Gatsby Athens Review: A Firsthand Look at This Luxury Boutique Hotel

Gatsby Athens Hotel Review: Is This Luxury Boutique Hotel Worth Staying At?

Athens is unlike any other European city. You can turn one corner and find ancient ruins dating back thousands of years, then turn the next and discover a new coffee shop opened by a local Greek entrepreneur. Among the winding streets, historic landmarks, shops, restaurants, and bustling squares, you’ll also find countless hotels competing for your attention.

One that immediately caught my attention was Gatsby Athens.

With its beautiful floral storefront, stylish design, and central location near Syntagma Square, Gatsby Athens certainly makes an impression before you even walk through the doors. But does the experience inside live up to the five-star reputation?

This summer, I had the opportunity to stay at Gatsby Athens firsthand, and I left with a much better understanding of what makes this boutique hotel stand out—and who I would recommend it to as a travel advisor.

From the exceptional service and modern rooms to the on-site GECO restaurant, rooftop, wellness offerings, and incredibly convenient location, there was a lot to love about this stay. There were also a few things I think travelers should know before booking.

So, is Gatsby Athens worth staying at? Here’s my honest review.

Gatsby Athens at a Glance

• Location: Central Athens, near Syntagma Square

• Hotel type: Luxury boutique hotel

• Rooms: 33

• Best for: Couples, solo travelers, business travelers, short Athens stays

• Restaurant: GECO

• My room: Cool Corner Suite

• My overall impression: Excellent service, stylish rooms, central location

Location

While Monastiraki and Plaka are popular areas for tourists, especially first-time visitors to Athens, I loved Gatsby’s location near Syntagma Square. It gives you easy access to many of the city’s most popular sights without feeling like you’re right in the middle of the tourist crowds.

Gatsby Athens is within walking distance of Plaka, the Acropolis, popular shopping areas, restaurants, and many of the places you’ll likely want to visit during your time in the city. And because the hotel is tucked away on a side street, you get a quieter atmosphere away from the main traffic and bustle of Athens. For me, it offered a great balance: central enough to explore the city on foot, but tucked away enough to feel like a retreat when you returned to the hotel.

Room Quality & Comfort

The room at Gatsby Athens was beyond exceptional. Everything felt modern, thoughtfully designed, and high quality, from the appliances to the mattress and linens. The bed was incredibly comfortable, which was especially appreciated after long days of exploring Athens.

One detail that stood out immediately was the technology throughout the room. Upon check-in, the bellhop walked us through how to operate the lights, air conditioning, and other controls using the multiple keypads throughout the room. There were several different lighting options, allowing us to illuminate the entire room or choose specific areas, such as the bathroom, bedroom, or living space. While our room did not have a traditional balcony, there was a small door opening with an outdoor outlook that allowed us to bring in some fresh air.

Water was provided in the room, along with a snack bar available for purchase. The hotel also thoughtfully provided information about the different activities and experiences available during our stay, which made it easy to see what was offered without having to seek out the information ourselves.

Overall, the room was incredibly spacious. Even with our luggage and everything we had with us, we never felt cramped, a major plus when you’re coming back to your hotel after a full day of sightseeing.

Cleanliness

The room was spotless when we arrived, and daily housekeeping was available throughout our stay. I especially liked how easy it was to request housekeeping using the keypad in the room while we were out exploring for the day. Whenever we needed extra towels, they were brought up promptly, and the closet was stocked with robes, slippers, and other thoughtful amenities.

The bathroom was also consistently clean and well maintained, which made the room feel comfortable and cared for throughout our stay.

For me, cleanliness is one of those details that can make or break a hotel experience, and Gatsby Athens definitely delivered.

Room Options

With just 33 rooms spread across six floors, Gatsby Athens is an intimate boutique hotel with seven different room and suite categories to choose from. Each room combines modern furniture, custom lighting, and thoughtful amenities designed to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Here’s a look at the different room options so you can get a better idea of which one may be the best fit for your Athens trip.

Cool Corner Suite (My Room)

This was the room I had the opportunity to stay in during my visit to Gatsby Athens, and I couldn’t have been happier with it.

Because the room is situated on a corner, we had plenty of space for our luggage and never felt cramped throughout our stay. I also think this would be a great option for new families, as there was enough space for a baby cot to fit comfortably.

The room featured a king-size bed, a large boudoir, and a separate living area with a velvet couch. The ensuite bathroom was one of my favorite features, with a marble design, walk-in shower, double vanity, and an in-room bathtub that was perfect for winding down after a long day of exploring. There was also a full-length mirror near the front of the room, which meant I could do one last outfit check before heading out for the evening.

While our room did not have a traditional balcony, there was a door that opened to the outside, allowing us to get some fresh air. If you’re looking for a little more space without jumping all the way up to one of the hotel’s larger suites, this is the room category I personally experienced and really enjoyed.

Darling Twin Room

Located on the first floor, the Darling Twin Room is a great option if you’re traveling with a friend or sibling and would rather not share a bed.

The room features two twin beds, a beautiful bathroom with a rain shower, a boudoir for storing and organizing your belongings, and a full-length mirror for a quick outfit check before heading out to explore Athens.

Juliet Petit Room

The Juliet Petit Room is a good option for couples or travelers who plan to spend most of their time outside the hotel exploring Athens.

The room features a king-size bed, modern furniture with custom lighting, a boudoir for your belongings, and a marble bathroom with a walk-in rain shower. You’ll also find a full-length mirror and a Juliet balcony, although the balcony is not available in every room within this category. If you’re someone who doesn’t need a lot of room because you’ll primarily be using your hotel as a place to sleep and recharge, this could be a great fit.

Lavish Room

The Lavish Room offers a little more space than the Juliet Petit Room while maintaining a similar design and layout. The room includes a king-size bed, a boudoir for your belongings, an ensuite marble bathroom with a walk-in shower, and modern furnishings with Gatsby’s signature custom lighting.

The biggest difference? You can expect a balcony with this room category, giving you a little extra outdoor space to enjoy during your stay.

Elite Junior Suite

If you’re planning a longer stay in Athens or simply prefer having more room to spread out, the Elite Junior Suite offers additional space and comfort.

The suite features a king-size bed, a sofa bed, a marble bathroom with a walk-in shower, modern furnishings, and a boudoir for your belongings. There’s also a large balcony where you can enjoy some fresh air and downtime between exploring the city.

Bubbly Suite

The Bubbly Suite is one of the larger accommodation options at Gatsby Athens and offers a spacious indoor-outdoor setup.

Sliding glass doors lead from the suite to a furnished outdoor seating area complete with a daybed and city views of Athens. It’s a beautiful option for travelers who want private outdoor space where they can enjoy the Greek sunshine without leaving their room.

The suite includes a king-size bed, sofa bed, marble bathroom with a walk-in shower, full-length mirror, and modern furnishings with Gatsby’s custom lighting.

Gatsby Party Suite

Located on the sixth floor, the Gatsby Party Suite is the hotel’s ultimate entertaining space.

The suite features a separate bedroom with a king-size bed, a velvet sofa, a spacious marble bathroom with dual vanity sinks and a rain shower, modern furnishings, a boudoir, and custom lighting.

But the real highlight is the private terrace. The outdoor space features a private pool, daybed, and comfortable seating where you can relax while taking in views of the Athens skyline. If you’re looking for a room that feels like an experience in itself, the Gatsby Party Suite certainly delivers.

Room Amenities

All rooms at Gatsby Athens come equipped with a range of amenities designed to make your stay more comfortable, including:

• Hypoallergenic bed linens
• Bathrobes and slippers
• Shoe Mat: This was such a small but thoughtful touch and honestly something I loved having!
• Nespresso coffee and tea-making facilities
• Minibar with additional items available for purchase
• Safe
• Wi-Fi
• Smart TV
• Toiletries, including hair and body products, dental products, and other personal-care essentials
• Towels, including a dedicated makeup towel: This was a first for me, and I honestly think every hotel needs to follow suit. We all need a makeup towel!
• Smart toilets with features such as heated seats, bidet functionality, and additional customizable settings

Amenities Included

Breakfast

Start your morning with an à la carte breakfast at Gatsby Athens (if included with your stay), featuring a fresh selection of fruits, made-to-order eggs, savory cheeses, and more. It’s a great way to fuel up before heading out to explore Athens for the day.

Lobby Bar & Lounge

The hotel’s lobby features a bar and several comfortable seating areas where you can enjoy a quick drink before heading out for the day or evening, or, as I like to say, it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere! The lobby itself is beautiful and inviting, making it a nice place to sit and relax with a book, enjoy a drink, or flip through Gatsby Athens’ very own magazine.

Business Room

Traveling for work or working remotely during your trip? Gatsby Athens has a private meeting room that can be reserved as a workspace or used for small meetings. It’s a convenient option if you need to mix a little business with your Athens getaway. You can reserve the room with the front desk for how ever long you need and to check its availability.

Gym

If you want to fit in a workout during your stay, Gatsby Athens has a fitness center where you can lift weights, get a run or bike ride in, and take advantage of the hotel’s changing facilities.

Roof Garden

Looking for some fresh air and a quiet place to unwind? Head up to Gatsby Athens’ rooftop for a little peace and quiet, and potentially a glimpse of the Acropolis. The intimate rooftop is a great spot to enjoy some time outdoors without having to leave the property, especially after a busy day exploring Athens.

Rooftop Yoga Sessions

For travelers looking to incorporate a little wellness into their stay, Gatsby Athens offers rooftop yoga sessions from Wednesday through Saturday from 7:30–8:30 a.m. The sessions are open to all levels and provide a peaceful way to stretch, reset, and start your day while overlooking the city. You can reserve your spot through the front desk.

Extra Amenities & Experiences

In addition to the hotel’s included amenities, Gatsby Athens offers several additional services and experiences designed to make your stay even more comfortable and relaxing after a busy day exploring Athens.

The Treatment Suite

After a full day discovering the wonders of Athens, why not treat yourself to a little relaxation? Gatsby Athens has its own intimate treatment suite, tucked into a cave-like space designed to create a calming atmosphere.

The spa menu includes several treatments, including a Traveler’s Relief Massage—something that sounds particularly appealing after a few days of island hopping! You can also choose from facial treatments, full-body massages, and other experiences designed to help you relax and recharge.

You can view the full Gatsby Athens Spa Menu and arrange your treatment in advance or through the concierge at the front desk.

Personalized In-Room IV Therapy

One of the more unique amenities I came across during my stay was the option to arrange personalized IV therapy in your room. A menu of available treatments was provided in the room, and arrangements can be made during your stay. I hadn’t come across an in-room amenity like this at a hotel before, so it definitely stood out to me as an interesting option for travelers who want an additional wellness service during their trip.

Additional Services

Gatsby Athens also offers several additional services that can be arranged during your stay, including:

• Car rental and private transfer services
• Laundry and dry-cleaning services
• Personal training or in-suite training
• Medical services
• Private events
• Private tour guides

Customer Service

From the moment you arrive at Gatsby Athens to the moment you check out, the level of customer service truly stands out. We were immediately greeted upon arrival, and the bellhop came out to assist us with our luggage. We were then welcomed with a drink and enjoyed a smooth check-in process. We were even able to check in early because our room was already available.

Everything about our stay was clearly explained, and as I mentioned earlier, having someone personally walk us through how everything in the room worked was the icing on the cake. With all of the modern technology and keypads throughout the room, it was especially helpful to have someone explain everything to us.

The hotel also gifted me a beautiful fruit platter and champagne. What stood out to me was the attention to detail; instead of simply sending it up to our room, they called first to make sure we were there so it could be personally delivered to us.

Overall, the concierge service was some of the best I have experienced at a hotel. Whether they were helping us make dinner reservations, handling our luggage, or simply checking in to make sure we were comfortable throughout our stay, the team at Gatsby Athens really set the bar high when it came to hospitality.

Dining at GECO Athens

Attached to Gatsby Athens is the critically acclaimed restaurant, GECO, and I had the opportunity to experience it during my stay. I was definitely not disappointed.

Much like the hospitality at the hotel, the service at GECO was exceptional. The menu features Mediterranean favorites alongside creative dishes with a modern twist, all beautifully presented.

Some of the dishes we tried included:

• Tomato starters – Easily some of the freshest and most delicious tomatoes I have ever had.
• Seafood Popsicles – If you are a seafood or crab lover, this is a must-order.
• Gyros Ibérico – A creative take on mini gyros that was absolutely unreal.
• Chicken skewers – Perfectly seasoned and full of flavor.
• Greek Cacio e Pepe – I love cacio e pepe, and this Greek twist was so delicious!
• Chicken with lemon and oregano – A delicious modern take on a Greek classic.

And of course, we saved room for dessert and ordered the tiramisu. I know, it’s not Greek, but who can pass up a good tiramisu?

We visited GECO on a Sunday evening and were entertained by singer Kelly Kaltsi, whose beautiful renditions of popular songs made the entire dinner experience even more enjoyable.

GECO also offers live entertainment throughout the week, including DJs on select evenings. I would recommend checking their website before your visit for the most up-to-date entertainment schedule and reservation information.

You can also view the GECO menu before your visit. And don’t skip the cocktail menu, the restaurant offers several creative drinks that pair perfectly with the food.

Breakfast at GECO

Breakfast is served at GECO, making it easy to start your morning without having to leave the hotel. One thing I especially appreciated was the later breakfast schedule. If you had a long night enjoying Athens, you don’t have to rush downstairs to make an early breakfast cutoff. Guests can enjoy à la carte and American-style breakfast options, including eggs cooked to your preference, local cheeses, fresh ingredients, and a variety of breakfast plates to help fuel you for a day of exploring Athens, or help you recover from one too many drinks the night before! Whether you’re heading out early to explore the Acropolis or taking a slower morning after a night out, breakfast at GECO is a convenient and delicious way to start your day.

Things To Do Near Gatsby Athens

One of the biggest perks of staying at Gatsby Athens is how many major Athens attractions are within walking distance. A few nearby highlights include:

• Hellenic Parliament & Changing of the Guard – Located at Syntagma Square, where you can watch the famous Evzones, Greece’s Presidential Guards, in their traditional uniforms.
• National Garden of Athens – A peaceful green space just a short walk from the hotel.
• Ermou Street – Athens’ main shopping street, ideal for fashion, souvenirs, and people-watching.
• Plaka – One of Athens’ most charming neighborhoods, filled with cobblestone streets, tavernas, shops, and historic architecture.
• Monastiraki Square & Flea Market – Approximately a seven-minute walk from the hotel, known for its lively atmosphere, shopping, and views toward the Acropolis.
• Acropolis & Acropolis Museum – Approximately a 20-minute walk, making it easy to combine your stay at Gatsby Athens with some of the city’s most important historic attractions.
• Zappeion Hall & Panathenaic Stadium – Nearby historic landmarks, including the marble Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

Getting Around Athens From Gatsby

One of the biggest advantages of staying at Gatsby Athens is its central location. Many of Athens’ most popular neighborhoods and attractions are within walking distance, including Syntagma Square, Plaka, Monastiraki, and Kolonaki. The entrance to the Acropolis is also approximately an 18-minute walk from the hotel. If you prefer not to walk or need transportation to another part of the city, the concierge can arrange a taxi for you, including transfers to and from Athens International Airport.

For travelers planning to use public transportation, there are several convenient options nearby, including:

• Syntagma Station, with metro connections and airport access
• Panepistimio Metro Station
• Monastiraki Station, connecting you to multiple metro lines
• Klavthmonos Bus Stop, located just steps away from the hotel
• Agora Bus Stop, another nearby option for getting around Athens

Whether you plan to explore Athens primarily on foot or use public transportation, Gatsby Athens makes it easy to get around the city.

Is Gatsby Athens Safe?

I personally felt comfortable walking around the area during my stay. Gatsby Athens is located on a side street just off a busier road, so there was consistent foot traffic throughout the day and evening, along with other hotels, restaurants, and businesses nearby.

One thing to be aware of is that Syntagma Square is home to the Greek Parliament and can occasionally be the site of demonstrations or protests. During my stay, however, I barely noticed any noise from the square. As with any major city, I would recommend using the same general awareness you would anywhere else when exploring Athens, particularly late at night.

Check-In & Check-Out

Check-in at Gatsby Athens begins at 3:00 p.m., while check-out is at 11:00 a.m. Early check-in may be available if your room is ready, which was a nice perk during my stay.

If you have a later departure or arrive before your room is ready, the front desk can store your luggage free of charge, allowing you to continue exploring Athens without having to carry your bags around.

The front desk is also available 24/7, so assistance is always available whenever you need it.

Positives & Negatives

I genuinely enjoyed my stay at Gatsby Athens, and I’m excited for my clients, family, and friends to experience the property in the future. As a travel advisor, I was also fortunate to have the opportunity to experience the hotel firsthand and complete a site visit, allowing me to better understand what my clients can expect when they stay at Gatsby Athens or dine at GECO.

No hotel is perfect for every traveler, so here are the things I loved most about Gatsby Athens, along with a few considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether it’s the right hotel for your Athens trip.

Positives

– Excellent central location
– Exceptional service
– Boutique atmosphere
– Stylish, modern rooms
– GECO restaurant on-site
– Rooftop and wellness amenities
– Thoughtful room amenities
– Personalized experience

Negatives

– Some room categories are smaller
– Rooms accommodate up to two guests
– Evening entertainment can create some noise
– No guaranteed direct Acropolis views

Who Is Gatsby Athens Best For?

Gatsby Athens is a particularly good fit for:

• Couples looking for a stylish city hotel
• Travelers who prioritize excellent service
• First-time visitors who want a central location
• Travelers who enjoy dining and nightlife
• Business travelers
• Travelers who prefer smaller boutique hotels over large resorts
• Travelers who want access to wellness amenities during their trip

It may be less ideal for:

• Large families or groups traveling together
• Travelers who want a large resort-style property
• Light sleepers who prefer a completely quiet hotel
• Travelers specifically looking for a guaranteed Acropolis view

Final Thoughts: Is Gatsby Athens Worth Staying At?

Overall, my stay at Gatsby Athens exceeded my expectations. While the hotel itself is beautiful, it was the service and hospitality that truly sold me on wanting to return, and on recommending the property to my clients. From the hotel manager and concierge to the front desk and bellhop, every member of the team we interacted with was welcoming, attentive, and genuinely invested in making our stay enjoyable.

The same was true at GECO. Our server was attentive and kind, made sure everything came out perfectly, and genuinely made us feel taken care of throughout the evening.

For me, amenities, room design, beautiful bathrooms, and a five-star rating alone don’t make a hotel luxurious. It’s the people, the atmosphere, the attention to detail, and the overall feeling you’re left with before, during, and after your stay. Gatsby Athens delivered on all of those things. If you’re looking for a boutique luxury hotel in central Athens with excellent service, modern rooms, a great on-site restaurant, wellness offerings, and easy access to the city’s major attractions, Gatsby Athens is absolutely worth considering.

As a travel advisor, I’m especially excited to have experienced the property firsthand because it means I can now confidently recommend it to clients based on my own stay, not just what I’ve read or seen online.

I can’t wait to return to Athens and spend more time at Gatsby Athens Hotel.

Planning a trip to Athens?

If you’re still deciding where to stay in Athens, or you’re planning a larger Greece itinerary, I can help you build an itinerary around the way you actually want to travel. From choosing the right hotel and neighborhood to arranging transportation, tours, and island connections, I help take the logistics out of planning your Greece trip.

Disclosure: This post reflects my personal experience staying at Gatsby Athens. As a travel advisor, I may earn a commission if you choose to book travel through me. All opinions expressed are my own.