Top 10 Best Historic Hotels of Greece

With a history dating back nearly a century, King George has been visited by heads of state, kings, and many well-known personalities from Marilyn Monroe to Frank Sinatra, who enjoyed views of Syntagma Square from their suite’s balconies. It was originally built as a palace annex and was the prime minister’s residence for a brief period before becoming a boutique hotel. The aesthetic is classic/minimalist, featuring great works from Greek artists, while all rooms and suites include an impressive mix of authentic antiques and high-tech amenities. Guests also have access to the spa facilities and rooftop pool at the Hotel Grande Bretagne right next door.

Dimitris Tsitouras, a lifelong Greek history and art aficionado, displays a remarkable historic and modern collection of art in his luxury Santorini hotel, hence the name. Preserving the heritage of a 1780 mansion, which has served as a schoolhouse, a post office, and private residence. It’s now one of the island’s most exclusive boutique hotels and a member of the Historic Hotels of Europe. Displaying nearly 4,000 Greek artifacts and an original Picasso worth $500K, Tsitouras originally designed it to host his friends. His personal guests recommended that he turn it into a design hotel, focused on the museum-quality pieces. Today, accommodation is in five houses, each with a distinct style and theme, based on various periods in Greek history.

Made up of four 19th-century tanneries, The Tanneries Hotel & Spa is located on the eastern outskirts of old town Chania in the historic waterfront neighborhood of Tabakaria. This area is notable for its distinct architecture with buildings that have arched doorways, tall chimneys, and large courtyards once used for drying and storing leather. The unique hotel honors Chania’s rich history, with only minimal changes from the original, now heritage-protected buildings.

Their character was magnificently preserved in everything from the ceilings and roof tiles to the floors and facade. Prioritizing sustainability and eco-friendly practices, original materials were repurposed while minimizing environmental impact. A commitment to community can also be seen with specially curated guided tours focused on interactions with local artisans, including tanners.

Recently awarded with the Special Prize for Exterior Design at the Prix Versailles Awards, The Dolli at Acropolis, A Hotel to Live, is a luxury boutique hotel designed by the renowned architect behind the Greek Parliament Building, Andreas Kriezis. Recognized among the World’s Most Beautiful Hotels, it was also honored with the Special Prize for an Exterior at the 2024 Prix Versailles awards, becoming the country’s only hotel to achieve this impressive accomplishment. Located just above the Plaka district on vibrant Mitropoleos Street, it dates to the 1920s and boasts an impressive mix of neoclassicism and eclecticism.

In the mid-1930s, it was converted into a fabric emporium, changing the character of the building, but today, you’ll find its heritage impeccably restored. It’s filled with authentic 18th-century antiques and original works of art, including pieces by Picasso. Boasting unrivalled Acropolis views, while taking a dip in the rooftop infinity pool, you’ll feel as if you’re swimming through the Parthenon columns.

A traditional island captain’s house still owned by the same family, Firalia Casa in Rocks was built into the rock in 1890. Located in Fira, it’s now a brand new contemporary hotel, referred to as a “boutique time capsule” having retained historical island elements while providing unpretentious luxuries. Constructed around an interior garden known locally as “alitana,” it serves as a gathering place for socializing while providing guests with their first encounter of the property’s rich past. The courtyard was once the connecting open space for all units, balancing the home’s meeting point and privacy of the rooms. Its six cave-style suites all have furnished outdoor spaces and serene views, plus direct access to the romantic rooftop terrace ideal for sunset cocktails.

Ideally located near the St. Athanasios Gate in Rhodes‘ medieval Old Town, the Allegory Boutique Hotel is just a short stroll along the cobbled streets from all the iconic attractions. A member of the Historic Hotels of Europe, it hosts six suites, spread among a cluster of historic townhouses, with the beautiful wooden beams of the original architecture preserved.

Combined with the stonewalls, refined decor, and impressive works of art, it provides fascinating insight into the island’s history and culture. Guests not only enjoy being immersed in the past, but luxurious facilities, with everything from balconies with private hot tubs to homemade breakfasts prepared to guests’ specific preferences.

Nestled in the heart of Chania Old Town, Casa Delfino is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Housed in an elegant mansion, generations of Delfinos were raised here before the home was significantly damaged during WWII and fell into ruin. Manthos Markantonakis, a fifth-generation descendant, restored the family home into a luxury hotel in 1989. His daughter Margarita is now entrusted with continuing the legacy for warm hospitality with the passion for the place felt throughout. It feels like a step back in time with authentic, well-preserved charms that pay homage to the building’s history, from the pebbled mosaic courtyard to the original walls and family antiques.

La Divina is set within what was once one of the most prestigious urban homes in Athens. Located in historic Thiseio, one of the city’s most centrally located neighborhoods, it was originally built in 1897 as an aristocratic residence for the Karavasili family. There were many cultural gatherings and lavish events hosted in this neoclassical building before it served as Italian barracks in WWII, taking on multiple lives afterwards, most notably as the Odeon Athenaeum music hall -the school of Maria Callas, paying tribute to the legendary opera singer.

A new entry in the capital’s hospitality scene, it offers unique views of Thissio, Ancient Agora, Athens Observatory and Acropolis, with twelve luxurious suites featuring rustic, exposed stone walls, marble accents, and neoclassical flourishes.

Originally a knight’s residence built in 1340, if the sandstone walls of Kokkini Porta Rossa could speak, they’d have quite the story to tell. Its past has included the Knights of St. John as well as Turkish, Greek, and Jewish families who all lived here under the same roof. The proprietors enjoy speaking about their boutique lodge, their native island, and its history, in addition to guiding guests to places they’re unlikely to find on their own. They’ve lovingly restored six spacious suites of up to about 807 square feet in size, with an incredible attention to detail, colorful courtyards and stone walls encapsulating medieval charms. The bathrooms are large and dramatic, with features like freestanding tubs and rainfall showers. Plus, you can look forward to organic, 5-course breakfasts every morning.

A former Venetian lord’s home, Avli Lounge Apartments are set within three Venetian homes, the first of which was built in 1660. It’s also been the location of an olive press, a soap factory, and a tannery. Nestled in Old Town Rethymno, less than a five-minute walk to the Venetian Castle, all accommodation has preserved the building’s history with original elements, including exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and floors. In addition to the historic focus, the gastronomy stands out, from the restaurant serving fresh Cretan breakfasts and multi-course dinners to a shop with local artisanal products, wine tastings, cooking classes, and more.