Sofitel Athens Airport

The Sofitel Athens Airport draws tourists and business travelers on layovers or for conferences in the hotel’s meeting spaces with its convenient location within the airport. The hotel’s clean contemporary look is pleasant but mostly functional. The lobby’s glossy floors and LED lighting on the ceiling speak to the upscale nature of the Sofitel brand, as does contemporary gray seating in small enclaves throughout the hotel. Admittedly, there are some dated spaces to the property, as guests note that it’s an upscale '90s design with some wear and tear here and there. The decorating scheme extends to the small Artemis Bar with it’s heavy wood accents and red furniture, and the Karavi restaurant with its green carpet and dated mix and match of wooden chairs and white woven chairs. Restaurant Mesoghaia breaks the mold with its chic and sleek decor of white glossy floors that contrast beautifully with navy blue booths and funky pale pink iron chairs. 

As its name suggests, Sofitel Athens Airport is located directly inside the Athens International Airport. As guests just have a short two-minute walk into the terminals, they can also take advantage of the public dining options and the metro stop within the airport. Most guests stay overnight in the hotel before heading out on a flight. However, for those who have some time to explore, Athens’ city center is a 40-minute drive away. The seaside town of Porto Rafti takes 17 minutes to reach by car. The Mall Athens is a 22-minute drive away. 

Sofitel Athens Airport has rooms that are spacious with a wood-heavy design making for a somewhat elegant style. Even the frames holding black and white photography are of the same wooden color of the headboard, bedside tables, and desk. All rooms are air-conditioned and include flat-screen TVs, kettles, minibars, and safes. TVs are a bit tricky to work, and they require paid access to some particular channels. Minibars can’t be opened unless a deposit is made, which can be bothersome to guests who just want to keep a bottle of water cool. There are reports of dated rooms and poor-quality mattresses. While there are dedicated smoking rooms, guests have also complained of non-smoking rooms smelling of stale smoke. Bathrooms feature lovely cream tiles and vessel sinks. Rainfall showers and separate tubs are much loved, as are separate water closets. Lanvin toiletries are provided in lower-level rooms, while upper-level rooms are outfitted with Hermes toiletries. Hairdryers are provided. Though the hotel is located in the airport, the rooms are kept quiet thanks to triple-glazed windows.

This upscale hotel offers a nice lineup of amenities for guests, many of whom are here for a short stay. There’s an indoor heated swimming pool in the spa area, as well as a sauna and massages upon request. Guests can get in a quick workout at the hotel’s modest gym with Cybex cardio and weight equipment. Two on-site restaurants include gourmet and international cuisine. The breakfast buffet is extensive and well-praised for diverse hot and cold options and omelettes. Take note that breakfast and meals are expensive, and though breakfast is raved about, the quality of the food in the restaurants receives varying reports. The hotel is quite business-friendly, with 11 fully-equipped meeting rooms and a business center. Wi-Fi is free but limited in terms of speed. Travelers can pay for a faster connection. There’s also an executive lounge with free snacks and drinks for those in upper-level rooms or who purchase entry. Parking on-site costs a fee. Pets are welcome for free.