King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens, Athens

Pros

• Tudor Hall, the Michelin-rated rooftop restaurant, has a fantastic menu and an even better view of the Acropolis.
• The hotel perfectly captures a neoclassical style that makes guests in all room types feel pampered.
• Easily explore Athens' most popular sites from this central location in Syntagma Square.

Cons

• Courtyard view rooms can feel a bit drab, so book one over Syntagma for a better look at the city or splurge on an Acropolis view room on a higher floor.
• There are no facilities like a pool or spa but guests can head next door to the sister hotel of the Grande Bretagne to use theirs.

Authenticity

In many ways, the King George does what the most special hotels of Athens do best: brings history to life. This landmark building was first constructed in 1837 and its neoclassical facade is as recognizable as the one of the Parliament just up the block. It's not just the facade that has been maintained, as the hotel preserves that 19th-century style through and through. Vintage furniture, marble furnishings, and ornate light fixtures bring you back to another time and place in this historic Athenian institution.

Location

Standing next to its sister hotel, the Grande Bretagne, on the north side of Syntagma Square, the King George has one of the most central locations possible. The Parliament is a block away, where you can watch the changing of the guard from the comfort of your room. Browse the shops of Ermou in just two minutes or wander through the nearby National Garden or Plaka to reach the Acropolis in 15. Folks who want to explore Athens by metro can grab the red line at the Syntagma stop just across the street.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 102 rooms all follow a neoclassical style but differ in size, amenities, and views. Courtyard views don't offer much to write home about, so book a Syntagma or Acropolis one to get a more atmospheric sense of the city. While families can request cots for kids, the rooms are really geared towards couples and business travelers. The most luxurious option is the Penthouse Suite, which has a private elevator and its own pool looking over the Acropolis.