St. George Lycabettus
Kleomenous 2, Athens, GreeceWhy We Like It
If you like to stay away from the tourist crowd but still close enough to the town center, Kolonaki is ideal because it is dignified and fashionable in a vintage ‘70s kind of way. St George Lycabettus is in a turning point of its life with a big but gradual refurbishment underway and can provide a pleasant stay provided you are aware of the type of room included in your booking (look out for the new eco wing in collaboration with mattress company Coco-mat). It is also very child-friendly and has a pool area that offers high value-added for an Athens hotel (that is, over the summer months when the pool is open).
Fodor's Expert Review
One of the grand dames of Athenian hotels, St. George has terrific views from its rooftop terrace and easy access to the forested slopes of Mt. Lycabettus, a rare offering in the built-up metropolis. You only need to walk down the (hilly) Dexamenis square and then you are in the happening Kolonaki neighborhood, just steps from many Athens museums and designer shops. The hotel is undergoing a gradual refurbishment, which makes some of the older rooms seem a bit overpriced in its current offering.
Tip The rooftop pool bar, with its small pool and gym area are very popular in the summer months with tourists and locals alike.
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Room
Most front rooms have good views of the Acropolis (although some do not, so make sure you ask for an outside room if this is a personal requirement).
You Should Know The hotel is undergoing a gradual refurbishment and there are some rooms that have not yet been updated and feel a bit older, so make sure you inquire.
Bathroom
The fittings will depend on whether you are staying on the part of the hotel that has already been refurbished or not.
Tip Ask for a superior room and make sure it has been recently refurbished.
Lobby
Filled with orchids and Philippe Starck decorative details, the lobby offers some sitting areas and excellent Wi-Fi. Off the lobby, there is a screening room and conference facilities.
Pool
The rooftop pool is open during the summer months and offers beautiful views and a pool bar.
Spa
The hotel houses the Aegeos spa and Ananea pilates studio. Direct bookings to the hotel currently enjoy a 15-minute massage on the house.
Gym
There is a small gym on the top floor next to the pool.
Dining
The rooftop La Suite Lounge restaurant has an unbeatable panoramic view, and executive chef Vassilis Milios proposes sumptuous mains such as grouper with mandarine juice, verbena, and seasonal wild greens and lamb cutlets in a pistachio crust and vegetable ratatouille.
You Should Know A kids-friendly hotel, St George organizes a Sunday brunch and Saturday Lunch and Play, with children’s creative activities led by qualified childminders.
Drinking
The pool bar is a refreshing option during the summer months, otherwise, the 6th-floor bar and restaurant is open throughout the year.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
There is no metro station nearby (the nearest one is Evangelismos on the blue line, 10 minutes uphill walk) but there is a bus stop that heads into the center of Athens and stops right in front of the hotel so make sure you inquire at reception. Taxis are your best bet for arriving here; if you have a car be aware of the steep parking charges.
Restaurants
Try the traditional Greek cuisine at Filippou (1-minute walk) where local ladies who lunch mix with business people on their lunch break. Or Ratka (5-minute walk), a stylish French-type bistro. If you are into sushi, Freud Oriental (5 minute-walk) is stylish and serves the best sushi in town. Most bars and restaurants are a short walk down the hill, which however does mean that you will need to walk up again on your way back. It is a short walk though Dexameni square, which will do wonders for your fitness! Or you can take a taxi!