What’s the story: Perianth is that cool new kid in the class that doesn’t try to impress you—but does all the same. A masterful update by star architects K-Studio in 2018 saw this 1930s landmark in Athens’ historic heart become an urbane 38-room design hotel. The soothing decor—moss green and dusky pink armchairs, grey terrazzo floors beneath lofty ceilings, and walnut wood beds—is like drinking a tall iced tea on a steamy day. Sit on your snug balcony for a voyeur’s view of non-stop Agia Irini Square (you can also eye up the Acropolis from the higher floors). Or head to the low-lit lobby where velvet sofas cry out for you to order a martini. High rollers can splash out on the sixth floor penthouse suite for a private plunge pool and an “oh wow” appearance by the Parthenon.

Why it makes the cut: Works by Greek contemporary artists grace curvy corridors, and staff are kitted out in cut above uniforms by the late Greek designer Sophia Kokosalaki. Walk just outside the door to enjoy Athenian café society (and people watching) at its best. Shake off urban overload with a yoga, martial arts or meditation session at the first-floor Zen Centre (it’s free for guests).

What’s the story: Half the draw of this 21-room design hotel is its prime location at the start of Athens’ prettiest promenade, Dionysiou Areopagitou, within striking distance of the Acropolis Museum. The other half? A sultry and sophisticated aesthetic that merges retro design classics with mod-cons like walk-in rain-showers and refined rooftop dining.

Why it makes the cut: Design buffs can tick off pieces by modern masters like Le Corbusier, Eileen Gray and Konstantin Grcic, set amid walnut panelled walls, geometric carpets, mottled marble and classy prints of ancient Greek sculptures. Foodies will relish the boundary pushing Greek cuisine at rooftop restaurant Senses, where the Acropolis hovers just overhead.

What’s the story: A sociable Psirri hotel with an idiosyncratic pulse that chimes perfectly with this edgy neighbourhood of leather merchants and antique shops. The emphasis on cement, wood and brick elements is a respectful nod to the building’s industrial roots (it was one of the city’s first tool traders), while splashes of pale marble and faded terracotta warm up the factory vibe. An open-plan lobby doubles as a clubby lounge. Strike up a conversation with fellow guests over free coffee at the communal table. The view from the picture window in your room will be pure Athens: fleeting glimpses of the Acropolis amid a free-wheeling skyline.

Why it makes the cut: This isn’t one of those design hotels that throws all its best moves in the lobby and stints on the rooms. Each of Micon’s 15 rooms are individually designed and generously proportioned. Suites and lofts on the higher floors come with daybeds on spacious balconies—perfect for snoozing off a long lunch at one of the area’s many hip cafes and ouzeries. There’s also a handy Decompression Lounge where you can kill time or take a shower before a late flight.

What’s the story: Everything old is new again at this unconventional hotel, another passion project for Greek-Cypriot art collector Dakis Joannou (see Periscope, above). His bold 79-room reboot of the Olympic Palace hotel, built in 1958, enjoys a prime location, across from the National Gardens and within an easy stroll of just about everything on your Athens “to do” list. Those fantastical wooden pillars and “favela” wall coverings you’re Instagramming in the lobby? They’re recycled chair legs and doors, salvaged from the former hotel by Brazilian designers Fernando and Humberto Campana. The trippy art immersion continues in your room with vivid installations such as ladders that go nowhere and bronze, diamond-shaped sinks. Greek cultural motifs like evil eye amulets and shadow puppets float on the walls to remind you where you are.

Why it makes the cut: This is a hotel you can’t feel indifferent to. We love the way guests are steeped in the art, rather than just being passive observers. Hit the rooftop Art Lounge for cocktails or lunch with terrific views of Lycabettus Hill, or go for finessed Greek food and an avant garde setting at New Taste on the ground floor.

What’s the story: Pangrati is one of Athens’ most happening postcodes. Tap that buzz at this self-contained and cool customer located on a leafy street, right in the thick of things. What’s up with the blue? Well, apart from the slim blue stairwell spliced like a ship’s stern to one side, the developer is pals with Greek modern art legend Alekos Fassianos (whose signature hue is blue) and wrangled some one-off works to adorn his slick 6-apartment project. A pair of Fassianos’ giant caricature-like faces guard the entry, while the artist’s fantastical beasts subtly enliven gates, a scenic rooftop and other spaces. Elsewhere, architects Isaias Dimitris - Papaioannou Tasis have gone all in “urban industrial” with concrete planked surfaces, gridded metal/wood panels and angular furnishings. The downside? Pangrati is not very handy for the metro so your fitbit will go into overdrive. Happily, there’s a taxi rank opposite.

Why it makes the cut: Efranoros Street puts neighbourhood faves like Flamingo Drinks & Food Stories, La Pinsa and Monsieur Cannibale right at your fingertips—and you can also check-out Fassianos’ iconic works in grand scale at the new B&E Goulandris Foundation Museum nearby. Those super-cool gridded screens on the roomy balconies aren’t just for show either: they slide around to block out the mighty Athenian sun.