Rooms

The rooms are one-to-a-floor and start from a pair of Comfort Suites: go for the garden one, which has a small neoclassical-inspired courtyard ideal for cosy breakfasts. Next come the more spacious Sir Athens – a double with an extra sofa bed in another room and a balcony – and the premium Sir Attic with its charming whitewashed eaves, cute breakfast bar and generous proportions (this sleeps 4). There's also a separate Sir Apartment in an annex, which comes with kitchenette and an extra sofabed.

Each has a different layout and one defining flourish – be it a colour block feature wall, a statement leather armchair or sassy wall mural – but all rooms are unified by a calming palette of restful greys, snowy white, marble and bronze side tables and natural-fibre rugs. Arty Athenian photography brightens hallways.

We found that there wasn't a lot of hanging space for our clothes, and thought some bathrooms had little shelf space for toiletries. But you do get some thoughtful extras, including Nespresso machines, Netflix, Elemis toiletries, Guy Laroche bed linens and a mini-bar stashed with Greek goodies like Mastiha-flavoured mineral water and pasteli (honey sesame) power bars.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

Lockdown permitting, breakfast comes in the form of a generously-packed box delivered to your door from a local café. Options include English, Greek, Sweet Lovers, Gluten Free, Vegan, Protein and Kids. We like the look of Greek (for the baked eggs with feta) and Sweet Lovers (macaroons and homemade lemonade, yum!). Guests in the apartment get a kitchenette with fridge and hob (but no oven) for rustling up simple snacks and coffees.

Being Kolonaki, you’re only ever an olive pit’s throw from other terrific eating options. The neighbourhood is simply loaded with cool coffee hutches, brunch gems and some of Athens’ best bakeries (try Queen Bee, Athens Bakery or Le Pain). For a one-stop-shop from brunch through to the early hours (Athenians love a late night!), walk five minutes to the trendy foodie pocket on the corner of Skoufa and Omirou. An Italian bistro, Greek grillhouse and healthy gourmet hotspot share a lovely leafy courtyard.

Features include:

• Coffee maker
• Restaurants nearby

Activities

• Dive into Kolonaki’s celebrated café society: join the fashionistas in Milioni and Kapsali streets or cut straight to the chase in Kolonaki Square, the ultimate see-and-be-seen quarter
  
• Take in a spectacular sunset from Mount Lycabettus, by following the pine-studded trail up to the medieval chapel of Agios Georgios (or whizz up on the funicular)
  
• Hit Voukourestiou, and splash out on swanky Greek and international designers (or window shop like the rest of us!)
  
• It’s only a 20-minute walk to the popular Plaka district at the foot of the Acropolis; and a further 10 to the Monastiraki flea market or the impressive Acropolis Museum
  
• Two lovely lesser known museums are a 15-minute stroll away: the Benaki showcases Greek culture from prehistory to the 20th-century, while the Museum of Cycladic Art has the world’s richest trove of this ancient Aegean culture
  
• Witness the famous the hourly changing of the guard outside Parliament. The elegant slow march of the iconic evzones in pleated kilts and pompoms always impresses

Kids

While not overtly kid-friendly, there’s no reason why families won’t be comfortable at Sir Athens, especially in the Sir Athens and Sir Attic suites which both sleep 4. Note there are no extra beds.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The split-level Sir Attic is the best bet for families. You've got more space and two proper double beds (that can be closed off for privacy!). Note that neither bed can be configured as a twin. You'll have to share a bathroom though and there's a few marble steps that might trip up toddlers

Distances:

• Airport: 45-60 minutes
• Shops: 5 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Nestled at the foot of Mount Lycabettus toward’s Kolonaki’s outer edge, and 300 metres from the Panepistimio metro station, Sir Athens puts you within comfy walking distance of all of Athens’ Greatest Hits (the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, historic Plaka, Monastiraki and Syntagma Square).

By Air
There are plenty of direct flights to Athens International Airport from European cities, plus major North American and Asian hubs.

From the Airport
Either take the metro from the airport (Line 3) and change at Syntagma to Line 2 to Anthoupoli, or take a taxi (about 45 minutes). There's also a 24-hour bus service (every 20 minutes) to Syntagma from the airport.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.