November in Athens offers a rare gift: the city’s most coveted hotels become serene sanctuaries as summer crowds disperse, revealing a more intimate side of the Greek capital. As temperatures settle into a pleasant 15-20°C and the Acropolis glows under softer autumn light, discerning travelers can experience Athens’ finest properties at their most refined. From historic palaces overlooking Syntagma Square to contemporary retreats along the Athenian Riviera, these are the hotels redefining luxury hospitality in the cradle of Western civilization.
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
The Athenian Riviera’s Crown Jewel
Perched on a 30-hectare private peninsula in Vouliagmeni, the Four Seasons Astir Palace has secured its position as Greece’s premier luxury resort, ranking 17th in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025. This achievement speaks to more than just accolades—it represents a masterful reimagining of Athenian Riviera glamour, where Brigitte Bardot and Jackie Onassis once vacationed.
November transforms the property into an exclusive coastal retreat. The 303 rooms and suites blend mid-century design nostalgia with contemporary refinement, while the private beach becomes a peaceful haven for Mediterranean strolls. General Manager Jann Kaiser’s vision of “modern luxury rooted in heritage” manifests throughout the resort’s seven restaurants and bars, including the Michelin-starred Pelagos and the newly reinvigorated Taverna 37.
The resort’s recent achievements are noteworthy: a Forbes Five-Star rating (2023) and three Michelin Keys (2025). Mercato’s winter menu, inspired by Italian cucina povera, offers warming seasonal dishes perfect for November evenings. The Avra Bar’s sustainable cocktail menu, developed in the hotel’s on-site lab, represents the property’s commitment to innovation without sacrificing elegance.
November Advantage: Exclusive access to the private beach without summer crowds, moderate temperatures ideal for spa treatments at the expansive wellness center, and more intimate service from the award-winning team.
Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens
Retro-Chic Riviera Glamour with Contemporary Edge
Opened in late 2024, Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens has quickly become the Athens Riviera’s most buzzed-about property. This 120-room hotel occupies a transformed 1972 Brutalist building (formerly the Fenix Hotel) in Glyfada, reimagined by French architecture studio Ciguë in collaboration with Georges Batzios Architects. The result is a masterful blend of Greek Modernism, 1970s Riviera nostalgia, and contemporary design sensibility.
The 120 rooms channel 1970s sophistication with modern comfort. Each features soundproofed windows, flat-screen TVs, and balconies (many with Saronic Gulf views). The distinctive touches make the difference: some rooms include turntables with curated vinyl records by Greek Visions (an archive of contemporary Greek culture), while others feature D’Angelico acoustic guitars for guests who prefer to create their own soundtrack. Custom bedspreads by Salma Barakat and organic bath products complete the thoughtful details.
Sebastian, the hotel’s all-day French-American bistro helmed by Executive Chef Elvi Dimitris Zyba, serves breakfast through dinner in a space animated by handmade blue terracotta tiles and timber louvres. The Lobby Bar delivers craft cocktails and shareable plates throughout the day, while Poolside offers a full menu delivered to your sunlounger. Good Chemistry café provides afternoon pick-me-ups.
November Advantage: The retro pool becomes an exclusive retreat with ideal temperatures, the artistic vibe intensifies with fewer guests allowing deeper engagement with the collection, the rooftop pool (opening later in 2025) may debut, and Glyfada’s cosmopolitan scene offers sophisticated urban diversions between beach relaxation.
91 Athens Riviera
Elevated Athleisure Glamping Redefined
Domes Resorts has introduced an entirely novel concept to the Athenian Riviera with 91 Athens Riviera. The property’s 28 “Luxents”—spacious 43 m² suites that blend five-star hotel elegance with the romance of luxury tenting—challenge conventional hotel design. Most cabanas feature private plunge pools overlooking either lush gardens or the main pool, creating intimate outdoor spaces perfectly suited to November’s mild weather.
The resort describes its atmosphere as “elevated athleisure glamping,” and delivers on this promise with tennis courts, a heated outdoor pool (essential for November), a comprehensive fitness center, and the Domes Soma Spa. Barbarossa restaurant brings authentic Cycladic and Mediterranean flavors to the table, maintaining a connection to the mother restaurant in Paros that has fed locals since 1987.
November at 91 Athens Riviera means enjoying the heated pool and outdoor spaces in comfortable temperatures, while the proximity to Glyfada’s sophisticated shopping and dining scene offers urban diversions when desired.
November Advantage: The heated outdoor pool becomes a focal point for relaxation, the private plunge pools offer comfortable outdoor bathing, and the property’s intimate scale ensures personalized attention.
Hotel Grande Bretagne
Timeless Athenian Grandeur
Since 1842, the Hotel Grande Bretagne has stood as Athens’ most iconic address, located directly on Syntagma Square in the city’s absolute center. What began as a residence for a wealthy businessman has evolved through a multi-million euro restoration into a temple of classic luxury hospitality.
The property’s 320 rooms and suites showcase both period elegance and modern comfort, with many offering direct views of the Acropolis. The recently renovated spa features extensive facilities, including multiple steam rooms and saunas, while the indoor and outdoor pools provide year-round aquatic relaxation. The rooftop restaurant and terrace deliver panoramic city views alongside refined Mediterranean cuisine.
November positions the Grande Bretagne as the ideal base for cultural exploration. The hotel’s central location means the National Archaeological Museum, Plaka, and Monastiraki are all within comfortable walking distance. After days spent among ancient ruins and world-class museums, returning to the hotel’s classic interiors feels like stepping into another era of Athenian sophistication.
November Advantage: Prime location for exploring Athens’ archaeological sites without extreme heat, the atmospheric rooftop becomes more intimate and comfortable, and the spa facilities offer the perfect retreat from autumn evening chill.
The Dolli at Acropolis
A Hotel to Live
The Dolli at Acropolis represents contemporary Athens at its most sophisticated. This 46-key property offers a range of accommodations, including rooms, apartments, and pieds-à-terre, all designed with polished, poised aesthetics that reference Greek heritage while embracing modern luxury.
Housed in a renovated historic building and former shopping department, every corner reflects meticulous attention to detail. The property’s location provides unparalleled views of the Acropolis, creating a constant dialogue between ancient and contemporary Athens. The staff’s commitment to bespoke service—whether pre-planned or spontaneous—distinguishes the property in a city filled with luxury options.
November guests appreciate the hotel’s intimate scale and personalized approach. The combination of residential-style accommodations with five-star service creates a living experience rather than merely a hotel stay, particularly appealing for extended visits.
November Advantage: More availability for the most desirable Acropolis-view accommodations, personalized service becomes even more attentive with fewer guests, and the residential format suits longer autumn stays.
Images: Brands respectively
