Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens Review
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens is a remarkable hotel that offers a luxurious experience and a tranquil and rejuvenating vacation.
The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel is a luxurious seaside escape located on a pine-clad peninsula in the Athenian Riviera, just 30 minutes away from the historical city centre of Athens and the Athens International Airport. With a rich history dating back to 1958, the hotel underwent a €650 million renovation in 2019 and boasts a unique blend of modern luxury and heritage. The hotel's interior design features polished marble, pale and interesting interiors, extravagant floral arrangements, and a museum-grade collection of mostly Greek contemporary art. The Vouliagmeni area, where the hotel is located, is a chic coastal town with countless beaches and seaside dining options, and easy access to the Greek Islands by boat. The legendary resort is a highly sought-after destination for travellers seeking luxury and history.
Rooms
The hotel boasts 303 rooms spread across three unique settings: Arion, Nafsika, and luxury beachside bungalows.
Nafsika is the livelier and larger of the two buildings, offering sea views from every room and suite with glass-fronted bathrooms to soak in the mesmerising vista. It is the energetic hub of the hotel and boasts expansive, light-filled settings with three restaurants, a lively pool, waterfront, fitness centre, and luxury boutiques. The luxuriant interiors feature backlit headboards, mosaic marble floors, and giant mirrors that double as TVs.
Arion has laid-back rooms and suites that are perfect for relaxing, with modernist architecture and a more muted, grown-up atmosphere with a sun-bleached palette of sea blues and driftwood greys. The hotel rooms come with all the luxe amenities you would expect for a Four Seasons hotel, and also has a twice-daily turn-down service.
For the ultimate in seclusion and glamour, the luxury beachside bungalows are a must-see, bringing the golden age of the Athens Riviera into the modern era. These accommodations are ideal for those who want to experience the secluded seaside lifestyle of the Athenian Riviera. During our stay, we stayed in the Nafsika sea view room, a large and inviting space with a magnificent balcony overlooking the ocean. With the press of a button, we were treated to glorious sunshine and deep blue-green ocean views, making every morning a true delight.
The hotel offers various dining options, including eight restaurants and bars that serve a wide range of food and drinks. Guests can choose from buffets that are generous and tempting, à la carte options, or dishes such as truffled scrambled eggs or pancakes with ricotta, raspberry compote, and honeycomb. Prices are surprisingly reasonable, and every venue has wonderful views. The best place for sundowners is Avra bar, where the sky and sea are painted the same shade of pink as your raspberry tequila cocktail.
Admittedly, the hotel isn't cheap, with pricing varying greatly depending on the season. However, you will be getting exactly what you paid for and more.
Price: from £440 per night . Prices shoot up with demand in summer.
Dining
The hotel offers a variety of dining options with eight restaurants and bars to choose from. Nafsika, boasts three restaurants in expansive, light-filled settings. The laid-back Italian trattoria Mercato features a buzzing lounge and bar Avra, perfect for sunset drinks, while the poolside grill Helios is great for enjoying new-wave ceviche. Arion is home to four restaurants, including the Greek seafood haven Pelagos, the Astron Lounge, Aristotle's Cigar Bar, and the waterfront Taverna 37, offering delicious dishes like grilled lamb chops and calamari.
The hotel also boasts a Nobu restaurant, where guests can indulge in world-famous Nobu cuisines. The restaurant, Matsuhisa Athens, has masterfully combined the serene influence of Japanese culture with the captivating allure of fusion philosophy, positioning itself as a top contender on the gastronomic map of Athens.
To start the day off right, guests can enjoy a fantastic breakfast wherever they choose, with generous buffets offering tempting options like yoghurt parfait, local cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, fruit, and cereals. Don't miss out on the Greek omelette, the tasty French toast or ricotta pancakes with raspberry compote and honeycomb.
Facilities
The Four Seasons hotel is a sprawling 74-acre property that offers an endless array of amenities for guests to enjoy. In addition to the eight restaurants, the hotel boasts three private beaches, multiple pools, a spa, and fitness centre, making it a perfect vacation spot for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. The seaside facilities are particularly impressive, featuring three private coves and two well sized pools connected by a 300-metre boardwalk with comfortable loungers and cabanas.
For those who enjoy sports, the hotel offers three tennis courts, one basketball court, and easy access to the Glyfada Golf Club. The water-sports centre and jogging map stashed in the bedside table are also perfect for keeping active. Guests seeking relaxation can indulge in the white marble spa, featuring 10 treatment rooms. The Fountain House provides a full day of relaxation with a hammam, chill shower, aromatherapy grotto, and hydrotherapy pool, all with breathtaking sea views.
With over 600 staff members, guests are treated with warm, knowledgeable, and attentive service. The hotel's helipad also provides easy access to the Greek Islands, offering guests a beautiful island-hopping adventure.
As a tribute to its stunning location, guests can browse a meticulously curated collection of books showcasing Greece's rich history and culture. Additionally, the hotel offers an assortment of replicas and objects from the prestigious Benaki Museum. In addition to this, guests can indulge in a lavish shopping spree at the hotel's luxury boutiques, which include Patseas, Cartier, and Chopard.
#FLODown: The Four Seasons Athens Astir Palace is a destination in and of itself, rather than just a place to stay if you want to go sightseeing. Nestled in the breathtaking Athenian Riviera, this hotel offers stunning views and a serene ambiance that is perfect for anyone seeking a getaway from the city's hustle and bustle.
During our stay, we relished every moment, taking advantage of endless dining options, multiple pools, and a gorgeous beachfront that provided an oasis of relaxation and entertainment. While the pricing may be high, the exceptional location, accommodation, and facilities made us feel like it was worth every penny.
The hotel's warm welcome and attentive staff are dedicated to providing a memorable stay. Whether you're exploring the city or spending quality time with your family, the Four Seasons Athens Astir Palace is an ideal base. With something to offer for everyone, regardless of the season, the hotel's exceptional location - just a 30-minute drive to both Athens International Airport and the major sights of Athens - its luxurious amenities, and top-notch service make it a true gem in the Athenian Riviera.
Location: 40 Apollonos Street, Vouliagmeni, Athens, 16671, Greece. Book now.
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