St George Lycabettus Hotel

St George Lycabettus Hotel, Athens, Greece: A Comprehensive Review

The St George Lycabettus Hotel in Athens, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a luxurious stay with unparalleled views and a prime location in the upscale Kolonaki neighborhood. Guests consistently highlight its spectacular vantage point and excellent amenities.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for St George Lycabettus Hotel is very positive, with many guests praising its location, views, and overall experience. Review scores often place it in the "Very Good" to "Excellent" range, with an average rating of 8.2 out of 10 on Agoda and 8.4 out of 10 based on nearly 2,000 reviews on Booking.com. Guests frequently describe it as a wonderful property and one of the best hotels they've stayed in Athens.

2. Key Highlights

The most celebrated features of the St George Lycabettus Hotel are its breathtaking panoramic views of the Acropolis, the city, and the Saronic islands, particularly from its rooftop areas. The rooftop swimming pool and the award-winning rooftop restaurant, La Suite Lounge, are significant draws, offering stunning backdrops for dining and relaxation. The hotel's location in the exclusive Kolonaki district, known for its boutiques and museums, is another major highlight. Unique amenities like a cinema, art gallery (which offers workshops for kids in winter months), and yoga sessions also set it apart.

3. Room Quality

The hotel features 154 rooms and suites, which are generally described as contemporary, posh, and elegantly appointed. Styles can vary by floor, but all rooms emphasize clean lines, hardwood floors, and rich fabrics. Many rooms, especially corner suites and "Panoramic Acropolis View Rooms," offer spectacular views that guests find almost worth the stay alone. Rooms include comfortable beds with quality linens, private bathrooms with showers and complimentary toiletries, televisions, telephones, heating, air conditioning, bathrobes, slippers, and a desk. Some guests have specifically noted quiet and spacious rooms with large bathrooms and balconies. Cleanliness is consistently rated highly, with an 8.8 on Booking.com.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience, particularly at the rooftop restaurant La Suite Lounge, receives high praise. This indoor/outdoor venue offers all-day fine dining with stunning panoramic views of the Athens skyline and the Acropolis, having even been awarded "Best View in Europe." Guests frequently commend the quality and diversity of the breakfast offerings, often highlighting the stunning views that accompany the meal. Some reviews mention delicious and fresh restaurant food, and a "very generous, fresh and many varieties" breakfast. Sunday brunches with a chocolate fountain are also a notable feature, especially for families.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at St George Lycabettus Hotel are generally described as friendly, helpful, warm, and welcoming. Many guests appreciate their attentiveness and dedication to providing top-notch service. Specific mentions include staff arranging airport transfers and luggage assistance, and the team at the rooftop swimming pool being particularly nice and caring. The service is happily noted to be up to the standards set by the luxurious building and neighborhood.

6. Location & Accessibility

Located halfway up Lycabettus Hill in the affluent Kolonaki neighborhood, the hotel boasts an "unbeatable" and "excellent" location. Kolonaki is known for being an upscale area with high-end boutiques, cafes, and many of Athens' best museums, including the Cycladic Museum, Byzantine Museum, and National Gallery, all within walking distance. While not "super central" in the busiest sense, it offers a peaceful retreat while remaining within easy walking distance to prime attractions like the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Plaka, Syntagma Square, and the Panathenaic Stadium. Lycabettus Hill itself, with its pine-forested trails and the St. Agios Georgios Church, is right on the hotel's doorstep, offering hiking opportunities and incredible views. The Port of Piraeus is about a 30-minute drive away. The hotel also offers on-site parking, taxi services, and can assist with car hire and ticket services.

7. Value & Pricing

While offering a premium experience, St George Lycabettus Hotel is often considered to provide attractive rates and exceptional value for money, especially given its luxury status and amenities. With an average room price around $243, it offers a premium experience compared to the average hotel room in Athens, which stands at $182. This suggests that guests perceive the additional cost as justified by the quality of the hotel, its location, and its features.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some recurring issues have been noted by guests. These primarily revolve around staff service in certain instances, room size, and some room conditions. While many praise the staff, some guests have expressed dissatisfaction, suggesting inconsistency in service. Similarly, while rooms are generally well-regarded, some complaints about room size indicate that certain categories might be smaller than expected. Occasional remarks about room conditions suggest that while the hotel underwent renovation in 2004, some areas might benefit from further updates or more consistent maintenance.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. agoda.com
3. booking.com
4. tablethotels.com
5. ciaobambino.com
6. sgl.gr
7. youtube.com
8. thehotelguru.com
9. kayak.com
10. hotels.com
11. hotel-rez.com
12. expedia.com
13. michelin.com