The hype
Travelers universally worship the rooftop breakfast view and the helpful staff, but opinions split on the room sizes.
Electra Palace Athens
$220-450/ night
Book this if You want the quintessential 'I'm in Athens' moment with a Parthenon view from your breakfast table and don't mind paying for the privilege.
Why People Love It
- The rooftop pool and restaurant offer one of the best Acropolis views in the city
- Unbeatable location in the heart of Plaka, walkable to everything
- Classic, old-world luxury vibe with marble floors and chandeliers
Quick Take: It's a 'Grand Dame' that rests heavily on its killer location and rooftop view to distract you from the occasionally snug, dated standard rooms.
Reviewed by @Spoiledbylu: I stayed at Electra Palace and I'm still dreaming about that rooftop. Waking up to birds chirping and having breakfast with a direct view of the Acropolis was magical. The sunset by the pool was the highlight of my trip—honestly, the best view in Athens.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Standard 'Classic' rooms are frequently described as small (some ~160 sq ft) and feeling a bit 'tired' compared to the renovated lobby.
- You prioritize location and views over modern, edgy design
- You want a proper swimming pool in the city center (indoor & outdoor)
- You enjoy a traditional, white-glove service atmosphere
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.4
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Guests consistently praise the 'immaculate' condition of rooms.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. Marble surfaces are well-maintained, though grout in older bathrooms shows minor age.
- Maintenance: Generally excellent, though some 'tired' furniture in non-renovated rooms is noted.
- Linens & towels: High quality, crisp white linens and plush towels.
- Odors & scents: Fresh, signature hotel scent in the lobby; no recurring complaints of mustiness.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street noise on lower floors (Nikodimou St)
- Corridor noise in older wings
Before you book
Good to know
- The rooftop pool is unheated and seasonal; the indoor pool is heated but has restricted hours for kids (usually until 2pm)
- Breakfast is included and served on the rooftop—get there early (before 9am) for a front-row Acropolis table
- The 'Climate Crisis Resilience Fee' is steep for 5-star hotels (€15/night in season)—budget accordingly
What to pack
- Swim cap (mandatory for the indoor pool)
- Earplugs (just in case you get a lower floor street room)
- Dressy casual outfits for the rooftop dinner—it's a bit posh
Room Genie
Best picks
- Acropolis View Junior Suite (worth the splurge for the balcony view)
- Superior Garden View (quieter, faces the internal green oasis)
Rooms to avoid
- Classic Single/Double rooms on floors 1-3 facing the street (prone to noise and feeling cramped)
- Rooms near the elevators in the unrenovated wing
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor (5th or above) to maximize light and minimize street noise. If available, a renovated unit would be preferred. Please avoid rooms directly adjacent to the elevator.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the rooftop pool heated?
No, the outdoor rooftop pool is unheated and seasonal. The indoor spa pool is heated.
Can I see the Acropolis from my room?
Only if you book a specific 'Acropolis View' category. Standard rooms face the street or garden.
Is it noisy at night?
Generally no. The windows are double-glazed, but Plaka is a lively neighborhood, so silence isn't guaranteed on lower floors.
How much is the tourist tax?
As of 2025, it is €15 per night from March to October, and €4 per night from November to February.
Is the location good for walking?
It is perfect. You are 5 minutes from Syntagma Square and 10 minutes from the Acropolis entrance.
Does the hotel have parking?
Yes, underground parking is available for approx €12-16 per day, which is a rarity in Plaka.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The indoor pool requires a reservation and a swim cap—bring your own to avoid buying one at the spa.
- ✨
For a cheaper but still amazing view, grab a drink at the pool bar instead of a full dinner at the Roof Garden restaurant.
- ✨
The 'Garden View' rooms are often larger and quieter than the 'Classic' street-facing ones, even if they lack the city vibe.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevators can be painfully slow during breakfast rush hour.
💡Standard bathrooms can be surprisingly tight—barely room to turn around in some.
💡The 'classic' decor involves a lot of heavy carpets and drapes, which can feel stuffy to modern travelers.
💡You can hear the church bells from the nearby Metropolis cathedral clearly in many rooms.
💡The indoor pool has a strict 'adults only' policy after 2pm.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Electra Palace Athens is located and what's nearby.