The Ace Hotel & Swim Club has made its stylish debut on the Athenian Riviera, offering a fresh, creative alternative for travellers seeking a blend of work, relaxation, and design. Opened in late 2025, this 120-room property from the hip international chain is quickly establishing itself as a hub for digital nomads, artists, and those looking for a more laidback coastal vibe just a short journey from the Greek capital's ancient heart.
Location & Vibe: Athens' Cool Coastal Outpost
Positioned in the upscale seaside suburb of Glyfada, the hotel is a 30-minute taxi or public transport ride from central Athens and the Acropolis. This location is ideal for visitors prioritising a modern, chilled-out break with easy access to marinas and Aegean beaches over immediate proximity to classical sights. The hotel transforms a 1970s building, complete with a distinctive white-washed facade and cubic balconies, into a space dedicated to cafe culture, poolside lounging, and late-afternoon socialising.
The atmosphere is deliberately relaxed and creative, echoing the vibe of other Ace properties in global cities like Sydney and Kyoto. Turntables and acoustic guitars in rooms, alongside locally sourced art, underscore this ethos. The lobby seamlessly flows into the pool area, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor, where digital nomads mingle with locals over specialty coffees.
Rooms, Dining & Standout Facilities
The hotel's 120 rooms are split across nine distinct styles, from King Poolside rooms to larger Ace Suites. Designed by the Parisian studio Ciguë, they feature a curated, somewhat clinical aesthetic with shell-toned walls, artistic bedspreads, and hemp rugs. Many rooms include balconies with partial sea views over the pool and towards the coast, while green marble bathrooms and the hotel's own branded toiletries add a touch of elegance.
Food and drink options are a highlight, catering to all-day grazing. The ground-floor restaurant, Sebastian, serves a French-American menu with Mediterranean influences, while the rooftop Sora offers modern Pan-Asian cuisine. Breakfast is a contemporary affair at Sebastian, and the all-day Good Chemistry cafe handles takeaway needs. The 1970s-inspired pool, or 'Swim Club', is the social heart of the hotel, complete with a hot tub, loungers, and a vibrant bar terrace that gets lively on summer evenings.
Practical Details for Travellers
Service throughout is noted as polished, friendly, and in tune with the hotel's easygoing style. Staff are knowledgeable about the local area's hipster hangouts. For those needing to work, reliable wifi and ample communal spaces are provided, alongside a well-equipped gym.
The hotel is accessible, with wheelchair-friendly rooms, elevators, and ramps. It is also pet-friendly, welcoming animals up to 25kg for a fee of £22 per day, per pet. Check-in is from 3 pm, with check-out at noon. While families are accommodated, the overall ambience leans more towards adult-cool than kid-centric.
In summary, the Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens is perfect for style-loving travellers and remote workers who want a creative, social base on the Riviera, without being in the thick of the city's tourist crowds. It is less ideal for those whose primary goal is to be within walking distance of the Acropolis and other central ancient monuments.
