The Dolli at Acropolis hotel review: an exuberant, arty abode in Athens
From the curvy sirens flanking the ornate 1920s façade, to the lofty lobby with its colossal crystals and avant-garde art haul, it's clear that the Dolli was built to be admired. Since its 2023debut in the historic, pedestrianised Plaka neighbourhood, this spirited neoclassical diva from Grecotel — one of the country's largest hotel groups — has moved the needle for what you might expect from a high-end boutique hotel in the Greek capital. These are flamboyant lodgings that will appeal most to the culturati, the design-mad and anyone who appreciates the finer things in life and doesn't mind forking out for the privilege. Service is great (although the front desk can appear overstretched at peak times, especially during check-in).
In the luminous white marble lobby, guests survey original moulded ceilings and whimsical animal sculptures by Les Lalanne from shapely bouclé sofas, or help themselves to dainty petit fours from the complimentary patisserie. However, the true magic unfolds on the rooftop, where you can paddle in a shimmering infinity pool in which the Parthenon appears to hover on the surface, enjoy masterly European eats at the panoramic restaurant or play spot the landmark at sunset (hello, Acropolis, Roman Agora and National Observatory of Athens) with cocktail in hand.
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Score 7/10Of the 46 rooms in this five-storey listed hotel, only ten will get you that coveted Parthenon view (you have to be on the third floor or higher). However, no matter where your budget lands you there will be soaring ceilings, gleaming marble bathrooms — some with high-tech Japanese toilets — and a restful cream decor as a welcome counterpoint to the roar of Athens.
Accommodation options are many and varied, from bijou doubles facing the atrium (best suited to solo travellers) and roomy junior suites with Juliet balconies overlooking the city, to arty pied-à-terre apartments with spacious sitting and dining areas, plus the chance to lap up Acropolis views from your vast walk-in rain shower. Some suites can also be combined with other rooms to accommodate larger families or groups. Light sleepers might want to avoid the rooms fronting buzzy Mitropoleos Street.
The welcome treat of a whole traditional Bundt cake is a classy touch. While the Dolli doesn't scream 'family-friendly', it's not entirely off limits to those travelling with children, as cots, highchairs and a babysitting service are all available on request. But let's be honest, the main game here is grown-up indulgence rather than catering to little ones — save this one for a romantic getaway or sophisticated girls' trip.
Score 9/10The Dolli's all-day rooftop restaurant could just dine out on its view over classical Athens, but it backs this up with a polished (and pricey) continental and Greek medley: sushi or chargrilled octopus salad for lunch; lobster linguine or rosemary lamb for dinner; strawberry tart or baklavas for dessert.
The included breakfast spread is also served on the rooftop and is laden with temptation: berry-topped cheesecakes, rice puddings, warm spanakopita, champagne and bloody mary stations and pots of Cretan thyme honey or fig marmalade to slather over fresh bread, pastries and cheeses brought to your table on a tiered stand. You can also choose one à la carte option. Our picks? The traditional breakfast dish of strapatsada (scrambled eggs, tomato, feta and oregano) and eggs benny with salmon and black truffle.
Downstairs a decadent afternoon tea is rolled out daily for a mostly international crowd (it isn't really a thing for late-lunching Greeks), in either the grand Palm Court-style lobby or the more intimate wood-panelled library. Must-tries are the sea bass and green apple canapés, the galaktopoureko (essentially, a Greek custard slice) and the bitter chocolate infusion.
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Score 7/10Guests generally make a beeline for that spectacular pool deck, which can make things a bit tricky come high season. There are no sunloungers, only a compact lounge area that is more suited to coffee and cocktails than daylong hanging at the pool.
Art buffs can ask staff for a private tour of the hotel's rich collection, and if you haven't already smashed your daily step tally exploring the city's relics there's a state-of-the-art basement gym kitted out with Netflix and air conditioning.
Score 10/10Ruins, museums, flea markets, Byzantine cathedrals and picture-perfect Anafiotika — a hilly enclave of whitewashed houses, dozing cats and painted doors — are all nearby. Leafy squares lined with touristy tavernas and lively side streets with authentic wine bars humming with off-duty Athenians are all on tap thanks to the Dolli's location right at the mouth of vibrant Plaka. Into shopping? Ermou Street, Athens's answer to Oxford Street, is just a block away. From there, brand hunters can stroll five minutes to the upmarket Voukourestiou and Stadiou streets in Kolonaki, and stay on to see the slow-motion Evzones perform their hourly changing-the-guard ceremony outside the Greek parliament.
On day one get your bearings by walking down nearby Adrianou Street, the central artery of Plaka where contemporary designers and concept stores share space with souvenir hawkers, leather and jewellery merchants and gelato bars. Then tick off the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum from your list (a 15-minute walk will get you to both) — they're popular for a reason.
Price B&B doubles from £424 Restaurant mains from £37Family-friendly Y Accessible Y
Amanda Dardanis was a guest of the Dolli at Acropolis (thedolli.com)
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