King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens

One of Athens' grande dame properties, this 1930-opened hotel underwent full renovations in 2013, but it hasn't lost the Old-World glam. Guests enter via the ornate lobby, where patterned marble floors, ionic columns, and plush furnishings form earthy palettes. Murano glass chandeliers here and in the Acropolis-view restaurant have classic elegance, while backlighting and a statement David Bowie mural are contemporary. Prior guests include Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, and fine silks and velvets remain fit for well-heeled travelers. Renaissance paintings or Art Nouveau accents continue in classically elegant rooms. The bar and restaurant's terrace is popular for its skyline views, and evenings here have a romantic vibe. Luxury here comes at a price, but for those who can afford it, it's worth the splurge. Families and business travelers can be spotted here, but the swanky vibe largely draws couples on vacation.

The hotel sits in Athens' historic heart, opposite the Greek Parliament, and a two-minute walk from Syntagma Square. Its metro station and airport bus drop-off point are a block away, as are hop-on, hop-off busses, although much of the city is in walking distance. The historic Plaka district, Monastiraki, and Ancient Agora are a 10-minute walk away, as are many museums and greenery at The National Gardens. Allow 20 minutes to walk to the Acropolis and Parthenon. A little closer in the other direction are Kolonaki's designer boutiques. Nearby bars and restaurants are plentiful, as are taxis. Athens International Airport is 35 minutes away by car, or 90 minutes via public transport.

Elegant, classically styled rooms have French antiques, herringbone wood floors, and white moldings against a mostly neutral palette with accents of gold, red, blue, or brown. Beds with suede or crested headboards have premium linens and embellished throws, under chandeliers or backlighting. Classic Rooms, and Junior and Deluxe Suites face an inner atrium and lack natural daylight, while others offer splendid city or Acropolis views, and some units have balconies. At 258 to 377 square feet (24 to 35 square meters), rooms are spacious. They have sitting areas with couches or sleeper sofas, and gorgeous all-marble bathrooms . Bathrooms either have shower/tub combos, or separate tubs and rainfall showers, but some guests have complained of showers letting out water. Slippers, robes, hairdryers, and Olivia toiletries are provided.The 431 to 807 square feet (40 to 75 square meter) Suites have gilt and velour-clad living rooms and a second bathroom in some, while the staggeringly huge Penthouse Suite has a private, Acropolis-view pool. Phones, desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, kettles, Nespresso machines, AC, and minibars come standard. Welcome chocolates and almond liquor are swish, as are iPod docks. Traffic disturbances are minimal, but rooms near the restaurant suffer internal noise. Crib fittings and basic-speed Wi-Fi are free.

On-site features aren't the most extensive here, but they're high-end. The seventh-floor Tudor Restaurant serves lavish buffet breakfasts with Greek, continental, and made-to-order hot items. Its modern Greek dishes for lunch and dinner are well-reviewed, and kids' menus are available. The room is classy, with white-clothed tables, oil paintings, and a suspended chandelier, as well as tufted seating by a fireplace and a grand piano. Floor rugs here continue into the adjacent bar, where a Greek bust is on display. The glass-wrapped terrace serving both outlets offers city and Acropolis views, and its wrought-iron tables and chairs feel relaxed. The bar serves a range of beverages all day, including a fine wine list.The 24-hour gym is compact, but comprehensively equipped. Towels and water are provided, and guests can use the Finnish sauna for free. A pool and spa at the next door property are free to use. Pets aren't permitted. A 24-hour business center, two meeting rooms, 400 person-capacity ballroom, perfume boutique, and 24-hour concierge complete features.