InterContinental Athenaeum Athens: Luxury, Serenity and Views

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A review of the InterContinental Athenaeum Athens, a luxury hotel in central Athens with spacious rooms including many with views of the Acropolis, a seasonal swimming pool, Club InterContinental Lounge, fitness centre and spa.

Why We Loved the InterContinental Athenaeum Athens

I love the excitement of Europe’s busy cities like Rome, Paris and London. But as you’ve likely guessed from my stays in tiny villages in Puglia, convent hotels in Rome and residential neighbourhoods in Barcelona, I also like to avoid the crowds.

Set on Syngrou Avenue, a five-minute drive or 16 minute walk to the Acropolis Museum, the InterContinental Athenaeum Athens is close enough to soak up the excitement of this city of 3.2 million but far enough to offer space and serenity.

If you’re visiting Europe for the first time you may not expect the size of the crowds. The Koukaki neighbourhood is much less crowded than the Plaka, Psyri or Syntagma neighbourhoods.

And, instead of a tiny hotel room where you’d need industrial earplugs to get any sleep, you’ll enjoy a quiet, spacious room, views of the Acropolis and perks such as a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, gym and spa

The InterContinental Athenaeum Athens also offers easy access to highways if you’re driving to destinations such as Kalamata, Ermioni or Sparta on the Peloponnese Peninsula or planning to catch a ferry to Naxos, Santorini or other Greek Islands.

Quick Overview of InterContinental Athens

Advantages

• Athens is one of the world’s most popular destinations. During school vacations and cruise ship season (April to November), it can be hot and crowded. At the InterContinental Athens you’re centrally located but away from the crush.
• A taxi costs 8 EUR (Day Rate) or 12 EUR (Night Rate) from InterContinental Athenaeum Athens to the Acropolis Museum (1.3 km) and other major attractions
• You can also walk (16-20 minutes), take the Metro from Sygrou-Fix station (600 meters away) or the tram from Kasomouli station (a block away) to Syntagma Square. 
• The pretty outdoor swimming pool (open seasonally) is a welcome oasis and a rare find in Athens.
• Offers good value for its spacious, modern and well appointed rooms.
• Upgrade to Club InterContinental on the 8th floor for a 5-star luxury experience with executive lounge privileges.
• Excellent dining and breakfast buffet.
• 24 hour fitness center.

Good to Know

• Although you can walk from the InterContinental Athenaeum Athens to major attractions, Leof. Andrea Siggrou is a very busy road and not very scenic. But once you’ve walked 20,000 steps around the Acropolis, you’ll be as relieved as I was to hop in a quick taxi back to the hotel.
• While the hotel’s vibe is slightly corporate, it offers cultural enrichment and personality through its collection of more than 350 works of original art by contemporary Greek artists.
• Proximity to major thoroughfares while not atmospheric, is very handy if you’re renting a car as we did.

We rent our cars on Discovercars.com. It’s an online car rental booking site that compares rates from several companies to find the best deal.

Hotel Layout

The Athenaeum InterContinental Athens is a 553-room luxury hotel, including 18 suites. Many of the rooms offer fantastic views of the Acropolis.

It’s located in the Neos Kosmos neighbourhood, where it meets the trendy Koukaki district, south of Filopappou Hill and the Acropolis.

Both of these districts are home to tavernas and restaurants serving some of the most authentic Greek food in Athens.

The Club InterContinental Lounge is on the 8th floor and has an outdoor terrace with views of the Acropolis and Athens skyline.

Room Amenities

Our suite (840) featured a luxurious washroom with a bathtub (regrettably becoming a thing of the past in many hotels). For me, a tub is always welcome for soaking weary muscles after full days of sightseeing.

The bedroom featured a king-sized bed, 32’’ LCD satellite TV, bedside tables, spacious closet, bathrobes, slippers and many amenities.

A separate living room area had a walk-out to the terrace decked out with lounge chairs as well as a dining table with seating for six.

Within the living room there was a sofa, side chairs as well as well as coffee maker, kettle, minibar and several other amenities.

Overall, the decor is classic modern. It’s an understated Greek motif of deep sapphire blue and natural hues inspired by the Aegean Sea and ancient stones of the Acropolis.

Our suite (840) was located on the 8th floor just a few steps to the Club InterContinental Lounge.

Club InterContinental

Guests can enjoy club lounge access by booking an IHG Club InterContinental room or as a milestone bonus in the IHG One Rewards program for members.

Club InterContinental privileges include:

• Exclusive registration and departure area on the 8th floor.
• Access to the private lounge, a quiet haven perfect for beginning your day or unwinding after a busy day.
• Other perks such as pressing and meeting rooms (more suited for business travellers)

In addition to refreshments and hot drinks throughout the day, Club InterContinental access entitles you to enjoy complimentary:

• Buffet breakfast between 7:00 and 11:00 am
• Afternoon Tea between 14:00 and 16:00
• Evening reception drinks and hors d’oeuvres between 17:00 and 20:00

Wondering if it’s worthwhile to upgrade to a Club Access room? Club Access includes generous breakfast, lunch and evening canapes.

We enjoyed the wide selection of fresh fruits, salads, cheeses, baklava, charcuterie as well as delicious hot dishes such as pasta, soups and mains.

There were lots of locally-sourced regional mezes such as kalamata olives, capers, figs, wildflower honeys, spanakopita and cheeses such as graviera, sfella and feta.

Wine aficionados will also appreciate the fine selection of Greek wines such Assyrtiko (a white Greek wine grape indigenous to the island of Santorini), Malvasia and Agiorgitiko (Peloponnesian wines).

The outdoor terrace offers prime views of the Acropolis, the sacred hill and the Parthenon.

Property Amenities

Outdoor Swimming Pool and I-Spa

InterContinental Athenaeum Athens features a seasonal swimming pool that’s a refreshing oasis after hot days exploring historic sites or long travel days.

For the ultimate indulgence, book a massage or body treatment at I-Spa. A sauna and steam room are also part of the wellness options available.

Fitness Centre and Gym

The Fitness Centre is open 24 hours and features state-of-the-art Technogym equipment.

InterContinental Hotel’s Art Collection

The hotel features an extensive collection of more than 350 unique pieces of original contemporary Greek art in the lobby, public areas and restaurants.

Much of the art is specially commissioned, such as the Birth of Venus in the dining room, and created by notable visual artists such as George Lapas.  

Things to Do Nearby

National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens

This modern art museum (Google Map) is located within a repurposed brewery just a 10-minute walk from the InterContinental Athenaeum Athens.

Founded in 2000, the National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMST) features both Greek and international contemporary art.

🌟 Insider Tip: On Sundays throughout the summer, take a guided tour featuring selections from the permanent or visiting collections. Free with admission.

Take a Guided Tour of the Acropolis, Ancient Agoras and Plaka

Another way to escape the crowds in Athens is to book a tour that includes first-entry to the Acropolis. These tours begin at 8:00 am before the cruise ship crowds arrive.

We booked the Best of Athens, Ancient Agoras and Plaka small-group tour with a local expert at Walks, part of the City Experiences Group.

The Acropolis is an elevated plateau with many ancient structures including temples, sanctuaries and theatres. But the most famous of them all is the Parthenon.

Built in 5th century BC, its graceful marble columns once sheltered a 12-metre golden statue of Athena, the goddess for whom the city is named.

Several other buildings are worth a closer look. The six statues of maidens known as the Caryatids on the Erechtheion temple are especially beautiful in the morning light.

The Athenaeum InterContinental Athens is a 16-minute walk from the Acropolis Museum which is 1.3 km. Or you can take a taxi (flat rate of 8 EUR), Metro, bus or tram.

Planning

Name of Hotel: InterContinental Athenaeum Athens

Address: 89-93 Syngrou Avenue, 11745 Athens

Telephone: +30 210 920 6074

Website: InterContinental Athenaeum Athens

Email: concierge@athensintercon.gr

IHG One Rewards: IHG is the loyalty program of the InterContinental Hotels Group. Free to join, IHG One rewards allows guests to earn reward points and redeem them for hotel nights and more.

IHG Elite status includes benefits like room upgrades, late checkout and other perks.

Check rates and Availability of the Athenaeum InterContinental Athens on Booking.com

Getting There: Air Transat offers direct flights from Toronto to Athens International Airport. For extra comfort and convenience book Club Class, an upgraded experience in an exclusive cabin with spacious seats.

You’ll also enjoy special amenities, gourmet cuisine and beverages, two pieces of checked baggage and priority services.

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