Divani Palace Acropolis

With an enviable location just five minutes’ walk from the Acropolis, you’ll love how central this hotel is. Built on the original retaining walls of the Acropolis – which you can see in the basement – it’s got character in spades.

Step out of the hotel and you’ll find plenty of sights within walking distance. The Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch are both about a 10-minute stroll from the hotel. The National Gardens just beyond here offer a peaceful escape from the bustling city, and are well worth a ramble through if you’ve got time. If you fancy hitting a few museums and getting your culture on, the Benaki Museum, the National Historical Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology are all reachable in about 15 minutes on the metro.

When you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, retreat to the hotel and you can chill out by the small-but-perfectly-formed pool, which is nestled in a small courtyard. On top of that you can work up a sweat at the well-equipped gym in the hotel’s basement.

Breakfast here is a plentiful buffet of the usual suspects, served in the comfortable surroundings of the Aspasia restaurant. For lunch or dinner, meanwhile, you can choose between D restaurant which serves up dishes by the pool, or Secret – a rooftop number with a view of the Acropolis. A visit to Athens wouldn’t be complete without a ramble around the central food market – about 15 minutes away if you hop on the metro or 25 if you feel like walking it. Here you can feast on local olives, cheeses, and authentic Greek street food, or duck into a cosy taverna for a tasty meal and a shot of ouzo.