Athenaeum Smart Hotel

Set on Syngrou Avenue, this hotel gives you a handy base for getting stuck into Athens without overcomplicating things. You’re close to the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, while nearby metro and bus links make it easy to dip between ancient sights, lively neighbourhoods and long, café-filled lunch stops. It’s a great pick if you want to spend your days ticking off the big hitters, then head back somewhere sleek and straightforward when your sandals have done enough.

Back at the hotel, it’s all modern, polished and refreshingly fuss-free. There’s a roof garden restaurant with panoramic city and Acropolis views, which makes breakfast feel a little more special than your standard grab-and-go affair. You’ve also got indoor and outdoor lounge areas, a 24-hour reception, concierge service and free Wi-Fi to keep everything running smoothly from check-in to final coffee.