La Divina, Athens

• This carefully renovated neoclassical townhouse is tucked down a leafy pedestrian avenue in Thiseio, just steps from the Ancient Agora and 20 minutes from the Acropolis.
• Each of the 12 rooms is remarkably spacious (with original details such as soaring ceilings, French doors, and exposed stonework), and some offer views of the Athens Observatory, the Ancient Agora, or the Acropolis.
• Suites add even more space and perks; our favorite features a large private terrace with an outdoor Jacuzzi and rooftop views.
• Breakfast is included in your stay, and you can enjoy it al fresco in the tranquil courtyard or in the privacy of your room.

• The reception closes at 10 pm; guests returning later will need to use a code to enter the courtyard.
• This won't be a good fit for travelers with limited mobility, as there's no elevator on the property, and most rooms and courtyards are accessed via steps.

Authenticity

The latest property from boutique Greek hotel group Aria, La Divina opened in 2024 after an extensive (and creative) renovation preserved the character of this 1897 townhouse while adding light, space, and a feeling of understated luxury. Original details like neoclassical molding and exposed stonework now stand out against stark white walls, warmed up with artfully hung globe lamps and the curved lines of midcentury furniture. Over its long history, the building once housed the Odeon Athenaeum (a grand theater dedicated to Maria Callas), and the owners drew on that connection for inspiration, naming each room for one of "La Divina's" great performances and gifting guests with custom Callas chocolates. 

Location

You'll stay in the historic Thiseio neighborhood, surrounded by archaeological sites and filled with leafy streets lined with open-air cafés and wine bars. The hotel sits on a quiet, pedestrianized portion of Adrianou, the city's oldest shopping avenue, and though the setting feels removed and peaceful, you're just steps from the entrance to the Ancient Agora, a 5-minute walk from buzzy Monastiraki Square, and a 20-minute stroll from the Acropolis. It's a perfect base for exploring the city's major sites on foot, and well placed for transport links: the Monastiraki metro station connects with the airport in 40 minutes. There's no on-site parking, but private garages are within walking distance.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 12 rooms and suites are spread across two floors, overlooking either the quiet courtyard or the leafy cobblestones of Adrianou. Each unit is unique, and all are exceptionally spacious, featuring beautiful original details like exposed stonework and intricate neoclassical molding. Extra-long king beds and fluffy robes and slippers are standard, as are handy mod cons like bedside charging stations and Nespresso machines. Bathrooms are clad in sleek marble, with brass fittings, waterfall-style showers, and local Olive Era toiletries. The suites are particularly spectacular here, including an upstairs option with three sets of French doors opening onto a large terrace dotted with olive trees and an outdoor Jacuzzi. 

Amenities

This guesthouse-style hotel doesn't offer much in the way of amenities beyond an included a la carte breakfast, served in the sunny open-air courtyard (or in your room). The theme of luxurious simplicity extends to the offerings: expect farm-fresh scrambled eggs with tomatoes and feta, a selection of traditional Greek cakes and pastries, and fresh-squeezed juices alongside more traditional continental offerings. 

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome at La Divina, but the quiet setting and limited room options won't be a great fit for most families. Suites with sofa beds can sleep three comfortably, but there are no adjoining units for larger groups.