Updated: December 12, 2025
Greece › Athens › Kid-Friendly Hotels
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com
The absolutely fantastic Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel is on the Athens Riviera, a 30-minute drive from central Athens. The nearby Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso is not directly on the beach (a small road separates it from the sea) but still very nice and not nearly as expensive.
Athens Family Hotels – My Advice
- My Top 3 Family Hotels:
• Ava Hotel & Suites: The gold standard for families in Plaka. Huge suites with kitchenettes, right in the pedestrian zone. It sells out 6+ months in advance.
• St. George Lycabettus: Located in upscale Kolonaki, this hotel has something rare in central Athens: a rooftop swimming pool. Essential for July/August trips.
• Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel: The ultimate luxury resort on the Athens Riviera (30 mins from center). Private beaches, amazing kids’ club, and 3 pools. It feels like a Greek island vacation with easy access to the Acropolis.- Neighborhood Strategy (Plaka vs. The Rest):
• Plaka & Monastiraki: The best areas for first-timers. They are largely pedestrian-only (safe for kids to run), charming, and steps from the Acropolis.
• Koukaki: The best “local” vibe. Located just south of the Acropolis, it has wider sidewalks, great playgrounds, and is packed with Airbnb-style apartments and casual tavernas.
• Syntagma: Stay here for logistics. It is the transport hub (The X95 Airport bus and Metro Lines 2 and 3 meet here.).- The “Omonia” Warning: The farther north you go from Monastiraki (towards Omonia Square), the grittier the city gets. While generally safe, the areas north of Sofokleous Street can be dirty and have visible drug use, which is uncomfortable for families. Stay south of this line to keep the “magic” alive.
- Ferry Logistics (Piraeus): If you have a ferry to the islands departing before 8:00 am, it might be best for families to stay in Piraeus. The rush to the port with kids and luggage at dawn is stressful. Instead, spend your last night at the Piraeus Theoxenia right at the port, so you can walk to your ship. For ferries after 8:00 am, staying in Plaka and taking a taxi (approx. €25-30) is fine.
- Acropolis Strategy with Kids:
• Strollers: You can’t take a stroller into the actual Acropolis site. Leave it at the entrance (availability varies), so bring a baby carrier.
• Strict Timed Entry: The “Combo Ticket” no longer exists. You must book a specific time slot online (e.g., 8:00–9:00 am) for the Acropolis. You must enter during your designated time slot. There is a small grace period (usually 15 minutes before or after), but arriving late often results in denied entry during peak season.
• Timing: Book the 8:00 am slot (first of the day) to beat the heat and cruise crowds.- Taxis vs. Metro: For a family of 3 or 4, a taxi from the airport to the city center (flat rate €43 daytime / €56 nighttime) is roughly the same price as buying 4 Metro tickets, but infinitely easier with luggage. Download the Uber or FREENOW apps to hail safe, metered yellow taxis when in central Athens.
- Best Family Activity: If the ruins get boring, take the Athens Happy Train. It’s a toy-like street train that winds through the Plaka streets. It’s cheesy, but toddlers love it and it saves everyone’s energy.
The Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Athens
1. Ava Hotel and Suites
Hotel phone: +30 21032 59000
Spacious suites include kitchenettes with a microwave, fridge, and stovetop. Offers the service and amenities of a 5-star hotel with the friendliness of a family-run B&B. The location is perfect on a quiet street in Plaka, close to the Akropoli metro station. Includes a great breakfast.2. Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel
Hotel phone: +30 21089 01000
Stunning setting on a private peninsula on the Athens Riviera. Features a great beach, pool, restaurants, kids club, and extensive outdoor activities. Located 10 minutes from the shops and nightlife of Glyfada (accessible via hotel shuttle), 20 minutes to the airport, and 30 minutes to central Athens.3. St George Lycabettus
Hotel phone: +30 21074 16000
Five-star hotel with a seasonal rooftop pool, playroom (supervised on request), and private cinema. Sunday brunches feature a separate kids area with a nanny and activities like cooking classes. Rooms and suites sleep up to three; interconnecting suites sleep up to four. Quiet location in Kolonaki at the foot of Mt Lycabettus near the cable car and National Garden.4. Grand Resort Lagonissi
Hotel phone: +30 22910 76000
Upscale beachfront resort set on sixteen sandy beaches. Amenities include two pools, a water sports center, outdoor cinema, and free kids club (ages 4-12). Seven restaurants offer a variety of cuisines for picky eaters. Sea view suites, bungalows, and villas sleep three to nine guests; most have private gardens or pools. Located in a quiet enclave of the Athens Riviera; a car is recommended for exploring.5. Grecotel Pallas Athena
Hotel phone: +30 21032 50900
Unique rooms feature Spiderman or Smurf graffiti murals. A family-friendly 4-star hotel with a play area and connecting rooms. The Greek-Mediterranean restaurant offers kids menus and an excellent breakfast buffet. Located near the Central Market and Monastiraki Flea Market. Note: The immediate area toward Omonia can feel gritty at night; stick to the walk toward Kotzia Square.6. Vincci EverEden
Hotel phone: +30 22910 60031
Relaxed resort with a floating water park and private Blue Flag beach. Additional perks include a playground, water sports center, and two outdoor pools. Family Suites sleep up to four; residences add kitchenettes. Located in sleepy Anavyssos at the south end of the Athens Riviera (renting a car is a good idea here).7. Ergon House
Hotel phone: +30 21001 09090
The ground floor features a full-sized food market with a deli, bakery, vertical garden, and indoor ice cream truck. Upscale boutique hotel with a foodie focus, offering kid-friendly cooking classes and communal kitchens on every floor. Family Rooms sleep up to five. Outstanding breakfast included. Great location near Syntagma Square.8. NEW Hotel
Hotel phone: +30 21032 73000
Quirky, contemporary luxury design just a 2-minute walk from Syntagma Square. Features helpful extras like electronic blackout shades. Dining options include a casual restaurant inside and an excellent rooftop bar. Interconnecting rooms comfortably sleep a family of 4. Review of NEW Hotel with Video.9. Athenian Riviera Hotel
Hotel phone: +30 21089 00000
Low-key boutique hotel with a pool, just a short walk to two beaches. The on-site restaurant serves crowd-pleasing Mediterranean dishes (kids menu available) poolside or via room service. All rooms have private balconies; some suites feature jacuzzis. Set in mellow Vouliagmeni, the best beach town on the Athens Riviera.10. The Gem Society
Hotel phone: +30 21022 07777
Affordable luxury in the City Center, near the National Historical Museum. Superior Suites sleep five to six guests with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a sunny terrace. The hotel features a gourmet, all-day bistro with breakfast, half board, and full board options.11. Ivis 4
Hotel phone: +30 21032 13340
Playful hotel with an all-day Greek restaurant and patio garden. Suites sleep up to four guests and feature private balconies and original graffiti murals. Family dining is fantastic here, with kids’ menus and hearty complimentary breakfast. Wonderful Psirri location near the Ancient Agora.12. The Foundry Suites
Hotel phone: +30 21118 24604
Rooftop picnic garden with wood-fired pizza and cocktails (May–Oct). Spacious self-catering apartments sleep up to four; all suites have fully equipped kitchens with dishwashers and ovens. Note that there are no TVs (bring a tablet), but a rich daily breakfast is included. Excellent location in Psirri.13. Palmyra Beach Hotel
Hotel phone: +30 21089 81183
Good value hotel with a nice pool. Two-bedroom family rooms sleep a family of 5. Close to shopping, restaurants, and Glyfada beach. The tram to central Athens (30 minutes) is just outside the hotel.14. A for Athens
Hotel phone: +30 21302 37244
Popular rooftop restaurant with iconic Acropolis views. Affordable boutique hotel with Quadruple and Triple rooms. Located at the border of Psirri and Monastiraki, just steps from the metro—perfect for catching early-morning ferries from Piraeus.15. City Circus Athens Hostel
Hotel phone: +30 21302 37244
Nice budget hostel with large quadruple rooms perfect for families. Located within walking distance to Plaka.More Family-Friendly Hotels in Athens
- Athens Gate Hotel (large interconnecting double rooms)
- Plaka Hotel Athens (family room with interconnecting door)
- Athens Lotus Hotel (family rooms have three beds and two bathrooms)
- Centrotel (triple and family rooms)
- Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso (great beach resort, 30-minutes outside of Athens)
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