Top Cycladic-Style Stays in Athens

Athens Capital Suites is a 5-star hotel with a feature many Athens hotels lack: an outdoor pool open all year, a big plus with children after a morning at the sites. Family rooms are available, some with private balconies and a few with a kitchenette for snacks. The restaurant and sun terrace keep evenings simple, and parents can use the spa, sauna and fitness centre. I would book it for families who want resort comfort in the city and are happy to pay for 5-star service.

Cottage Boutique Apartments Athens gives families real apartment comforts in central Athens. Each unit has air-conditioning, a private bathroom, a kitchenette, a dining table and a balcony with city views, so meals at home and early nights are easy with children. There is a terrace, free WiFi and free private parking nearby, rare in the city centre. A 9.4 score from over 1,300 reviews is outstanding, and I recommend it for families who want space and a kitchen in Athens.

Shila Athens offers family suites, some with two bathrooms, which makes mornings far smoother with children. A breakfast basket of fresh products arrives daily, so nobody has to rush out hungry, and every suite has a kettle and an espresso machine for parents. The garden and rooftop give everyone a place to relax after sightseeing. The Cycladic-style design feels calm in a busy city. Guests rate it 9.4 from nearly 180 reviews.

CITYLUXE Suites & Rooms brings a Cycladic look to central Athens, and some of its units have a private pool, a rare treat for children in the middle of the city. Rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms, tea and coffee makers and balconies with city views. The University of Athens and Omonia Square are within easy reach, so a city break on foot is simple. With an 8.9 score from more than 1,100 reviews, I would pick it for families wanting a central base with a pool.

KLEO by Zoia Living suits families who want an apartment rather than a hotel room in central Athens. Every unit has a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony or patio with city views, and family rooms are available. A lift helps with strollers and luggage. The Museum of Cycladic Art and Lycabettus Hill are close by, both manageable outings with children. Guests give it 8.6 from nearly 200 reviews. Breakfast can be added.

St George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel is 400 metres from the Museum of Cycladic Art, an easy cultural outing, and offers family rooms that keep everyone together. Breakfast is served as a buffet or American-style, and the restaurant and room service help on tired evenings. The terrace gives space to relax, parents have a fitness centre and a bar, and the 24-hour front desk helps with late arrivals. An 8.5 score from 1,847 reviews is very good.