Live prices for your dates · free cancellation on many rooms

Hotel · Athens · Attica

Zeus Essence Athens Central, Former Athens Key

A 5-star stay in central Athens with a rooftop restaurant, fitness centre, and a location that puts the city within easy reach.

  • Rooftop restaurant with Acropolis views
  • Fitness centre and 24-hour reception
  • Central Athens, 5-minute walk to Omonia Metro
8.1 Great 1183 reviews Booking.com 8.1 · 1183 reviews

About

Zeus Essence Athens Central, Former Athens Key

Zeus Essence Athens Central, Former Athens Key, is a 5-star property on Chalkokondili Street in Athens. It places you about a 25-minute walk from the Temple of Olympian Zeus and a 5-minute walk from Omonia Metro Station, making it a practical base for exploring the city.

The hotel offers a fitness centre, a nightclub, and a terrace. Rooms vary from Classic Doubles to Suites, many with city views. The rooftop restaurant is a highlight, serving breakfast and dinner with views of the Acropolis.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Rooftop dining with Acropolis views — The rooftop restaurant is repeatedly called out by guests for its fine views of the Acropolis, enjoyed during both breakfast and dinner.
  • Central location near Omonia — A 5-minute walk to Omonia Metro Station and close to the National Theatre of Greece and the Epigraphical Museum, the hotel is well placed for exploring Athens.
  • Friendly and helpful staff — Guests consistently describe the staff as amicable, friendly, and attentive, with specific praise for service at the front desk.
  • Comfortable and well-equipped rooms — Rooms are described as spacious and comfortable, with amenities like a work desk, tea/coffee facilities, and satellite TV.

Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Room and cleanliness scores are lower — While overall rating is 8.1, the 'Rooms and cleanliness' category sits at 7, suggesting some inconsistency in upkeep.
  • Dining receives mixed feedback — The 'Dining' category is also 7, and one review rated the rooftop restaurant experience 7 out of 10, indicating that while views are praised, the food may not always impress.
  • Check-in window is limited — Check-in is only available between 15:00 and 23:59, which may be inconvenient for late arrivals.
  • No parking and no pets — The hotel does not offer on-site parking and does not allow pets, which could be a drawback for some travellers.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Classic Double Room

  • 2 Single beds or 1 Double bed,2 Single beds

Deluxe Double Room

  • 2 Single beds or 1 Double bed,2 Single beds,1 King-size bed
  • City view
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Shower
  • Private bathroom

Superior Double Room

  • 1 Double bed,2 Single beds,1 King-size bed
  • City view
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Shower
  • Private bathroom

Executive Twin Room

  • 2 Single beds,1 Double bed,1 King-size bed
  • City view
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Shower
  • Private bathroom

King Suite

  • 1 King-size bed

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Lift
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink
  • Babysitting/Child services

Food & Drink

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • In-room breakfast
  • Children's buffet

Room Amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities
  • Free toiletries
  • Sink
  • Electric kettle
  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Leisure

  • Terrace
  • Nightclub
  • Fitness centre

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.1
Great 1183 reviews

Guest-rated 8.1/10 from 1,183 reviews

Booking.com · 8.1 · 1183 reviews
Rooms and cleanliness7.0
Location8.0
Dining7.0
Price and service8.0
8.1Verified guest

“I booked a spacious room with all the amenities and a very comfortable bed.”

8.1Verified guest

“A great and absolutely amazing hotel, my first choice in Athens. Fairly clean place with city views and amicable and super friendly staff.”

8.1Verified guest

“The rooftop restaurant offered amazing views of the city, making for a fine dining experience.”

8.1Verified guest

“Fairly clean and amazing place, amicable staff. Location - marvellous, not far from a boulevard, the main tourist areas of the city and Athens city center. Besides, easy access to Epigraphical Museum.”

8.1Verified guest

“Excellent location, just a 5-minute walk to transport. The rooftop restaurant offers fine views of the Acropolis.”

8.1Verified guest

“We enjoyed our stay with spacious rooms, and the location was perfect for visiting the National Theatre of Greece. The breakfast was lovely, with friendly staff making it a good experience. We also appreciated the complimentary water and coffee maker in our room.”

04 — Location

Getting around Athens

The property sits in Athens.

How far is the hotel from the Temple of Olympian Zeus?: The Temple of Olympian Zeus is about a 25-minute walk from the hotel.

How close is the nearest metro?: Omonia Metro Station is a 5-minute walk away.

12 Chalkokondili, Athens, Attica, 10677, Greece

Open in Google Maps

05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 15:00-23:59
Check-out
By 11:00-12:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
81 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 15:00 to 23:59, and check-out is from 11:00 to 12:00.

Does the hotel have parking?

The hotel does not list any on-site parking options.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are not allowed at the hotel.

What dining options are available?

The hotel has a restaurant and a bar/lounge area, and in-room breakfast is available. The rooftop restaurant offers views of the Acropolis.

Is there a fitness centre?

Yes, the hotel has a fitness centre.

What amenities are in the rooms?

Rooms come with air conditioning, heating, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee facilities, and free toiletries, among others. Some rooms also have a city view.

The bottom line

Zeus Essence Athens Central is a solid 5-star choice for travellers who prioritise location and rooftop views over interior polish. The central position near Omonia and the memorable Acropolis-view breakfast make it a good base for a first-time visit to Athens, but those expecting flawless rooms or gourmet dining might find it falls short.

8.1A practical central stay with a standout rooftop.

Ready to book Zeus Essence Athens Central, Former Athens Key?

Tap through and we’ll open our booking partner’s site, with live prices and availability for your exact dates.

No payment on this site — you complete the booking on our partner’s site.