Athens is a city where the ancient and the modern intertwine effortlessly and my stay at The Herodion Hotel perfectly embodied that harmony. Nestled at the foot of the Acropolis, this elegant yet unassuming retreat transports you into a world where history is your neighbour and luxury is your constant. From the hidden charm of its entrance to its spectacular rooftop terrace, indulgent cuisine, and warm hospitality, the Herodion is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience steeped in Athenian allure.

DISCOVERING THE HERODION HOTEL

The last time I was in Athens, my hotel room balcony framed the Acropolis like a postcard—majestic, yes, but still a long way off, like an untouchable relic of the past. This time, however, I was no mere spectator. I was in its shadow, right at the foot of Greek history itself. The Herodion Hotel places you right in the embrace of this ancient marvel, nestled in a polished, sophisticated neighbourhood—a place where modern Athens mingles effortlessly with its glorious past.

This place is a hidden gem. The entrance is unassuming, almost secretive, like it’s whispering rather than shouting about its presence. A striking wire-like sculpture stands guard at the entrance, but if you are curious you’ll wonder what’s inside and it you’re not, you’d easily stroll past without realising what treasures lie beyond. Around the corner, everyday life continues—children chatter and laughter in the local primary school, beautiful homes perched along the hill, their elegant facades giving off just the right amount of Athenian charm.

As you wander around the corner and uphill towards the Acropolis, the atmosphere shifts—it’s as if Athena herself walks beside you, whispering stories of the city’s golden age, her wise presence lingering in the air. This neighbourhood isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a doorway to ancient grandeur, a reminder that in Athens, past and present aren’t separate—they live and breathe together.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - A WARM WELCOME AND ELEGANT DESIGN

Stepping into the Herodion Hotel is bliss, coming out of the sun-drenched streets of Athens into a haven of cool serenity. The chill from the slate flooring greets you like Poseidon’s own sea breeze, a welcome relief from the city’s golden heat.

The reception stands in a grand semi-circle, a warm space —not just from the ever-smiling staff eager to check you in, but from the sheer vibrancy of the surroundings. Check-in is seamless, effortless, the kind of thing Hermes himself would approve of—swift and efficient. And should you find yourself waiting (though, luckily, I didn’t), there’s plenty to distract and delight. This isn’t just a reception area—it doubles as a mini art gallery, a treasure trove of local artistry, where jewellery and sculptures crafted by Athenian creatives glisten under soft lighting.

The lounge area is a few steps up a level, an elegant retreat that feels more like a grand living room than a hotel lobby. Plush sofas allow you to sink in, coffee tables are thoughtfully arranged, and the bar hums quietly in the centre of the room. Artwork adorns the walls, adding to the effortless luxury, but the real showstopper is The Atrium restaurant. A conservatory located just behind the bar that’s infused with nature, it embraces the philosophy of bringing the outside in—quite literally. Here, trees stretch skyward, piercing through the roof like something out of Gaia’s own garden, standing solidly at the heart of the space. It’s a place of calm and effortlessly beautiful—a place where the whisper of leaves and lush foliage mingle with the clink of glasses, and time itself slows to soak in the harmony.

The Herodion doesn’t just host you—it welcomes you into a sanctuary where history, art, and nature collide.

MY ROOM - COMFORT MEETS THOUGHTFUL LUXURY

My fourth-floor room is perched in what can only be described as the perfect spot. From my balcony, the Acropolis rises like a celestial guardian, its timeless presence keeping watch over Athens. The view is breath-taking and the feeling is utterly surreal, as if Zeus himself had granted me the finest vantage point in the city.

But not only is this my room for a few nights its also the perfect location for a wee bit of indulgence for a couple of steps away, the outdoor hot tubs and sunbathing area lie. In this Greek Summer it becomes a sanctuary of warmth and relaxation, where you can soak like a Greek deity while basking in the Athenian glow. And just one floor above my room is the jewel in this crown, the rooftop bar. A place where golden sunsets melt into deep blue nights, where cocktails flow and conversations dance on the evening breeze.

This room blurs the lines between comfort and grandeur, between history and modern indulgence. The Herodion isn’t just a hotel, it’s an experience, and I’m living every moment of it.

The king-size bed is luxurious, like sleeping on a cloud spun by Hypnos himself, the god of sleep. Silky white linens and extremely comfortable pillows cradle you after long days of exploring the city, ensuring dreams as sweet as ambrosia.

Splashes of vibrant orange add warmth and energy to the room appearing in the cushions, curtains, and little thoughtful touches that elevate the space from simple elegance to something joyfully inviting. It’s contemporary, impeccably clean, and effortlessly stylish.

Then there’s the small but crucial details that make a world of difference. USB ports and plugs right at the bedside because nothing ruins a moment of relaxation faster than scrambling around the room looking for a charging point! I particularly loved the working area, a wee stool placed by the balcony doors, so whether you’re catching up on emails or jotting down notes about your latest adventure, you can do it with the view of the Acropolis and a soft Athenian breeze drifting in.

It was wonderful to stay in a room that didn’t just serve a purpose, it enhanced my stay, blending comfort, beauty, and practicality into a space that felt tailor-made for travellers who want more than just a place to sleep. This is where you wake up ready to conquer Athens, and wind down feeling like royalty.

THE BATHROOM - A SPA-LIKE RETREAT WITH EVERY DETAIL CONSIDERED

The Herodion’s bathroom is not just a functional space, but a calm sanctuary. The cool mint hue sets the tone, like stepping into the tranquil embrace of Poseidon’s domain, soothing after a long day under the Athenian sun.

Then there’s the walk-in shower with water pressure that was no mere trickle, it delivered the best cascade of warmth I’ve felt, enveloping you in absolute comfort. The beautiful sinks and large mirrors add to the sleek, polished aesthetic, reflecting the hotel’s attention to detail. They really have thought of everything—even a scale, for those who dare to check after indulging in all of Athens’ culinary delights.

There’s touches of luxury too with fluffy bathrobes and slippers, perfect for padding over to the hot tubs in effortless style. The coffee and tea station, alongside chilled water, ensures you're never parched. A large flat-screen TV for winding down, and a safe to keep your treasures tucked away.

The Herodion doesn’t just offer a place to stay, it offers thoughtful indulgence, wrapped in comfort and elegance. Every little touch is intentional, making your stay less about mere accommodation and more about an experience woven seamlessly into the essence of Athens itself.

DINING AT THE HERODION - A FEAST FOR THE SENSES

Room service on night one was a flawless decision. Sitting on the balcony, cool breeze in my hair, watching the Acropolis transform from golden-hued majesty at sunset to its deep azure glow against the night sky was an experience too magical to cut short. There’s something about the way history shifts with the light, making each moment feel brand new, despite the centuries.

Breakfast is an easy going affair and you have until 10am to work your way through the substantial buffet. Whether you wake up craving a simple plate of eggs on toast (scrambled, poached or fried) or something decadent and overflowing, the spread does not disappoint. The fresh, juicy watermelon should definitely be a eaten!

But if there’s one absolute must, it's Freddo Coffee, the bold, chilled espresso beloved by Athenians and a slice of the in-house made apple pie. Hand-crafted with love and precision, each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and buttery pastry. I met the pastry chef and she’s a true master. Leaving the Herodion without tasting one of her creations would be almost impossible and not a smart move. I highly recommend you try at least one!

RELAXATION AND INDULGENCE - HOT TUBS, SUN LOUNGERS AND MORE

After a day of deliberately getting lost, wandering through Athens’ storied streets, strolling past the ancient Agora and Hadrians Library and feeling history beneath my feet, there was only one thing left to do and that was relax! The hot tubs, conveniently located right next to my room was were I was heading. And though the Greek afternoon still hummed with warmth, slipping into that bubbling water wasn’t just unexpectedly perfect, it was utterly rejuvenating.

SUNBATHING UNDER THE WATCHFUL EYE OF THE ACROPOLIS

The contrast between the warmth of the sun and the gentle embrace of the hot tub’s bubbling currents is an indulgence the gods themselves would approve of. Muscles loosen, mind unwinds, and the echoes of the day—Plaka’s charming alleyways, the monumental climb up the Acropolis steps past the extremely busy entrance, the vibrant energy of Monastiraki—all melt away.

After the 20 minutes hot tub time come to an end, the sun loungers beckon. Bathing in the golden light, letting the rays lull you into snooze node, with the Acropolis standing guard in the distance, this is a moment when time slows. It was glorious to lie there wrapped in warmth, history, and absolute contentment.

THE ROOFTOP EXPERIENCE - COCKTAILS AND FINE DINING AT POINT A

As the evening approached, it was time to ascend to one of the most beautiful rooftop terraces in Athens—Point A. The 360-degree, unobstructed views of both the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum are nothing short of spectacular, the kind that make you pause mid-sentence, mid-sip, just to soak in their timeless grandeur.

The rooftop itself is brilliantly designed, split into two distinct experiences. On one side, the lounge bar for cocktails and you can choose to perch at the bar, sit at the high tables for a more intimate setting, or stretch out on lounge chairs so comfortable, they make you consider staying all night.

On the other side closest to that view is the restaurant. They do have the perfect backdrop! The air hums with conversation and background music, the setting is effortlessly elegant, and if you plan to dine here, a reservation is highly advisable—this spot fills up fast, and for good reason.

With a drink in hand, the UPHILL LOVE_nder cocktail made with Mastiha, gin, lime, lavender and rhubarb, Athens shimmering in twilight, and the weight of history resting just beyond the terrace edge, Point A isn’t just a rooftop—it’s an experience.

The service here is as impeccable as the views. The staff are attentive and they possess that almost mythical ability to anticipate your needs before you even realise them yourself.

Whether it’s a thoughtfully timed refill of your glass or a menu suggestion perfectly tailored to your cravings, the team here makes you feel like a welcomed friend.

The food is simply superb! Every dish is a masterpiece, designed to elevate classic Greek flavours while still feeling entirely fresh and exciting.

I started with the Grilled Prawns with a pepper cream, tomato tartare and Kefalonia mizithra cheese – sensational! Followed by the Lamb Terrine with crushed potatoes, spicy yoghurt and lamb jus. The Homemade sourdough served with butter and olives served at the start provided useful throughout the dinner for scooping up all the morsels on the plates.

Pair that with an Acropolis-lit skyline, an ambiance that feels both sophisticated and effortlessly relaxed, and you’ve got an unforgettable dining experience. Point A isn’t just about eating—it’s about celebrating Athens, its flavours, and its timeless beauty in the best way possible.

And after a meal like this? Perhaps one more cocktail, as the city sparkles beneath the stars.

SAYING GOODBYE TO THE HERODION - A STAY TO REMEMBER

And just like that, my time at the Herodion came to an end—far too soon, as all great stays tend to feel.

Leaving wasn’t easy. There’s something about waking up with the Acropolis watching over you, about sipping coffee in a hidden oasis of tranquillity, about walking through streets where history hums beneath your feet—that makes Athens feel less like a destination and more like a place you belong.

The Herodion was a gateway to experience a perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and immersive Athenian charm. From the thoughtful hospitality to the flawless rooftop evenings, from the warmth of the staff to the indulgence of the hot tubs, every detail was designed to make you feel at home yet wonderfully away.

As I packed my bags, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this stay had carved out a little corner in my heart, a place I’d be longing to return to before I’d even left.

But Athens is never truly goodbye—just until next time. And I know there will be a next time.

THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THE HERODION HOTEL

The Herodion is 4* luxury accommodation
Free High Speed WiFi
Breakfast is included
All rooms have black out curtains
All rooms have air conditioning
400m from the Acropolis and 200m from the Acropolis Metro Station
There are 90 rooms as well as 5 beautiful apartments, The Residences

The Herodion Hotel, 4 Rovertou Galli Street Acropolis, Athens, 117 42 Greece www.herodion.gr/en

I was invited by Herodion Hotel to review their accommodation and food & drink offers. Accommodation, food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.

TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.

Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk

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Athens Greece: My Stay at the Herodion Hotel Under the Shadow of the Acropolis