Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Part of the Astir Palace resort that also includes the Arion, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, this luxury property is set on 75 scenic acres of a private peninsula. The contemporary interiors are chain-like, but perfectly pleasant; gleaming cream tile floors in the lobby are paired with a handsome dark wood ceiling, while a curved wall of windows fills the space with sunlight. Dining spaces have a similar feel: wooden floors in the Kymata Restaurant play against different tones of wood in the tables and chairs, while white walls and ceilings as well as large windows make the space feel bright and airy. It's the outdoor spaces that are the highlight here, though, offering gorgeous views over the sea and surrounding coast. Overall, it's a solid choice that's suitable for both business travelers and leisure tourists, while several amenities aimed at kids make this a good pick for families as well. 

The hotel is situated on the Vouliagmeni Peninsula, a quiet location that's far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Athens to be peaceful, yet within a half-hour drive of the city center and its tourist sites. The grounds are extensive and full of greenery, plus there's a small beach. There's a TGI Friday's and a handful of dining options set by a beach that's an 11-minute walk from the resort. The town of Vouliagmeni is a bit further away and can be reached in about 25 minutes on foot. Tourists wishing to sightsee might want to rent a car, as traveling by public transit is a lengthy endeavor. Top attractions like the Acropolis and the Parthenon are about a 30- to 50-minute drive, depending on traffic, as is the historic neighborhood of Plaka. Athens International Airport is about a 25- to 40-minute drive, depending on traffic.

These bright and airy contemporary rooms feature glass sliding doors that fill the spaces with natural light and open onto private balconies/patios furnished with sunbeds, many offering beautiful sea views. Decor is simple but polished, with a color palette of soft neutral hues and wooden furniture. Colorful abstract paintings hang on off-white walls. All rooms have desks and chic seating, while suites have separate living rooms. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, capsule coffee machines, minibars, and electronic safes, but in-room Wi-Fi is charged extra. Sleek, large bathrooms have soaking tubs and separate walk-in rainfall showers, plus there are magnifying mirrors, toiletries, fluffy bathrobes, and slippers.

There are plenty of outdoor spaces to relax in here, one of the most popular ones being the Olympic-size pool overlooking the sea, which offers plenty of chic sunbeds and parasols. Guests also have access to a small but lovely beach, with umbrella-shaded loungers lining a strip of sandy shore, as well as wooden sundecks dotted with sunbeds and cabanas.Dining options include the seasonal Kymata Restaurant, which serves Mediterranean fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as Sofa Bar, a chic lounge with gorgeous views over the sea that serves drinks and bar snacks. There's also a poolside bar that's open seasonally. Guests also have access to other restaurants across the Astir Palace Resort, including the renowned Matsuhisa Athens, as well as a brasserie, a Greek tavern, and several bars.The hotel's fitness center is a bit small and equipped with a handful of machines. Other fitness features include a soccer field, basketball court, and tennis courts, while wellness facilities include a spa with a variety of treatments. Other amenities include kid-oriented features like an outdoor playground and a kids' club, plus there's a game room with ping-pong, foosball, and a pool table. Meeting and event space is available, and there's a business center on-site. Wi-Fi is free in public areas, but incurs a fee for in-room use.