With the holiday season in full swing in Athens, Isrotel’s international hotel brand ALUMA just recently launched its third hotel in the Greek capital. Adia Hotel, located in the heart of Athens’s historic triangle, joins the brand’s Skylark and Anise hotels in welcoming the many Israeli tourists visiting the city.
Athens, popular year-round among Israelis looking for a quick and inexpensive getaway for tourism or shopping, becomes even more appealing when the rest of Europe drops to lower temperatures. This winter season, travelers looking for a magical holiday experience can enjoy the luxurious hospitality of this new five-star hotel.
In a city famous for its ancient history, Adia’s sleek, modern aesthetic forms an interesting contrast. Marketed as part of the Curio Collection in collaboration with the Hilton brand, the hotel has 215 rooms and suites of various sizes, some including balconies, with options suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families.
All rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, complimentary toiletries, and an espresso machine so you can have coffee or tea at any hour of the day. Adia’s signature fragrance permeates every room, which enhances the experience for some but might be too much for anyone sensitive to strong scents.
Though there was plenty to see around Athens during my short stay there and I wanted to make the most of every hour, I also appreciated returning to my hotel room at night and enjoying its luxurious accommodations, including the spacious rain shower and plush bed with its collection of oversized pillows.
A luxurious experience with all the amenities
Adia also offers a wide range of amenities around the hotel, such as their Wellness and Fitness Center, which features a small gym, a spa with a variety of treatments and massages, a sauna, and a relaxation room, so you can pamper yourself in between sightseeing or shopping trips.
For those coming to the city on business, Adia offers both a spacious conference hall and an intimate meeting room, accommodating any need.
And, of course, let’s not forget about the food, which is a significant aspect of any vacation. Adia’s ground-floor restaurant serves a rich breakfast buffet daily, with fresh breads, pastries, and cakes; salad and yogurt bars with a range of options; and an omelet station that also serves roasted vegetables. The menu combines local cuisine and Israeli-inspired dishes for a culinary experience that will please even the pickiest eaters.
As a vegetarian, I found plenty of delicious options for a hearty, protein-packed breakfast, giving me the energy to walk around the city for hours on end. As another bonus, the buffet coffee machine is equipped with both ceramic cups and disposable ones, allowing you to have your morning coffee and then grab another for the road as you set off on the day’s adventure.
A second restaurant is located on the hotel’s rooftop, along with a bar that overlooks the city and features a view of the Acropolis, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The evening that I dined there happened to be a rainy one, but when the weather is pleasant, you can enjoy dinner and drinks next to the pool, surrounded by picturesque vegetation.
Religious travelers looking for kosher options can arrange meals at the nearby Chabad of Athens or visit the kosher restaurant adjacent to it.
For visitors who are looking for a different sort of accommodation experience, ALUMA’s Skylark and Anise hotels, located right near Adia, ensure there is something for every taste.
Skylark, which was the first hotel of the ALUMA chain, is centrally located in Omonoia Square, close to the National Archaeological Museum and Lycabettus Hill – a beautiful place for a nature hike that brings you to a viewing area with a panorama of the city. Combining a vibrant, contemporary design and retro décor, Skylark is a visual delight. Its rooftop offers beautiful panoramic views of Athens and the Acropolis and is the perfect place for a sunset cocktail.
For those who prefer a more rustic vibe, Anise is an intimate boutique hotel located in a historic building. Characterized by its cozy rooms, nature-inspired colors, and exposed concrete ceilings, Anise would be the setting of choice for any solo writer looking for inspiration.
According to Moshe Ben Hayun, CEO of the ALUMA chain: “Athens is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe. A city that combines culture, cuisine, nightlife, and shopping, with pleasant weather even in winter. In December and January, it puts on a holiday and offers a European winter experience just a short flight from Israel. The opening of the Adia Hotel is part of the ALUMA chain’s establishment in Athens, alongside the Skylark and Anise hotels, which together offer a wide range of accommodation experiences in the city, from luxurious urban to intimate boutique.”
As a first-time visitor to Athens, I was delighted with how conveniently located the Adia Hotel was, within walking distance of the city’s main shopping areas, cultural attractions, and historic sites such as the Acropolis, allowing me to use my own two feet as my only mode of transportation throughout my stay.
Experiencing Athens during the winter season is particularly special. The festive atmosphere of the holiday season already enveloped the city over Black Friday weekend, with twinkling lights and colorful décor draping the streets in preparation for Christmas and New Year celebrations, when Athens becomes home to a variety of holiday markets.
The winter season in Athens is comparatively warm when coming from Jerusalem, allowing you to spend hours outdoors, exploring all its beauty.
Walking only a few minutes brings you to Monastiraki Square and various flea markets, interspersed with ancient archaeological features such as Hadrian’s Library, the Ancient Agora of Athens, the Roman Agora, and other cultural and historical landmarks. The neighborhood also features a rich variety of bars, taverns, and cafés, offering both authentic local experiences and international cuisine.
Other nearby attractions include the Hellenic Parliament, where you can watch the hourly changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; the Athens National Garden, where you can discover ancient Roman ruins and mosaics or relax at the duck pond; and the Presidential Mansion.
Of course, a trip to Athens isn’t complete without visiting the Acropolis, home to the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Parthenon, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Erechtheion. Although it is generally recommended to purchase advance tickets for the Acropolis’s hourly entry slots, in the wintertime, it is possible to buy tickets on the spot without waiting more than a few minutes.
All in all, Adia Hotel provided both a pampering accommodation experience and an ideal base from which to explore the charm of Athens. If you’re looking to make a quick wintertime getaway and experience the European holiday season, Adia will ensure your stay is delightful.
The writer was a guest of the hotel.