Athens has long been thought of as a quick layover before jetting off to the Greek islands, but lately, more and more travelers are realizing it deserves time in its own right. On my most recent trip, I decided to extend my stay in the capital, show my friends around, and sneak in some sightseeing for myself. That’s how I ended up at the stunning Xenodocheio Milos, the first luxury gastronomy 5-star hotel in Athens, created by the world-famous Estiatorio Milos restaurant group. And let me just say, it did not disappoint.
Location
You couldn’t ask for a better spot. The hotel sits right across from the old Parliament building in the heart of Athens, within walking distance of major landmarks, luxury shops, and endless cafes. The best part? It’s close to everything but not smack in the middle of Plaka or Monastiraki, which means you get a peaceful night’s sleep away from the crowds and nightlife noise. I loved waking up to the view of Lycabettus Hill, something a little different than the classic Acropolis backdrop.
Room Quality
The rooms are designed to feel like your Athenian home away from home, with a sleek, yacht-inspired style, think warm wood floors, modern furnishings, and plenty of space. Three of us shared a room, and it still felt huge, with enough closet space for all our suitcases, a living area to relax, and a bathroom big enough for everyone to get ready at once (no fighting over mirror space.) We were greeted with welcome drinks, and when we stepped into our room, there were Greek sweets and water waiting for us—a thoughtful touch after a long travel day.
Cleanliness
Spotless. Truly. Rooms are serviced daily, and the staff pops in to refresh water and tidy up. As a sustainable hotel, they encourage reusing towels to save energy, but you can request fresh ones if needed. I loved coming back from exploring the city to a perfectly clean space every single time.
Amenities included
Gym – the gym is available to guests 24 hours a day, so whether you are fighting jet lag or want to get a good workout in, you can notify the hotel reception and head down to the gym to get your sweat on. There is a maximum of three people allowed in the gym, so you won’t have to wait for equipment or feel crowded as you move through your workout.
Extra amenities
Spa – The hotel’s spa is the perfect place to recharge, whether you’re after glowing skin or some relief for tired muscles after a long day of exploring Athens. Their treatment menu includes a wide variety of options for both skincare and body wellness, such as rituals, express spa treatments, massage therapy, facials, and body therapies. What makes it extra special is that the spa exclusively uses Elemis, a luxury British skincare brand known for its high-performance formulas and natural ingredients, so you know you’re in for something truly indulgent. You can check out the full spa therapy offering list here.
I booked a deep tissue massage after an early morning hike up to the Acropolis, and honestly, it was one of the best decisions of my trip. The treatment itself was amazing, but what stood out even more was the personalized care afterwards. My specialist sat me down and explained where I was holding tension and even gave me small tips on how to improve it through simple changes in my daily routine and diet. It was such a thoughtful touch and something I’d never experienced before post-treatment. To me, that really showed how much the hotel prioritizes not just relaxation, but also the long-term wellness of their guests.
Conference Room – If you’re traveling for business and need a professional space, Xenodocheio Milos offers the perfect conference room to host meetings and welcome clients. The hotel also provides a dedicated workstation and additional rooms designed for remote workers or guests traveling for work.
Customer Service
The customer service at Xenodocheio Milos is truly exceptional; they go out of their way to make sure your experience is perfect, whether you’re staying for two days or a week. Hospitality is their top priority, so from the moment you step into the hotel until you’re settled in your room, the staff is there to make your stay personal and seamless. They are friendly, knowledgeable about the city, and eager to help with everything from planning your trip to the Acropolis, giving tips on getting around Athens, scheduling taxis, arranging lunch or dinner reservations at their restaurant, or even a relaxing spa treatment.
My favorite part of staying at this hotel was breakfast: every morning, we were served a delicious and hearty meal by an attentive and amazing staff. On top of that, whenever our rooms were cleaned, the staff left us water cartons for the day, a small touch that made a big difference. Whether I was enjoying a spa treatment, a morning breakfast, or seeking advice on exploring the city, the staff and management at Xenodocheio Milos made the experience outstanding. You truly will not be disappointed!
Public Transportation
One of the best parts about staying at Xenodocheio Milos is how easy it is to get around the city. The Syntagma Metro Station is just steps from the hotel, giving you direct access to Athens’ main metro lines, including a straight shot to the airport. You’ll also find plenty of bus and tram stops nearby, along with taxis available 24/7 right in the square. Whether you’re heading to the Acropolis, the port of Piraeus, or even the Athens Riviera, public transportation from here is fast, affordable, and super convenient.
Dining
Estiatorio Milos is a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant with locations all over the world. The restaurant is famous for its unique cooking techniques that highlight raw, locally sourced ingredients. And when you’re dining in Greece, that means the finest honey, olive oil, and vegetables, along with the freshest fish from the Mediterranean.
The Athens location is open to the public (with a reservation) for both lunch and dinner, and it’s not unusual to spot celebrities dining here while on vacation. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to secure a reservation for a full meal, but as a hotel guest, I still got a taste of their incredible cuisine through breakfast, and let me tell you, it was one of the best hotel breakfasts I’ve ever had! My friends and I were served fresh orange juice, coffee, and water, followed by a bread basket filled with warm breads and croissants with jam and butter. Next came a tray with three different types of cheese, fresh fruit, and yogurt, before the staff took our order for eggs cooked to our preference. Everything was fresh, delicious, and nourishing, such a perfect way to start a busy day exploring Athens. Breakfast is served daily from 7:00 am to 11:00 am.
A little history about Estiatorio Milos: the original restaurant opened in Montreal, Canada, in 1979. The Athens location debuted in 2004 during the Olympic Games and later moved into Xenodocheio Milos in 2021. Its founder, Costas Spiliadis, was born in Patras, Greece, and moved to North America to study at NYU and Concordia University before opening his first restaurant. Since then, Milos has expanded to 11 locations worldwide, including Montreal, Athens, Dubai, London, Las Vegas, Los Cabos, Miami Beach, New York City (3 locations), West Palm Beach, Singapore, and Toronto. The Athens restaurant is open daily from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.
Room Options
There are 42 rooms available to book with nine different room type options spanning from classic rooms, executive rooms, and suites.
Milos Signature Suite –These suites were designed to feel like you were in a neo-classical apartment and living like a local. Fitting up to four people, there is a separate bedroom, dining area, and a beautiful view of Lycabettus Hill.
- King-Sized Bed
- Two Bathrooms with luxury bath amenities
- Bathtub
- View of Lycabettus or Old Parliament
- In-room Estiatorio Milos dining experience and mini bar
- Smart Television with access to Netflix through your personal account
- Accommodates up to four guests
Milos Terrace Suite – The one-bedroom suite set up has a beautiful view of the city with expansive windows that allow natural light to flood through. Not only is it the biggest terrace room in the hotel, but it includes a jacuzzi! This is the ideal room to stay in if you are looking to host friends and/or family over to enjoy the space with some cocktails and their company.
- King-size bed
- Terrace with Jacuzzi and lounging area
- Bathroom with luxury bath amenities
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Lycabettus or Old Parliament House View
- Living room with optional pull-out couch
- In-room Estiatorio Milos dining experience and mini bar
- Smart Television with access to Netflix through your personal account
- Accommodates up to four guests
Premium Milos Terrace Room – This junior suite is a little smaller than the Milos Terrance suite but still includes indoor and outdoor living space. The room overlooks Lycabettus Hill and the Old Parliament House. The indoor areas include a luxury king-size bed, a living room area, and a spacious bathroom.
- King-size bed
- Terrace with a lounging area
- Bathroom with luxury bath amenities
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Lycabettus or Old Parliament House View
- In-room Estiatorio Milos dining experience and mini bar
- Smart Television with access to Netflix through your personal account
- Accommodates two guests
Milos Terrace Room – This premium terrace room offers a panoramic view of Athens. Located on the top floor, you get a spectacular view of the ancient city as well as some access to the outdoor terrace area, ideal for getting some of that sunshine.
- King-size bed
- Lycabettus, Old Parliament House, or Arcade View
- Bathroom with luxury bath amenities
- Bathrobes and slippers
- In-room Estiatorio Milos dining experience and mini bar
- Smart Television with access to Netflix through your personal account
- Accommodates two guests
Executive Junior Suite – Situated in the corner of the hotel overlooking the arcade, which gives an extra sense of privacy and exclusiveness.
- King-size bed
- Bathroom with luxury bath amenities
- Bathrobes and slippers
- In-room Estiatorio Milos dining experience and mini bar
- Smart Television with access to Netflix through your personal account
- Old Parliament House, Street, or Arcade View
- Accommodates up to three guests
Executive Room City View – Not only do you get a view of the city, but the room includes a king-size bed, a living room with armchairs, and an oversized bathroom. Some of these rooms may include a balcony that enjoys a view of the Old Parliament and Lycabettus Hill.
- King-size bed
- Bathroom with luxury bath amenities
- Desk with USB ports
- Bathrobes and slippers
- In-room Estiatorio Milos dining experience and mini bar
- Smart Television with access to Netflix through your personal account
- Lycabettus or Old Parliament House View
- Accommodates two guests
Executive Room – A bedroom to make you feel cozy and at home with a dining area featuring armchairs and a marble bathroom. These rooms are located in the traditional and modern parts of the building with different views of the city.
- King-size bed
- Bathroom with luxury bath amenities
- Desk with USB ports
- Bathrobes and slippers
- In-room Estiatorio Milos dining experience and mini bar
- Smart Television with access to Netflix through your personal account
- Street or Arcade View
- Accommodates two guests
Classic Family Room – My friends and I got to stay in the classic family room, which was very spacious and felt like it could be our own little apartment in Athens. This is an ideal room for those who want an open space complemented by a dining space and a spacious bathroom. The three of us were more than comfortable staying here and had a lot of space for our large suitcases, carry-ons, and personal bags! The bathroom was so big that the three of us could get ready in there with no fuss over who got the mirror first. I really enjoyed the open plan of this space, and although we didn’t have a view, we didn’t care as much since we were out exploring all day!
- King-size bed
- Bathroom with luxury bath amenities
- Bathrobes and slippers
- The view is a green wall
- Living room with optional pull-out couch
- In-room Estiatorio Milos dining experience and mini bar
- Smart Television with access to Netflix through your personal account
- Accommodates up to four guests
Classic Room – These classic-style accommodations are located on the fourth floor with views of Athens! They are designed to do just as a hotel room should do (but in a luxurious way), which is making you feel at home, being able to pamper yourself, and most importantly, relax after a long day.
- King-size bed
- Bathroom and luxury bath amenities
- In-room Estiatorio Milos dining experience and mini bar
- Smart Television with access to Netflix through your personal account
- Street View or Old Parliament House
- Accommodates two guests
Safety
Syntagma Square, the lively heart of Athens, is generally very safe for travelers thanks to its central location, high foot traffic, and strong police presence around Parliament. The biggest thing to watch out for is petty theft in crowded areas, so keep your valuables close. Protests are sometimes held here, and while they’re usually peaceful, it’s best to avoid the square during demonstrations. If you’re staying nearby, like at the beautiful Xenodocheio Milos hotel, you’ll find the area well-lit, vibrant, and secure, making it a great and safe base for exploring the city.
Public Attractions
Staying at Xenodocheio Milos puts you right in the center of Athens, with some of the city’s most famous attractions just a short stroll away. From historic landmarks to charming neighborhoods and lively shopping streets, you’ll find plenty to explore right outside your door.
- The Hellenic Parliament & Changing of the Guard – Right across the square, where you can catch the Evzones (Presidential Guards) in traditional uniforms.
- National Garden of Athens – A peaceful escape full of greenery, just steps away from the hotel.
- Ermou Street – Athens’ main shopping street, perfect for fashion, souvenirs, and people-watching.
- Plaka – The city’s most charming neighborhood, with cobblestone streets, tavernas, and boutique shops.
- Monastiraki Square & Flea Market – About a 10–15 minute walk, known for its lively market and views of the Acropolis.
- Acropolis & Acropolis Museum – Around a 20-minute walk, these are the crown jewels of Athens’ history.
- Zappeion Hall & Panathenaic Stadium – Historic landmarks nearby, including the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place.
Check-in Check-out process
Check-in is at 3:00 pm, checkout at 11:00 am, with express and private options available. The concierge desk is open 24/7, which makes late arrivals seamless. The hotel is about 30 minutes from the airport, and transfers (including to the port) can be arranged in advance.
Airport
If you would like Airport pick-up and or drop off (this can also be arranged for the port), then you must schedule it before you arrive in Athens. The hotel is located about thirty minutes from the airport.
Positive and Negatives
Positives
- In a safe area that is not near large crowds
- Noise reduction
- Breakfast is amazing and served at extended hours
- Room service is from the Michelin Star Restaurant
- The rooms are very spacious for a boutique hotel
- Accessible shower and toilet
- Provided water every day for guests
- Multi-lingual staff
Negatives
- No rooftop view available to all guests
- No Acropolis view
- It’s hard to get a reservation at the restaurant
Xenodocheio Milos is one of those rare hotels that manages to feel both luxurious and personal. It’s central yet quiet, sleek yet homey, and every little detail, from the food to the staff to the spa, always makes you feel cared for. If you’re planning to spend time in Athens (and you should!), this hotel is the perfect base for exploring the city in style.
