Theoxenia Palace Hotel

With a white facade and deep red carpet that leads up the stairs to the entrance, the Theoxenia Palace Hotel certainly cuts a striking first impression. While it underwent a 2012 renovation, the boutique hotel still exudes an Old World classical charm among the public spaces. The marble white floors, columns, and curved lit ceilings speak to the upscale nature of the property. Antique furniture and details like chandeliers and staircases with gold railings intensifies the ambience. While the lobby is elegant, the restaurant is more sophisticated and modern and plays with a mix of wood colors found everywhere from the light floors to the dark sleek furniture to the wood slated ceiling and walls. Most guests are business travelers who don’t mind the hotel’s location so far from the main attractions. Couples stay here, too, as the classic style is appealing in a romantic sense. 

Tourists won’t find Theoxenia Palace Hotel’s location ideal, as it’s a 27-minute drive to Athens’ city center, where major attractions like the Parthenon stand. Across the street from a park and surrounded by dining options, the property sits in Kefalari, an upscale northern suburb of Athens. In terms of shopping, the hotel has a decent location. The Mall of Athens takes 15 minutes to reach by car and the Golden Hall is a 16-minute drive away. Travelers could walk 20 minutes to the nearest metro stop if they don’t have a car. It’s a 30-minute drive to the Athens International Airport. 

Rooms at Theoxenia Palace Hotel have a subdued decor that delicately hangs between elegant and old-fashioned. Soft gray or cream walls and contemporary armchairs and couches create a stately ambience. However, it can be a bit dampened in some rooms with tired antique furniture and plain light gray or striped blue and yellow bedding. It probably doesn’t help that guests complain of creaking floors and thin walls that allow for bothersome noise, both of which diminish the rooms that do have dark sophisticated furniture and charming artwork. With free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, and safes, there are plenty of amenities in rooms to keep guests entertained and serviced. However, a lack of coffee- and tea-making facilities in rooms is a bit disappointing. The black and white bathrooms are more modern than classically sophisticated and include shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and Bienvenue toiletries. Most rooms have pleasant views of the neighborhood. 

Features at Theoxenia Palace Hotel are quite generous. There’s a seasonal outdoor swimming pool that’s serviced by a pool restaurant. A spa is another leisure activity. It features an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, massages, and beauty treatments, however, it costs a fee to use the facilities. There’s a gym with Cybex cardio and weight equipment for guests to stay in shape. The hotel’s restaurant and bar specialize in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, and for those who prefer not to leave their rooms, there's room service. A free breakfast buffet of hot and cold items is served each morning and includes such items as pies, muffins, and desserts. With six meeting rooms and a 24-hour business center, business travelers are well set up to conduct meetings and do work. Wi-Fi is free. Parking is free.