This historic hotel, dating back to 1930s, has always played an integral part in the city’s socio-political life. Being only a breath away from the Greek parliament, overlooking the main Syntagma square, King George Hotel is situated right in the heart of the city. Over the years it has hosted famous guests, including Alain Delon and Romy Schneider, and Prince Rainier of Monaco with his wife Grace Kelly. Not bad pedigree, that.
Today, King George Hotel is part of the Marriott Luxury Collection Hotels and is one of the best places to stay in Athens if you want to fully experience the city. With 102 rooms and suites to choose from, and a penthouse on the top floor with its own swimming pool, the options are plenty. The rooms from the 1st to 3rd floor have street views, and as you go up you can get a better glimpse of the Acropolis to the back. All of the rooms are spacious, and luxurious. Each has a big bathroom with a marble bathtub, heavy furniture and a large TV, making you feel like you’re stepping into a palace.
The Tudor Hall restaurant on the 7th floor is a must-visit. Not only does it have an amazing panoramic view of the Parthenon, the Parliament, and the Panathenaic Stadium, its Michelin-stared fine-dining menu will blow your palate away. Curated by the executive chef, Asterios Koustoudis, and delivered by the talented chef de cuisine Nikos Livadias (along with the pastry chef, Alexandros Koufas) it’s easy to see why dinner here is so often recommended.
If this is your first time, I would suggest the degustation menu, which consists of nine different stages, including some incredible handmade bread with butter (three different options here) and mignardises at the end. Highlights include the cod with crayfish, carrot, ginger, trout eggs and butter sauce, which earned them the star, paired beautifully with Greek assyrtiko wine from the island of Santorini. Your meal is accompanied by the music of live piano and they often organize classical music nights.
The building is decorated with artwork from renowned Greek artists like Pavlos Samios, Sofia Petropoulou and Constantinos Vales, and also includes a gym on the bottom floor, plus an event room, and a sauna. It does not have a swimming pool, but it shares some of the facilities of its ‘sister’ property the Hotel Grande Bretagne, which is right next door, and boasts an indoor swimming pool, spa, cafés and restaurants.
Neighbourhood
It’s right in the centre of Athens, where everything takes place, and only a few minutes away from the economic district of the city. Acropolis is one metro stop away (as are most of the museums), or you can just walk down the pedestrian Ermou street to feel the vibe of the most crowded part of Athens. Cafés, bars and restaurants are right at your feet.
Nearby
1. Birdman: A Japanese bar and grill that will introduce you to the food and drinks of the Far East. Try their grilled meat and the nigiri, and pair them with their unique cocktails. Not sure what to try? Just ask the barman.
2. Okio: Fine dining based on the seasonal Mediterranean cuisine, where local ingredients meet modern techniques. Their dishes literally look like paintings.
3. The 7 Jokers: This bar looks like it is out of a Quentin Tarantino movie, bearing the most eccentric decorations. Go for their cocktails, especially the ones that mix Greek tsipouro with the most unexpected ingredients.
Time Out Tip
Feeling a bit overwhelmed from the city? Head to the National Garden, which is only a five-minute walk away. Stroll around on its narrow gravel paths, among little ponds, visit the small zoo or just relax on a bench under the large trees that can cool you down on a hot summer day.