22 Best Hotels in Thessaloniki and Central Macedonia, Greece

Built in 1935, this was the town's first hotel, and the only one across the street from the beach—the three-story building is nothing special to look at, but the sea-view rooms are just fine for basic beach holidays. The same family also runs an off-beach hotel around the corner.

On a quiet street a five-minute walk from the ancient archaeological site at Vergina is this beautiful two-story hotel, built in 2003—you'll want to consider making this your base for area excursions, as the hotel is designed with accents of fetching wood trim and antique brass chandeliers, with each of the eight light-filled and spacious studio suites showcasing its own classic style and private balcony. A hearty breakfast with home-grown seasonal fruit is included in the price.

Kavala's Blue Flag beaches are never very far away from any hotel, but to have the region's famously soft sand right outside the door, check into this hotel 6 km (4 miles) west of Kavala. Set in a curved bay, the main building and detached bungalows keep acoutrements to a spartan minimum, with simple, but modern, beds and desks on a tile floor, though little else. Most have balconies. The on-site restaurant uses only organic and locally sourced ingredients in its Mediterranean menu. Cocktails, soft drinks, and juices can also be ordered on the beach, which is illuminated at night and kept busy.

Enjoy excellent views of the sea or the peaks at the Dion Palace, which also offers great proximity to the beach, Mount Olympus, and the archaeological site at Dion, and let's not forget the luxury spa, as well as many activities for kids. Rooms are modern, combining wood and metalic colors highlighted by splashes of avocado green and with large bathrooms. Water sports are available through a private operator. KTEL buses on the Thessaloniki-bound Katerini–Litochoro route (Camping Mitikas stop; go through the campground) run every hour in summer, from about 6 am to 9:30 pm.

Location counts at this boutique hotel on a corner close to the flea market, copper market, Roman Forum, and Ayios Dimitrios—but there are many other pluses at this nicely stylish place, which offers quality service and an excellent, American-style breakfast. The lobby, breakfast area, and bar are modern, light, and spacious, and there is 24-hour service, including room-service food from the restaurant. The rooms, even if slightly on the small size, are light grey broken by touches of soft colors with lovely recessed lighting nicely complementing the clean cut urban chic.

The monastic architecture and lush gardens of this Small Luxury Hotels member is deeply inspired by the mystical Orthodox peninsula of Mt. Athos, which lies just a stone’s throw away. A ritzy but not pretentious resort with a beautiful private beach, pool, luxury spa, and plenty of al fresco areas to relax in, this is also ideal for families as it even has a Kid’s Club offering various activities, while adults can enjoy yoga or the aqua gym for free. There’s an abundance of choices among the 157 rooms, decorated in a breezy, contemporary style reminiscent of a modern summer villa, including garden bungalows with a private pool that look out to the sea and brand-new sea-view rooms. Dining here is an added pleasure, with four restaurants to choose from that serve everything from gourmet Asian fusion to homemade-style traditional Greek to Mediterranean classics.

Want a break from the kids (yours or others) dine in style at the exceptional Kamares by Spondi for an unforgetable dinner.

Blink and you may miss this circa-1920 hotel—a favorite of budget travelers—on a quiet, narrow street leading from the top corner of the Roman Forum to Ayios Dimitrios church. But don't blink because although the recently refurbished rooms are still pretty undistinguished, the prices are reasonable, and the location is great, neatly located equidistant between the old Turkish Quarter and the city center. The bathrooms can be tiny, but front rooms have balconies and views of the ancient ruins of the Roman agora. The decor, though somewhat basic, was updated in 2018, but there's no elevator in this three-story building.

One of the rare masterpieces of Ottoman baroque in Europe, this hotel began its life in the early 19th century as a complex of charitable buildings, including a soup kitchen and a school providing a secular education. Falling into disrepair in the decades after the fall of the empire, it was restored in 2001 and transformed into a luxury hotel. Interior touches change according to the season, from rich velvets and silks in the winter to light French linens in summer. Suites are especially lush, with sunken mosaic bathtubs, Egyptian chandeliers, emerald brocade bed coverings, and massive marble bathrooms. Rooms surround 32,000 square feet of interior gardens, marble arcades, fountains, and orange trees. The original hammam and cistern now serve as the hotel's spa. The hotel's restaurant Le Chat Noir, with its menu changing daily, is one of the top dining options in the city.

This guesthouse, expanded and with a new swimming pool, is 700 meters (½ mile) up on the slopes of Mount Olympus, 5 km (3 miles) from Litochoro, on the road to the church of St. John (Agios Ioannis), a local landmark. Beyond the impressive location, this place also offers simple and modern rooms done up in brown and cream, with each having its own fireplace and also amazing views of the bay out the windows. There's no air-conditioning in rooms, but the mountainous location renders it unnecessary. Each has its own fireplace, and they all open up to amazing views of the bay below. The property's six acres also contain a small organic farm, which supplies most of what is offered at breakfast, including free-range eggs, milk, and homemade jams. Much of the produce is also used as ingredients served at the restaurant, don't miss out on the outstanding house red wine while enjoying the stunning views.

On one of the city's main thoroughfares, this updated art deco–style hotel is popular with savvy business travelers and Greek tourists. Guest rooms in its five stories have high ceilings, wood floors, tasteful decor, and smartly designed bathrooms. Thanks to the swank on-site restaurant, the breakfast buffet is one of the richest and most eclectic around. Check the website for enticing room deals.

You might see a rock star or the president of Albania here; it's that kind of place—just note the excellent location on the waterfront, southeast of the White Tower, with stunning views of the sunset and Mount Olympus, or the slew of amenities (mini-stereos, dual-voltage outlets, multimedia convention center) the Grecotel chain has installed behind the hotel's 1970s-era facade. Inside you get a real sense of being in Greece, with its mosaics, murals, and artifacts. The decor is still retro-cool, with smooth gray and cream tones. Both of the hotel's Salonika restaurant and bar and Italian-inspired Navona have great views to complement the outstanding food and service.

From the abundance of amenities at this traditionally decorated, six-story hotel near the port and Ladadika, it's easy to see that the Mediterranean Palace caters to business travelers (there are ample meeting and conference areas), who will appreciate the consistently good service and many amenities like the spa. The chandeliers, black marble-top tables, and richly upholstered furniture are meant to evoke aristocratic 1930s Thessaloniki. Everything is bright and shining, and the polish extends to exemplary service. The hotel's fine dining Cookoo restaurant serves up international flavors.

Pretty and friendly, this spa hotel—built in 2004—is a great value considering the quality of luxury and comfort on offer. Guest rooms on each of its four floors are done in different styles, such as traditional or modern, and the third-floor suite has a great view of the area. Some rooms have a fireplace and/or hot tub; all have balconies. There are beauty treatment rooms and an indoor pool in the basement. To get here, follow signs up and left from the main square; it's not far, but it's hidden beside the To Pazari taverna.

The mauve-color Safeti, a most welcome addition to Dion, accommodates guests in three gorgeous, modern apartments, one of which has a hot tub (another a fireplace). The decor makes good use of chrome, light wood, ceramic tiles, and leather furniture, while two of the suites have stunning views of Mount Olympus. The suites (suitable for couples or groups of four) are also fully self-contained. An interesting sidelight is found downstairs, where guests can explore, and try their hand at, three workshops where traditional crafts and products, such as organic preserves, loom-made rugs, mosaics, and copper pots, are made. The price per night goes down for stays of more than one night. Pets are also welcome. A little boite, Mandragora, has opened next door, where you can enjoy live Greek music.

Find peace and privacy on a bluff off a gravel road south of town at this charming complex of garden bungalows, comprised of small and appealingly rustic, pertinently monastic, but by no means ascetic rooms, and staffed by folks who want to make you feel comfortable. The restaurant's home-style meals change daily, with a focus on vegetarian dishes. Sea views from the terrace are lovely. Stays can include three meals a day, with half board another option. In the evening there are often cultural events to enjoy, such as classical music concerts, poetry readings, and theatrical presentations.

An elegant retreat with a touch of history, this exquisite boutique hotel occupies one of the few buildings that survived the great fire of 1917 untouched—during Ottoman rule the structure served as the city's post office—and, today, a mixture of handmade furniture, hand-picked antiques, and works of art makes this place special. Their spacious rooms are named after important Macedonian personalities such as Alexander the Great, Perseus, and Aristotle. The Bristol straddles the Ladadika and Kentro neighborhoods, near the waterfront, right in the thick of things, so it's ideally located for exploring the city.

The trendy Loupino, sharing the ground floor with the Bristol, is one of the best eateries in the city

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Between the modern and ancient village sits a two-story, pine-furniture-and-crisp-sheets accommodation like those found all over the country. Like those, this has all the basics covered, plus nice touches like wraparound balconies, plants in unusually wide corridors, and an on-site café-bar. The latter is enormous, and you can relax with a glass of wine, a coffee, or a sweet. Breakfast is generous and fresh. Small pets are allowed but only have free run on balconies.

Perched at the top of Litochoro village is Villa Faki, a simple yet stylish small inn with apartment-like accommodations each with its own balcony. Furnished tastefully and done in muted tones of olive and brown, the hotel has a homey feel, and all the studios and suites here have their own kitchens and fireplaces.

You know you're somewhere special when you see this family-run establishment at the trailhead for Mount Olympus; views stretch to the sea and the mountains—not surprisingly, given the location and the relatively low price for what you get here, reservations are a must, especially on weekends and holidays. All the suites are large (with three or four beds) have fireplaces. From the square it's a 10-minute walk up Enipeos past the Aphrodite Hotel. Continue slightly left after the juncture, turn up Ayiou Dimitriou, and keep going over the bridge; the hotel is on the right.