. The hotel is also recognized as a Michelin recommended hotel.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud AthensWas for several standout features:

• Location: Its unparalleled position directly on Dionysiou Areopagitou, a pedestrian boulevard adjacent to the Acropolis, is a major draw.
• Design: The hotel boasts a clean, elegant design with a nod to 1960s modernism, incorporating sumptuous Greek marble, native wood, and designer furniture.
• Rooftop Experience: The rooftop restaurant and bar, Sense, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus, and the cityscape, providing an unforgettable setting for dining and drinks.
• Service: The staff consistently receives accolades for being friendly, helpful, welcoming, and providing exceptional service.

3. Room Quality

The 21 rooms and suites at AthensWas are designed with understated luxury and comfort in mind. They feature warm timber tones, abstract carpets, and bold color-block drapes, creating a modern and stylish ambiance. Amenities include Nespresso machines, minibars, and work tables with USB outlets. Bathrooms are equally stylish, often composed of marble and granite, offering spacious walk-in rain showers and eco-friendly French Damana toiletries. All rooms come with a private, furnished veranda, with upper-level suites boasting expansive balconies and stunning Acropolis views. Classic rooms are approximately 28 sqm, while suites start from 40 sqm and offer separate lounge areas.

4. Dining Experience

AthensWas offers a memorable culinary journey, with a particular highlight being its rooftop fine-dining restaurant, Sense.

• Sense Restaurant: This Michelin recommended restaurant provides exquisite Greek and Mediterranean dishes with innovative twists, often presented as an art form. Executive Chef Alexandros Charalabopoulos focuses on seasonal tasting menus, including vegetarian options, utilizing fresh ingredients from a rooftop kitchen garden. The unparalleled views of the Acropolis and Mount Lycabettus make for an enchanting dining experience, especially in the evening.
• Breakfast: Served à la carte, often with Acropolis views from the rooftop terrace, breakfast is a delightful affair. Guests praise the freshly made in-house breads and juices, creamy sheep's yogurt, omelets with feta, and Greek-inspired pancakes with honey.
• Modern Restaurant: Located on the ground floor, this eatery offers coffee, gourmet sandwiches, salads, pizza, and pasta, with indoor and outdoor courtyard seating.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at AthensWas are consistently praised for their professionalism, warmth, and attentiveness. Guests frequently describe the team as "extremely helpful, nice and friendly", making a significant contribution to a pleasant and comfortable stay. Reviewers often highlight their welcoming demeanor and willingness to assist.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is considered outstanding. It is "smack-bang between the Acropolis and the Arch of Hadrian", situated on Dionysiou Areopagitou street, a vibrant pedestrian zone. Key attractions are within easy walking distance:

• Acropolis and Acropolis Museum: A two-minute walk away.
• Plaka neighborhood: Immediately across the street, offering artisan shops, cafes, and tavernas.
• Temple of Olympian Zeus and Syntagma Square: Within a 10-minute walk.
• Public Transport: The Acropoli Metro station is just steps away (2-minute walk), and Syntagma Metro station is also easily accessible (9-minute walk).

However, some guests note that while there is a small elevator, there are also stairs, which could make the hotel less suitable for guests requiring wheelchair accessibility.

7. Value & Pricing

AthensWas is generally considered to offer good value for its quality and location, particularly for a Michelin Key Selected property. Prices per night can start from approximately $184 to $208.78. The inclusion of a delicious à la carte breakfast in many rates adds to the perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few recurring minor criticisms have been noted:

• Noise: Some guests reported noise issues on balconies, possibly due to external AC units or street traffic, which could affect keeping balcony doors open for cooling.
• Bathroom Countertops: One guest found the bathroom countertops to be unusually low.
• Carpeting: The presence of wall-to-wall carpeting in some rooms was mentioned as feeling "outdated" by one reviewer, despite the room being clean.
• Temperature Control: In some instances, the in-room air conditioning seemed to only offer heating, leading to stuffiness if outside temperatures were warm.
• Accessibility: The hotel's small elevator and multiple stairs make it challenging for guests needing wheelchairs.

Sources

1. tablethotels.com
2. trip.com
3. michelin.com
4. mrandmrssmith.com
5. thehoteljournal.com
6. santorinidave.com
7. booking.com
8. booking.com
9. expedia.com
10. theluxereview.com
11. hotels.com