24 Hours at Perianth Hotel, Athens
Athens is always worth a visit. Whether for a spontaneous autumn weekend, a week-long spring holiday exploring the surroundings, or simply a stopover before island-hopping across the Aegean, the Greek capital never loses its appeal. This time, our journey began right in the vibrant heart of Athens’ old town — at the Perianth Hotel, a boutique design hideaway that blends modernist cool with authentic local flair. Despite being located in the middle of it all, the hotel’s surroundings are unexpectedly calm yet effortlessly stylish — with small cafés, lively bars, and excellent restaurants within steps. We arrived by car and were dropped off in a tiny one-way street, slightly confused at first as there were no obvious hotel signs. It was the first day of our holiday, so we took it with a smile, opened Google Maps, and discovered the hotel was only a few steps up the pedestrian street in front of us. That short detour brought us to the charming Erinis Square, a cozy pocket of local life with outdoor tables belonging to the hotel’s Anther Restaurant — a perfect spot for an afternoon drink or a casual dinner under the Athenian sky. Just around the corner, the discreet main entrance led us to the small reception area where we were warmly welcomed and efficiently checked in. Within minutes, we had our keys and were shown the way to the elevators. Boutique hotels in Athens often have an intuitive layout, and Perianth is no exception — effortless, friendly, and relaxed from the very first moment.
A Suite with a View
Our Junior Suite was located on the fifth floor, just beneath the hotel’s exclusive penthouse — the only room on the sixth floor. As soon as we entered, we were greeted by a long hallway that instantly gave the space a residential feel. On the left, a large wardrobe provided ample storage, while to the right, a stylish bar area featured a Nespresso coffee machine and a complimentary minibar stocked exclusively with Greek products. I always appreciate when hotels integrate local brands; it gives an authentic sense of place. The suite opened into a bright, minimalist bedroom that housed a comfortable double bed, a writing desk, a large television, and an armchair with a small coffee table. While I did miss a more extensive seating area — perhaps a sofa — the generous size of the room more than compensated for it. Yet the true highlight of this Junior Suite was not indoors at all: the vast private terrace with panoramic views of the Acropolis and Athens’ old town. In summer, this terrace becomes the living room. We spent much of our time there, listening to Greek music, sipping local beer, and later celebrating the start of our holidays with a chilled bottle of sparkling wine — a thoughtful welcome gift from the hotel. The terrace was almost as large as the bedroom itself, and it transformed our stay from a simple city visit into a serene urban escape above the rooftops of Athens.
Inside, thoughtful details made the suite feel both personal and polished. A handwritten welcome note and a small selection of Greek sweets awaited us on the writing desk — small gestures that truly make a difference. The bathroom, located opposite the bedroom, was beautifully designed: spacious, bright, and equipped with a huge walk-in shower and a large vanity desk. Toiletries were from Grown Alchemist, a high-end natural brand whose scent filled the space with understated sophistication. There was also a complete range of guest amenities — from a toothbrush set to shaving kits — meaning you could forget half your toiletry bag and still be perfectly fine. One detail that deserves praise is the in-room ordering system via the television. Curious, I decided to test it and ordered a bottle of rosé sparkling wine. To my surprise, it was delivered to our room within twenty minutes, without any service charge. It’s rare to see such efficiency and integration work so seamlessly in a boutique property. Despite its central location, the soundproofing at Perianth Hotel was exceptional. Our suite remained perfectly quiet throughout the night — a true luxury in a city as lively as Athens. Having previously stayed in a nearby hotel on a busy street, this peaceful night’s sleep was a pleasant revelation.
Breakfast at Anther
Breakfast is served at Anther Restaurant, the hotel’s elegant ground-floor dining venue that spills out onto Erinis Square. On that late August morning, we had an early ferry to catch, so we arrived at opening time, expecting to be the first guests. To our surprise, a few other early risers — travelers fresh off a red-eye flight — were already waiting. Within half an hour, the restaurant had filled up, proof that a new breed of visitors now prefers to enjoy breakfast early before hiking up to the Acropolis ahead of the midday heat. The breakfast spread was small but well-curated, focusing on quality over quantity. The buffet featured local specialties — freshly baked pies, cheese, olives, Greek yogurt with honey, and seasonal fruit — complemented by an à la carte menu offering several egg dishes including omelettes and scrambled eggs with a variety of toppings. Coffee and juices were served at the table by a charming and efficient team. We opted for the buffet to save time and enjoyed delicious ham and cheese sandwiches, Greek pastries, and a light salad — a refreshing way to start the day, especially if you want to maintain a bit of balance while traveling in Greece (though good luck with that). Had we not been rushing to the port, I would have gladly lingered longer — the atmosphere is inviting, the music mellow, and the natural light streaming through the large windows gives the space a calm morning energy.
Design, Ambience & Location
Beyond the rooms, Perianth Hotel embodies a spirit of understated design luxury. The Bauhaus-inspired architecture and interiors by the Greek design studio K-Studio strike a perfect balance between elegance and minimalism. Terrazzo floors, smooth lines, and warm lighting create a space that feels both contemporary and timeless. The lobby doubles as a stylish lounge, attracting locals and guests alike for afternoon drinks or pre-dinner cocktails. Throughout the property, curated artworks from Greek and international artists add a creative touch — subtle yet engaging. For those who like to stay active, there’s even a small but well-equipped gym — a thoughtful addition for a boutique hotel of this size. Location-wise, Perianth couldn’t be better positioned. Nestled between Monastiraki and Syntagma Square, everything from the Acropolis to Plaka, the Parliament, and countless cafés is within easy walking distance. We spent our evening strolling to the Grande Bretagne Hotel for a sunset drink before heading to our favorite rooftop restaurant in the city, NYX Rooftop, for dinner with breathtaking views.
The Verdict
What makes Perianth Hotel special is not just its design or location — it’s the way these elements come together to create an atmosphere that feels both elegant and effortless. From the warm welcome and thoughtful amenities to the silence of the night and the beauty of that terrace view, everything felt in harmony. The service was genuine and discreet, the architecture quietly stunning, and the experience unmistakably Athenian. Even during the hottest days, the terrazzo-floored interiors remain cool and refreshing, providing a calm retreat from the vibrant energy of the city. If you have the chance to splurge, go for Room 600 — the Penthouse Suite. With its private jacuzzi, panoramic rooftop terrace, and a full-size bar, it’s no wonder this suite is often used for fashion shoots and weekend getaways by local insiders. For most travelers, though, the Junior Suite with Acropolis View hits the perfect balance — spacious, serene, and undeniably stylish. Perianth Hotel embodies what modern Athens is all about: design, culture, light, and effortless hospitality. It’s not just a place to sleep, but a place to feel the rhythm of the city — calm above the chaos, and unmistakably Greek.
