Fodor's Expert Review King George Athens

The King George is situated in Athens’ prime real estate, Syntagma Square. Built in 1837 by the French architect V.E. Poitrinaeu it was once the residence of the Greek Prime Minister. This refined and exclusive hotel is probably the best in town in terms of classical, understated luxury and tip-top service. Many A-listers such as Madonna have stayed here while visiting Athens (in the Royal Penthouse suite, naturally!), and first impressions tell you why: Once you enter the impressive neoclassical entrance, the staff go out of their way to make your stay seamless.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Syntagma Square is the first place that Greeks gather to voice their disapproval, a rather common practice!

room

Each room is individually furnished with one-of-a-kind handcrafted furniture in the classic style, antique desks, and raw-silk upholstery. Heavy brocade curtains are no more than a decorative flourish, the rooms are soundproofed and their lighting calibrated to the natural light. Rooms on the higher floors at the front of the hotel have views of the Acropolis. Even though basic Wi-Fi is free, for a good high-speed service you will be charged €10 a day.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Some rooms on the sixth floor may have a little noise in the morning coming from the breakfast area above.

bathroom

Bathrooms are finished with marble, bronze, and gold with a Victorian style tub (in some rooms) whilst the frosted glass shower stalls with mother-of-pearl tiles are a nice touch.

Forgotten your overnight bag? Worry not, high-end Molton Brown toiletries are standard.

lobby

A grandiose lobby done in marble, mahogany, velvet, leather, and gold trim lures you into a world where antique crystal lamps and elegant antique furniture raise standards of luxury to dizzying heights.

pool

As with the spa, guests can use the indoor swimming pool at The Grande Bretagne. Not particularly ideal.

spa

While there is no on-site spa, all guests can use the excellent spa at the sister hotel, The Grande Bretagne, right next door. This is an experience that should not be missed.

gym

The hotel has a modern, spacious gym. Ask the concierge for a personal trainer if you’d like.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Bottled water and fresh fruit are complimentary.

dining

There is an excellent breakfast buffet on the seventh-floor rooftop terrace, which is supplemented with A la carte options making sure your specific needs are met. At the Tudor Hall rooftop restaurant, also on the seventh floor, savor Greco-French delicacies whilst taking in a superb view of the city skyline stretching from the Panathenaic Stadium to the Parthenon.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Tudor Hall has an Elegant Smart Casual dress code; no flip-flops, sandals or shorts are allowed. Make a reservation at tudorhall.gr

drinking

Enjoy a cocktail with stunning views at the Tudor Hall restaurant’s bar.