If you’re searching for a chic and vibrant boutique hotel in one of Athens’ oldest neighborhoods, Athens4 is the place to be. Opened in 2019, Athens4 is part of a collection of boutique hotels that includes 18 Micon Street and Asomaton. It’s centrally located in Athens’ old commercial and financial district, close to the trendy Psiri neighborhood and Monastiraki Square.

The building originally housed a textile factory, producing lace and trimmings for the once-thriving garment industry. Honoring its history, Athens4 features unique textiles, wall coverings, and handcrafted furnishings in its rooms, creating a distinctive, eclectic ambiance that mirrors the bohemian character of the surrounding area.

We stayed in one of the family suites, which combined a colorful, tropical theme with industrial chic elements like tiles and metal furnishings. The main bedroom overlooked a side street and was separated by a glass door from the living area, which had bunk beds and a divan that doubled as a sofa.

Our comfortable king-size bed had high-quality white cotton bed linen, a light duvet, and plump pillows, ensuring a restful night’s sleep on the quiet pedestrianized street. The living area was equipped with a Nespresso machine, bottled water, a kettle, and a selection of Lipton teas. The small fridge contained soft drinks and local beers, available at an extra charge. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there was no printed material in the room, but the hotel reception staff were happy to provide recommendations.

My main issue with the room was the lack of storage space. Athens4 seems designed for short stays where guests don’t need to unpack. Instead of a wardrobe, there were bronze metal hangers, a nod to the building’s textile factory origins. While this added a unique touch, I would have preferred some drawers or enclosed storage to avoid using my suitcase and the divan for storage.

Each of the 23 rooms at Athens4 is individually designed, with a range of sizes including family suites, standard or compact rooms, and a loft suite with Acropolis views. Some rooms and suites have outdoor terraces with seating and potted shrubs for privacy. If available, I would recommend requesting a room with a terrace for some outside space.

The room interiors feature framed fabric pieces harkening back to the textile factory days, soft velvets on headboards and cushions, and striking feature wallpaper. These tactile fabrics contrast with the hard, tiled floors and metal-framed furniture, giving the rooms an industrial yet cozy feel.

Our suite had a large, walk-in bathroom with a modern double sink, a separate WC, and a spacious wet room with both an overhead rainforest shower and a handheld shower. The bathroom was fully tiled, light, and bright, with plenty of space for families. We enjoyed a selection of Apivita toiletries, known for their natural ingredients, including Greek honey and orange shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel.

The street entrance of Athens4 leads to an airy lobby where a buffet breakfast is served. There’s an informal reception area without a traditional desk; staff check you in using a laptop. For security, the lobby is kept locked and accessible only with a room keycard. The hotel staff may leave after 5 pm, but a contact number is provided for any issues.

The lobby has plenty of seating, small tables, and bar stools by the windows, making it a comfortable spot to relax or work. A Nespresso machine and kettle with teas are available for guests to make hot drinks. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel, though it was not particularly fast.

Breakfast at Athens4 is a self-service buffet with a focus on healthy options like fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, nuts, and fresh orange juice. There are also cereals, cheeses, cold meats, and local pastries like Greek Bougatsa and feta cheese pie. A self-service Nespresso machine is available for coffee.

The hotel’s location on pedestrianized Poliklitou Street is surrounded by old-fashioned businesses and is just a short walk from the lively Psiri neighborhood, which offers a variety of bars, restaurants, and live music. While Athens4 does not have a restaurant or room service, the surrounding area provides plenty of dining options.

Athens4 is part of a group of boutique hotels, each with its unique character. 18 Micon Street, located in Psiri, is a 15-room hotel in a converted warehouse with industrial and tactile design elements. Vasi, another nearby boutique hotel, has 18 light-filled rooms with natural materials and a neutral color palette. Asomaton, near the Thisio metro, is a luxury boutique hotel in a former carriage repair shop, featuring original stonework, a small indoor pool, and rooms showcasing Greek artist Philip Tsiaras’ work.