Xenodocheio Milos

Xenodocheio Milos: A Gastronomic Oasis in the Heart of Athens (Michelin One Key)

Xenodocheio Milos, Athens' first "gastronomy hotel," has swiftly established itself as a beacon of understated luxury and exceptional hospitality, earning a prestigious Michelin One Key award in 2025. This boutique hotel, born from the acclaimed Estiatorio Milos restaurant brand, offers a refined retreat where culinary excellence and genuine Greek "philoxenia" intertwine.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with an "Exceptional" rating frequently cited across review platforms. Guests consistently laud the hotel for its 5-star experience, highlighting its blend of luxury and comfort, making it a highly recommended choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable stay in Athens. Reviews often use terms like "Perfect," "Wonderful hotel," and "Amazing" to describe their experiences.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise Xenodocheio Milos for its impeccable service and staff hospitality, prime central location, and elegant, minimalist design. The hotel's unique concept as a "gastronomy hotel" with the world-renowned Estiatorio Milos at its heart is a significant draw. Amenities such as the spa, fitness center (including Pilates and yoga facilities), and complimentary Wi-Fi are also highly appreciated.

3. Room Quality

The 43 rooms and suites are described as beautifully designed, tastefully furnished, and ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay. They seamlessly blend minimalism with warmth, featuring high ceilings, luxurious linens, wooden finishes, and elegant marble bathrooms, often with spacious walk-in rain showers and premium Naxos Apothecary amenities. Many rooms offer city views, with some suites boasting private terraces and jacuzzis overlooking Old Parliament Square or Lycabettus Hill. Rooms are well-equipped with modern amenities including Nespresso machines, a selection of teas, and gourmet minibars stocked with local and international wines and spirits.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Xenodocheio Milos is a significant highlight, centered around the onsite Estiatorio Milos restaurant. Renowned for its artful interpretation of traditional Mediterranean flavors with a focus on fresh, high-quality seafood, the restaurant attracts both hotel guests and locals. The philosophy of minimal interference and respect for ingredients is evident in the dishes, with fresh fish displayed on ice and grilled to perfection.

Breakfast, served in the restaurant, is generally well-received, often described as outstanding, delicious, and generous. It typically includes fresh juice, coffee/tea, homemade toasted bread and pastries, Greek yogurt, a fruit platter, a selection of cheese, and eggs cooked to order. However, a few guests have noted that the breakfast quality, particularly for items like bread or omelets, could be improved to match the high standards of the restaurant's main menu, and some found the offerings repetitive over multiple days. The hotel also offers excellent 24-hour room service.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Xenodocheio Milos receive consistent glowing praise. Guests are "blown away" by the friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism of the entire team, from the doorman and front desk to the maids, restaurant, and bar staff. The hotel embraces "philoxenia," the Greek spirit of hospitality, making guests feel like welcomed friends rather than just visitors. Staff are attentive without being overly formal, often going above and beyond to ensure a perfect stay, including providing excellent recommendations and occasionally offering room upgrades.

6. Location & Accessibility

Xenodocheio Milos boasts an "excellent" and "wonderful" central location in Athens, directly opposite the Old Parliament House and just steps from Syntagma Square. This puts guests within easy walking distance of major attractions such as the Acropolis, Plaka neighborhood, National Garden, and the National Archaeological Museum. The hotel is also conveniently located near Syntagma Metro Station, a major transportation hub, providing easy access to the city's public transport network, including a direct line to the airport. Luxury shopping streets and numerous eateries are also just a short stroll away.

7. Value & Pricing

While Xenodocheio Milos is considered a premium accommodation option, with average room prices higher than the city's average (around $503 compared to Athens' average of $182, or approximately 300.99 EUR compared to the city's average of 109.47 EUR), guests generally agree that the exceptional quality and luxurious experience make it "well worth the investment" and offer "excellent value for money." Nightly rates for a classic room can start from around £310 or $291.97.

8. Common Complaints

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

• Breakfast Quality: Some guests have expressed that the breakfast, while generous, could sometimes lack the exceptional quality and taste expected from a restaurant of Milos's caliber, with some items like bread or omelets being indifferent, or the offerings becoming repetitive over several days.
• Room Darkness: In some instances, particularly for certain room categories like the Executive Junior Suite in a historical building, guests have found the room to be a bit dark due to limited window size.
• Lobby Size: One review mentioned the lobby as being small.

Overall, Xenodocheio Milos offers a truly exceptional and memorable stay in Athens, combining high-end gastronomy with sophisticated design and genuine hospitality, making it a standout choice in the city.

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