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Athens Utopia Ermou is one of the newest hotel arrivals in Athens. In addition, it has a prime location right in the heart of the city and amazing views of the Acropolis. I had the opportunity to be invited to stay at the hotel when soon after it opened. So, keep on reading to find out what was my experience like!
Why go to Athens now
Athens is fast becoming the choice destination for a European city break among savvy travellers. With great food, culture and pleasant weather year-round, it’s now more than a gateway to the Greek islands.
Following the dark years of the financial crisis, Athens today is bouncing back with a vengeance! The city experiences a new wave of youthful creativity and entrepreneurship.
New hip restaurants, art galleries and museums, as well as new boutique hotels are popping up every day. All this activity means this is the best time to visit Athens.
The Athens Utopia Ermou Hotel
One of the most promising new hotel arrivals is the Athens Utopia Ermou hotel, in the heart of the city. It first opened in the summer of 2019 and it’s one of the newest hotels in Athens.
Athens Utopia Ermou Hotel review: The Location
Just minutes on foot from Syntagma square, the new hotel is at the corner of Ermou and Evaggelistrias streets. This is the city’s main shopping district. With many eateries, museums and transportation options nearby, it’s an excellent base for an Athens city break.
Read also: Discover beautiful Plaka, an “island” in the heart of Athens
Among the shops, with a distinct entrance, the hotel occupies the top floors of an elegant historic building. As a result, some of the rooms are also rounded and have circular beds!
Athens Utopia Ermou hotel review: The Vibe
To begin with, Athens Utopia Ermou has an upbeat, sunny and colourful personality. In essence, with its 28 bright and modern rooms located on the top floors, it is like an oasis away from the buzz of the city below. Even though the hotel errs on the minimalistic side, it never feels stark. In fact, its simplicity is quite calming and refreshing.
The decor is unmistakably youthful, with many little details that the digital generation will particularly appreciate, such as power plugs next to the bed and Smart TVs. Nevertheless, the hotel’s upbeat atmosphere, bright rooms and friendly staff will make all visitors feel welcome!
Moreover, the hotel concierge is very helpful in suggesting and helping arrange (at additional cost) activities such as walking tours, bike tours, car & bike hire, airport pick up & drop off, and even themed dinner nights! Being a 4-star city hotel they have no spa or gym facilities on site, but they can arrange for a massage in your room. They will also do your laundry, dry cleaning and even babysitting (all at extra cost) so that you can take a break from being a parent and enjoy your night out in the heart of Athens.
What the rooms are like?
If Athens Utopia Ermou has one signature element then it would be its gorgeous views of the Acropolis from most of its rooms and the rooftop bar.
The hotel has 28 bright and airy rooms, ranging from the “Classic Double” (24 sq. m. / 258 sq. ft.) to the Junior Suite (34 sq. m. / 366 sq. ft.). I got to stay in the Junior Suite and what impressed me immediately upon entering was the big windows and the view of the Acropolis.
In addition, the modern style of the rooms, in tones of light grey with a pop of colour, is surprisingly welcoming and reassuring to the weary traveller.
Moreover, the large bed is a major feature. On the firmer side but comfy, it had plenty of pillows and there were also plush bathrobes and slippers on it. I particularly loved the power plug next to the bedside, as I could easily keep my mobile handy while it charged.
Furthermore, the bathroom of the Junior Suite was spacious, with a large mirror, toiletries and oral hygiene kits, with toothbrushes and mini toothpaste. Very convenient for someone like me who practically always forgets to pack her toothbrush! What’s more, the Junior Suite bathroom also has a walk-in shower with both rain-type and regular faucets and a toilet in a separate corner.
Athens Utopia Ermou hotel review: The Sleep
After spending the afternoon and most of the evening “exploring” the area (ie: shopping, eating, taking photos and then more shopping), I was pretty tired. So unfortunately I skipped the opportunity to have a cocktail with a view of the illuminated Acropolis at the hotel’s rooftop bar. Instead, I had a shower and called it an early night.
The hotel was mostly quiet and the atmosphere in the room pleasant, with only the occasional disruption from the lift’s announcement system. The room also has blackout curtains and I slept so comfortably that I nearly missed the breakfast next morning!
Athens Utopia Ermou hotel review: Food & Drink
Although the hotel doesn’t have (yet) a full restaurant on site, it has a lovely rooftop café bar, offering a buffet breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. (which is a little early for a night owl like me, but I’ve come to accept this in hotels as a fact of life).
The breakfast buffet is plentiful, with a great variety of hot and cold offerings. The service is fast, friendly and efficient. There are scrambled eggs, omelette, crispy bacon, sausages, different kinds of bread, cakes, croissant, homebaked sweet and savoury Greek pies, traditional Greek tahini halva and spoon sweets, fresh fruit, vegetables and more. There’s filter coffee, tea and milk available but you can also ask at the bar to prepare a cappuccino or espresso for you.
Hotel Highlights
- The central Athens location
- The happy, bright and colourful decor
- The gorgeous views of the Acropolis from (most) rooms
- Lounging at the rooftop café, enjoying the view and the sun like a cat ^_^
- The friendly and helpful staff
- The wonderful breakfast with the best view in the city
What to see nearby
Another thing I loved about this hotel is how very convenient is its location for both sightseeing and shopping. Moreover, as it is in between two major Metro stations (Monastiraki and Syntagma), it is easy to get to and from the El. Venizelos airport, the port of Piraeus and practically connect with the whole of Athens.
Sightseeing:
- The Acropolis and the Parthenon
- The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Annunciation (simply known locally as the “Metropolis”)
- Plaka (and Anafiotika) and the Monastiraki Flea Market
- The Church of Panagia Kapnikarea
- The Ancient Agora
- The Benaki Museum
Places to eat (tried and tested):
- Le Greche, the best handmade Italian gelato in town
- Thanasis, for kebabs, is popular with tourists and locals alike
- Tazza Athens, a themed bistro and wine bar with sophisticated cuisine
- Estrella, for amazing brunch
- Kostas Souvlaki at Plateia Eirinis has simply the best souvlaki in town
More Info:
Athens Utopia Ermou
Address: Athens Utopia Hotel, 46 Ermou str, Athens 10563, Greece
Telephone: +30 2103216616
Email: info@athensutopia.com
Web: athensutopia.com
Disclaimer: My stay at Athens Utopia Hotel was complimentary but all opinions are my own.
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