If you’re looking for a luxury hotel close to all the major attractions for your trip to Athens but want something a little different from generic chain hotels, The Dolli at Acropolis is the hotel for you.
I stayed at the 5 star Dolli at Acropolis on my recent trip to Athens and, if budget allows, I would not hesitate to stay there again. I think this award winning, centrally located hotel is something truly special.
It offers characterful luxury with high end facilities plus some of the best views Athens has to offer.
Overview
The Dolli at Acropolis opened in 2023 after an impressive 5 year restoration and renovation project.
It’s a boutique hotel situated in a characterful and historic mansion dating back to 1925. It was once the home of the Kallimasiotis family before becoming a department store and now a luxury hotel.
It consists of just 46 bedrooms, suites and apartments spread over five floors. This small number of rooms ensures guests will enjoy a highly personalised level of customer service.
The Dolli blends colonial style with a modern twist and boasts high ceilings, white or wood panelled walls and marble floors. It’s packed with a mix of 18th century antiques and bespoke modern furniture plus eye-catching artwork by some of the world’s leading artists, both past and present.
Location
The Dolli is ideally located in the heart of Athens Old Town near the Plaka district.
It’s a 5 minute walk from Syntagma metro station or 220 metres from Monastiraki Square and metro so you’ll find it’s quick and easy to get around the city. The Acropolis is just over 1 km on foot whilst the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus are only 500 metres away.
There are lots of shops, restaurants and bars on the doorstep.
Athens International Airport is 27 km from the hotel but guests can use a paid airport shuttle for easy access.
Rooms
There are 12 different rooms types to choose from at The Dolli.
Each room offers a large, custom made double bed with high quality linens, a neutral decor, wooden floors, large windows and stylish furnishings. Each marble bathroom has a walk-in shower.
Extras include a flat screen tv, tea and coffee making facilities, a coffee machine, free WiFi, air conditioning and contemporary art.
I found the rooms to be cosy and calming but one drawback is that the rooms aren’t huge – they range between 22 sqm and 33 sqm. Plus, front facing rooms may experience some nighttime noise from traffic or nearby restaurants or bars. I recommend packing ear plugs if you are a light sleeper.
The Dolli’s suites offer additional space with a seating area plus they have larger bathrooms with a bathtub. Extras include sound proofed walls and a minibar.
It’s worth noting that whilst some of the rooms have balconies overlooking the street or inner courtyard area, you’ll need to book a suite or an apartment to enjoy a view of the Acropolis.
If you can really stretch your budget, you can also choose between 5 apartments which are the most spacious and luxurious accommodation the hotel has to offer.
The spacious apartments can comfortably sleep up to 4 adults or a family. Each apartment has a separate seating area with sofas and a tv plus a dining table. You’ll also get king-size beds, 2 bathrooms and a stunning view of the Acropolis.
The outstanding Grand Apartment sleeps up to 8 adults and boasts 5 bathrooms!
All room prices include a buffet or a la carte breakfast. The hotel also offers interconnecting rooms, rooms for guests with disabilities plus pet friendly rooms.
Amenities
Dining
There are 3 eating and drinking options to choose from.
The main fine dining restaurant and bar boasts an impressive rooftop location overlooking Athens and the Acropolis.
There are fantastic views of the city by day but they’re even more magical at night. Floor to ceiling glass windows and an outdoor dining terrace make the most of the city and Acropolis views.
Dining here isn’t cheap and you will find cheaper alternatives in nearby Plaka. However, the views from the restaurant and its ambience can’t be beaten so if you’re looking for a special night out, it’s worth considering booking a table.
The restaurant opens for lunch from 1pm – 4.30pm and for dinner from 7pm until 11pm. Pre-booking is advised as the restaurant is popular with local diners looking for a special night out.
Guests can also enjoy light snacks, hot drinks and alcoholic drinks in the elegant, white toned Le Salon.
I think it’s well worth popping into Le Salon for a relaxing drink or a morning coffee even if just to savour the artworks by Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau. I loved this charming room and it was one of the highlights of the hotel for me.
Le Salon is open everyday from 10am until 10pm.
Finally, Le Bar Secret is the perfect place for a cosy drink or a nightcap. The classic style, wood panelled bar offers a broad cocktail, wine and spirit menu though prices are a little steep compared to neighbouring bars.
Pool
The Dolli’s stunning infinity pool is, without doubt, one of the best features of the hotel. It’s justifiably been voted one of the best pools in the world by Conde Nast Traveller and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the pool at first sight just like I did.
The rectangular rooftop pool offers stunning views of the Acropolis and Parthenon. If the water is calm, you can even see the Acropolis reflected in the pool.
The only drawback of the pool area is that you won’t want to leave it!
The pool is open everyday from 11am – 7pm.
Gym
If you like to stay fit whilst on holiday, there is a stylish, fully equipped gym including a state-of-the-art NordicTrack Vault for an immersive workout.
You can also enjoy 1:1 training sessions personally tailored to your needs.
Parking
Unfortunately, there isn’t parking available on-site but off-site valet parking is available. It costs a reasonable €35 per day.
Tours
If you can tear yourself away from the hotel and infinity pool, The Dolli offers a range of guided, small group or individual tours. Depending on your time and abilities, there are both walking and driving tours available.
The tours include art or history themed tours of Athens to more adventurous activities such as rock climbing and sea kayaking. You can also take local day trips including sailing trips on the Aegean or to nearby Hydra.
My opinion of the Doli Hotel Athens
I’ve been lucky enough to travel all over the world and to stay in some fabulous city centre hotels during my travels. I can honestly say that The Dolli at Acropolis Athens is amongst the best I’ve stayed in.
It offers everything I love in a hotel – a central location, character, style, and great facilities. I found the customer service was impeccable and everything I needed, or wanted, was on site.
I loved the blend of historic and modern decor and the attention to detail is staggering. Every part of this hotel oozes elegance, charm and luxury.
One of my personal highlights was the breathtaking view of the Acropolis from the infinity pool; it was hard to tear myself away from it to go sightseeing. I also loved people watching with a cup of tea in Le Salon surrounded by art from world famous artists.
Unfortunately, there’s no disguising the fact that The Dolli is eye-wateringly expensive, even for Athens, and especially if you book one of the apartments. It’s also costly to eat or drink in the hotel.
However, what you get for the high price tag is pretty special. The Dolli has more character and a warmer, more welcoming feel than many 5 star hotels I’ve had the pleasure to stay in.
If you are visiting Athens for a one-off special occasion and want incredible views mixed with a once-in-a-lifetime memorable stay, I highly recommend treating yourself to a stay at The Dolli at Acropolis.
You won’t regret it.
Disclosure: I paid for my own accommodation at The Dolli but received a complimentary upgrade during my stay. The staff at The Dolli were friendly, approachable, and professional, and I can’t thank them enough for the wonderful stay – special thanks to Eleni.