Electra Palace Hotel Athens: classic, elegant, close to the Acropolis

Ah, the smell of Athens in springtime, the aroma of eucalyptus warmed by sunshine with a whiff of cigarette smoke curling through the air. The freshness of winter lingers, the dust and heat of summer is yet to come. The sun is warm enough to relax in a pavement cafes of Plaka to watch the world go by.

We visited Athens for a weekend break, staying at the 5 star Electra Palace Hotel Athens, in the Plaka district at the foot of the Acropolis. The hotel suited us perfectly, since we could walk easily to most of the ancient sites. We enjoyed a haven of calm and luxury to return to at the end of each day.

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About Electra Palace Hotel Athens

The Electra Palace Hotel is one of a family-owned group of six Electra Hotels. They are celebrating 50 years since the first Electra Hotel opened in Athens.

The group includes the Electra and Electra Palace in Athens, as well as hotels in Crete, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Kefalonia. The newest addition of luxury lifestyle is the Hotel Electra Metropolis in Athens.

We could feel the slick professionalism that you get with a major hotel chain but perhaps with a little more personal touch from being a smaller hotel group.

Our Bedroom at Electra Palace Hotel Athens

Our bedroom on the fifth floor was classic and elegant with Italian style wooden furnishings. There’s a muted blue, gold and cream colour scheme and red woollen patterned rugs on the floor. The lighting fittings were of heavy brass with cream shades and a large gilt mirror on the wall above the desk.

Outside the French windows we found a balcony where we could sit on wicker chairs at the marble table. We were separated from our neighbours by olive plants and could admire the view of the Acropolis across the rooftops.

There were all the conveniences: a kettle to make tea and coffee, a fridge and mini bar. The large safe had room for my laptop and towelling robes and slippers for lounging around after a bath.

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Our bathroom at Electra Palace Hotel Athens

The bathroom at Electra Palace Hotel was in similar classical design. Pale blue marble edged with mosaic tiles and a bath with powerful shower above. In the recess of the ceiling was painted a blue sky with white fluffy clouds to remind us we were in a land where the sun always shines.

One of the delights of a luxury hotel is to be spoiled by the toiletries. Korres is one of my favourite Greek brands, known for its natural products. We tested out the citrus shower gel and body lotion as well as the handy shampoo and conditioner with aloe to smooth away the frizz.

Breakfast in the Motivo Restaurant

In the large Motivo restaurant on the ground floor we relaxed over breakfast, finding our favourite table by the window with a view of the garden. The decor was again classic with comfortable green upholstered chairs, wooden parquet floors and sparkling square chandeliers.

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We tried a wide selection of breads including the Greek sesame rings that are found on every street corner. There was as a spread of cereals, yoghurt and fruit, cold meats, cheeses and hot dishes like scrambled egg, bacon, beans and mushrooms.

There seemed to be something to suit every taste of the international guests. We saw a range of healthy choice yogurts, cheeses and meats. There was even a machine where you could make your own waffles and douse them in maple syrup. Apparently the hotel is a popular choice for American guests.

Motivo Garden Terrace Restaurant

Leading off the reception and adjoining the ground floor restaurant was a courtyard garden. This became my favourite place to sit in the sun with a coffee. The tables were laid at lunchtime and the flowering pots under the large palm tree made a welcome retreat from the narrow streets outside the hotel.

The Pool Terrace with a view of the Acropolis

Up on the 5th floor of Electra Palace Hotel we got another perspective on Athens from the rooftop pool terrace. In summer the sun loungers are laid out and the pool bar is open. You can relax in the heart of the city with that Acropolis view that any self respecting hotel in Athens with a roof terrace aims to offer.

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Dinner in the Electra Roof garden restaurant

Adjoining the pool terrace was the Roof garden restaurant with a wall of windows to make the most of those Acropolis views. In summer they open all the windows and you can dine outside too, which would be perfect for a romantic dinner.

The food at Electra Palace Hotel is a fusion of Mediterranean dishes that incorporate Greek produce and fresh flavours. Our dinner managed to strike just the right note, balancing elegant dining with familiar tastes so that everyone found something to enjoy. To start my father tried the ravioli which was stuffed with pumpkin, ricotta cheese and smoked ham drizzled with basil oil.

I ordered the veal fillet which was juicy and tender, served with polenta and a flavoursome tarragon sauce. My sister had the lamb chop with gnocchi and wild mushrooms. Finally we tried a light but delicious desert of poached apple with halvah mousse on a bed of crumbs made from dehydrated chocolate and milk.

I’d recommend this restaurant for a very enjoyable dining experience, with delicious food and friendly and professional service. It would be especially nice once the weather makes it warm enough to eat outside.

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The Pool and Spa

After walking around the Acropolis all morning, I felt I deserved a relaxing afternoon and headed downstairs to try out the spa of Electra Palace Hotel. There’s an attractive small pool with a Jacuzzi at one end.

The spa is open to guests from 8 am to 9 pm and to children with their parents up to 3 pm. There’s a small gym and a spa which is best reserved in advance so the staff can prepare it for you, since there is room for three people.

After changing into my robe and slippers I was shown into the treatment room for my relaxing massage followed by a facial. The spa uses products by a Greek company called O.live which is based in Crete. They use organic products based on olive oil infused with essential oils of lavender, eucalyptus and mandarin.

As my back was massaged I drifted away to the sounds of the sea washing on the pebble beach and the wind blowing through the pine trees. I felt transported to Greek summer holidays past and future.

A relaxing facial

Next my face was cleansed using a gentle chamomile cleanser, with an exfoliation treatment and face mask with green argyle. This was followed by a massage with calendula anti-ageing cream.

By the end my skin truly felt glowing and soft and I relaxed on the loungers outside the treatment. I enjoyed green tea with honey and breathed in the steam of hot water with eucalyptus to revive me after the treatment.

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If you’d like to try a spa treatment, all guests are offered a voucher for a complimentary 15 minute massage on arrival. Or, you may see the therapists as you come out of breakfast to arrange an appointment.

Ancient Greek massage with relaxing hot towels helps to remove tension and the Cretan massage uses oil mixed with Raki to soothe tired muscles. I’d also recommend the lovely O.live products that are on sale in the spa. Explore different fragrances such as lavender for calming, green tea to revitalise and mandarin to energise.

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The service at Electra Palace Hotel

All our party agreed that the Electra Palace Hotel had a lovely atmosphere of calm and professionalism combined with friendly and attentive service. The cool, spacious lobby with marble floors and chandeliers felt like an oasis as you stepped off the street after navigating the narrow streets of Plaka or the bustle of Syntagma square.

The staff always greeted us with a warm smile and helped us with directions and restaurant reservations. They were quick to offer help with bags and taxis, so we felt very well looked after, which was especially important for my parents who are in their 70’s.

Wifi at Electra Palace Hotel

It’s so nice to find an upscale hotel that offers good free WiFi for all its guests. At Electra Palace Hotel I had no problems at all staying connected. The free standard service was pretty good and the passwords were easy to remember and only required logging in again every few hours. If you need faster internet access for business, this is available at an extra charge.

Who is Electra Palace Hotel best for?

Most of the other guests at Electra Palace Hotel were aged 40+ with a few families with school age children. We heard that many of the guests are from the USA, UK and Greece as well as a broad range of other nationalities and the hotel had a cosmopolitan, international feel.

Because of the location close to all the sites, Electra Palace Hotel is an ideal base if you are visiting Athens for a short break and want to make the most of your stay. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel with classic and elegant decor and friendly service, this is the hotel for you.

Electra Palace Hotel, 18 N. Nikodimou Str., 10557 Athens, Greece | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Check prices and book here

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Electra Metropolis Hotel

A recent addition to the Electra family is Electra Metropolis. Located close by the Electra Palace Hotel the Metropolis is a 5 star luxury lifestyle hotel, with modern design and style. With high speed internet everywhere, smart TVs and smartphone gadgetry, this is the place for those who like to stay connected while travelling in style.

Location of Electra Palace Hotel Athens

Location is a major reason for staying at Electra Palace Hotel, as it is set in the heart of the old town Plaka district, with atmospheric bars and pavement cafes. You’re just a 10 minute walk from the Acropolis museum in one direction and from Syntagma square in the other so it’s an excellent base to see the sites on foot. All the nearby streets are full of bars, cafes and restaurants so it’s easy to find places to eat and enjoy the evening nightlife.

Getting to Electra Palace Hotel Athens

The taxi from Athens airport takes about 30 minutes outside the rush hour and costs €40-45. Alternatively you can get the metro from the airport to Acropolis station which again takes 30 minutes and costs around €8, then walk 10 minutes to the hotel.

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