NEW Hotel Athens review: quirky-cool interiors guarantee a memorable stay in Greece's capital city

• Rating: 8/10
• Rooms at NEW Hotel Athens start from $304 (£241) a night
• Check current rates and availability

Moments away from the best restaurants in Athens, Syntagma Square and the narrow and winding streets of Plaka, near the slopes of the Acropolis, NEW Hotel Athens is in pretty much the perfect location for a long weekend in Athens.

The view from my room

What’s the vibe at NEW Hotel Athens?

From the outside five-star NEW Hotel in Athens doesn’t look all that impressive, the seven-storey building kind of blends into the rest of downtown Athens, but once inside, its quirky-cool design takes over. The huge reception area is decked out with interesting furniture and wall features, collaged together with pieces of wood (a theme throughout), while downstairs I found a workspace, old-school telephone booth, gym and small spa.

The downstairs telephone booth

I tried the steam bath and jacuzzi in the spa one rainy day, and while it's quite small it's an added bonus from this fun hotel. The place was pretty calm for the duration of my stay, I didn’t see too many other guests so the vibe was pretty chilled and very friendly. 

How are the rooms at NEW Hotel Athens?

I stayed in a superior double room with floor-to-ceiling windows which opened out onto a balcony that looked over the Church of Sotera Lykodemos opposite the hotel. Decorated with fun furniture, a desk area and old prints of Athens the space felt modern and well designed. 

Wash area with cool brass sink 

My room was split in two by a cool jagged edged mirror but it still felt spacious and I was obsessed with the pretty brass sink and rainfall shower that contained Olive Era beauty products.

What is there to eat and drink?

I only tried breakfast at the hotel since it was complimentary with my booking. There was a good selection of the usual pastries, cold meats and cheese, cereals and fruits as well as some traditional Greek savoury and sweet pastries or there's the option to order hot dishes from the menu. The breakfast area, located on the ground floor by the reception is decorated with more art including an industrial-looking electronic sign with kitsch slogans. There are mini bars in all rooms, and the hotel's roof terrace, with views over towards the Parthenon, serves cocktails and dinner. 

Any highlights?

A small touch but much appreciated was the delicious, complementary Turkish delight on a table by the reception area. The staff at NEW Hotel were super attentive and very friendly throughout my stay, offering advice and restaurant recommendations. I also loved the travel magazines in my bedroom, especially Nomas, which I’ll be looking out for at home.

Mini bar, desk area and daily free baklava

The balcony was great for relaxing on each evening before dinner and every day a new tray of baklava would be waiting for me after the room had been cleaned. It was these small touches that made me feel so welcome.

Anything they could improve on?

Nothing to note.

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