For the most beautiful luxury boutique hotel in Athens, you’ll want to head to the Psirri neighborhood.
Nestled just around the corner from the bustling Varvakeios Market and surrounded by street art, local restaurants, and artisanal shops, you’ll find the stunning Monument Hotel Athens.
I stayed here on the final night of my trip to Athens, and what a perfect way to end an already amazing getaway! I also shared some hotel tips in my post about the best things to do in Athens, but this article is a dedicated review of my stay at Monument.
A renovated 19th-century monument
Athens often feels like an open-air museum, with iconic centuries-old buildings on almost every corner. At the same time, the city has a raw edge, with many older buildings left neglected and covered in graffiti.
This was until recently also the story of the building that is now the Monument Hotel Athens. Built in 1881 for a successful merchant by German-born architect Ernst Ziller, the ground floor originally served as a shop while the first and second floors were living spaces. Over the years, the building fell into disrepair and was left unused.
Thankfully, a meticulous renovation brought this gem back to life in 2023, preserving its unique character while transforming it into a luxury boutique hotel. The name Monument is fitting—not just because of its striking design, but also because the Greek government has officially recognized the building as a protected historical landmark.
A warm welcome
The hotel retains the charm of its original purpose as a residence. From the moment you step inside, you feel like a guest in the home of a wealthy merchant. But then updated to 21st century standards. At the base of the grand wooden staircase, a friendly member of staff is always at the reception desk to greet you and answer any questions.
When asked if I was interested in the building’s history, I eagerly said yes. She took the time to give me a tour, pointing out the building’s unique features and sharing its fascinating story.
Because of its heritage status, the building isn’t allowed to have an elevator, so we took the stairs to my room on the first floor. My luggage was already waiting for me when we arrived. Instead of a modern keycard, I received a traditional key with a vintage-style keychain—a small touch that added to the charm of the experience.
The Glint room
Although the building was once spacious enough for a single family, Monument Hotel Athens has been thoughtfully transformed into an intimate boutique hotel with just nine rooms. Each one is unique, ranging in size from 19m² to 40m², and all are tastefully designed with attention to detail.
I stayed in the Glint room, one of the smaller options at 19m². Despite its size, the clever use of mirrors made the room feel spacious enough. The room features a king-size bed with a plush headboard, perfect for lounging, and a smart TV with access to streaming services for a cozy night in.
The room’s high ceilings, elegant wooden floors, and large windows feel luxurious —a nice blend of modern furniture and classic design elements.
The bathroom layout is compact yet functional: a small sink and toilet are tucked behind a mirrored panel, while a separate rain shower is positioned across from the bed. And let me tell you, the shower is divine—complete with luxurious Molton Brown toiletries. For those needing a quick hair touch-up before heading out, there’s even a Dyson hairdryer ready to use.
Relaxing in the private wellness area
After a day of exploring Athens, you’ll likely be ready to unwind. While you can relax in your room or in the hotel’s cozy lounge area, the wellness area is what truly sets Monument apart.
Unlike many hotels with shared spa facilities, the wellness area at Monument—featuring a sauna and hammam—can be reserved for private use. Simply book a time slot at the reception, and the space is all yours for an hour.
Dim lighting, soothing music, flickering candles, and refreshments like tea, water, and sweet treats create a serene atmosphere. It’s a truly special experience.
There’s also a separate massage room where you can book treatments like massages or facials (for an additional fee). However, the use of the wellness area is included in the room rate.
Waking up to a luxurious mediterranean breakfast
A delicious breakfast is the perfect way to conclude my stay at Monument Hotel Athens, and it’s included in your room rate. Since it is a boutique hotel with a limited number of rooms, the breakfast area is also not very large.
The menu offers ten excellent options, from sweet to savory. I decided to try kayianas, a traditional Greek dish of scrambled eggs with tomato and ‘ksino’ cheese that I’d never tried before. Alongside your meal, they serve fresh juices, coffee, and tea.
If you’re still feeling peckish, there’s a small buffet with extras like mini croissants and fresh fruit.
Final thoughts on my stay at Monument Hotel Athens
As my stay came to an end, I felt reluctant to leave. In just a short time, Monument with its warm and friendly team has made me feel completely at home.
If you’re planning a trip to Athens, this luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Psirri is an absolute must. I know I’ll be back on my next visit!
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