Athens, Greece, is known as one of the world’s oldest cities, with a history that dates back thousands of years. Though there are many reasons to visit Athens, its history draws tourists from all over the world who want to explore popular ancient attractions such as the Acropolis.
When searching for accommodations in a city like Athens, modern travelers like myself have demands that don’t always line up with the design of historic buildings in older European cities like Athens. However, Adia Aluma Athens, Curio Collection by Hilton, surprisingly met and exceeded my travel needs, creating a space that felt new in a historic city.
Situated within the constructs of the 1971 building, this hotel was recently renovated and opened earlier this year. Adia Aluma Athens delivered a sophisticated, stylish, and luxurious atmosphere for my stay in this ancient city. From location to vibrant & modern touches to upgraded amenities that actually matter, here’s how Adia Aluma Athens made my stay in Athens feel complete.
What modern travelers actually want
A comfy bed and a spacious hotel room are always nice to have — yet these demands aren’t always at the top of the modern traveler’s wishlist. The needs of today’s traveler have evolved, placing a heavier emphasis on on-site amenities such as gyms & fitness centers, a modern, upgraded atmosphere, and food quality, presentation, and ambiance.
Per recent data from Hilton, 47% of travelers said having physical wellness amenities (gyms, etc.) will be top of mind when choosing where to stay. Other factors also play into travel decisions more so today, such as flexible layouts and hotel designs that reflect local character, according to the International Hospitality Institute.
How Adia Aluma Athens delivers
During my stay at Adia Aluma Athens, Curio Collection by Hilton, I found everything I was looking for in a stay for my Athens trip. Having just opened in July of 2025, Adia Aluma Athens checked all the boxes for me, offering a modern spot to stay within this old city. The nine-story hotel features 215 rooms and suites and has a nice mix of both leisure and business travelers.
As I roamed the stairways, I found myself noticing unique design details that made the place feel special, such as lighted pathways and hanging floor number sizes. While inside this hotel, you can almost forget that you’re in a city that’s over 5,000 years old. During my short stay here, I interacted with guests traveling from all over the world.
Location, location, location
As cliché as it sounds, it’s important to think” location, location, location” when selecting where to stay in Athens. The location of your hotel matters a great deal to your enjoyment throughout your stay. This hotel is located outside the historical centre of Athens, offering convenient walkability to the Acropolis, the Roman Agora, Syntagma Square, and Monastiraki Square.
If you value walkability while traveling like I do, you’ll love that you can walk nearly anywhere you want to go in Athens from this spot. If you prefer to take a cab around town, everything is located just a few-minute drive away.
Upgraded fitness center
Hotel fitness centers are perhaps the biggest gamble when staying at a 5-star hotel. You truly never know what you’ll get (and if they’ll have the type of equipment you want to get a well-rounded workout in). I’ve found that many 5-star hotels are so focused on offering a high-end lobby feeling and atmosphere that they often neglect the
I especially appreciated the strong focus on weight-lifting equipment in this fitness center, as a visit to Athens already includes lots of walking. After logging 25,000 to 30,000 steps every day, the last thing I wanted to do was hit the treadmill. Instead, I focused on short workouts on the various weight machines throughout the center — something most hotel
Lively rooftop atmosphere
For some travelers, a hotel serves as nothing more than a place to stay, shower, and sleep. For others, however, a hotel serves as “home base” — a place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the city. Adia Aluma Athens offered a beautiful rooftop pool, bar, and restaurant with great panoramic views of the Acropolis and the city. I enjoyed hanging out in this space in both the mornings and evenings, which felt like a cozy place to start and end my day.
Food & drink
From the handcrafted cocktails at the rooftop bar to the delicious Greek-inspired breakfast buffet, the food and drink at Adia Aluma Athens were also impressive. If you enjoy hanging out, dining, and drinking at your hotel, you won’t be disappointed with the selection at this lively spot. Unlike other hotels I’ve stayed at in major cities where there are no guests in sight, guests here make great use of the lounge spaces in the lobby and on the rooftop.
You’ll even find many people gathering around the “coffee shop” area located right off the lobby. In the morning, this area is open for use with two self-serve espresso machines to make your own coffee to fuel your day. As a coffee fanatic, I liked the ability to prepare my own coffee before heading out to explore Athens each day. Each guest room also has a Nespresso machine, but I preferred to utilize the coffee bar area.
