NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels Hotels in Athens

Review for NYX Esperia Palace Athens – Luxurious Stay with a Few Caveats We stayed at NYX Esperia Palace Athens for four full days – two couples, each in an Executive Suite with access to the business lounge. The welcome was warm and efficient, and we received our rooms exactly at 3:00 PM, as per hotel policy. The suites were clean, stylish, and well-equipped with amenities such as disposable toothbrushes, shaving kits, loofahs, a hairdryer, and more. One of our suites, located on the 7th floor, even had a partial view of the Acropolis, which was a lovely bonus. The room’s climate, lighting, and curtains were all operated through digital controls, designed to pamper guests — although, in practice, they were not very intuitive and required a bit of trial and error. For instance, turning off the bedside light required getting up and walking to a control panel. The TV included Israeli channels (11, 12, and 13), which we appreciated. Breakfast on the 10th floor was excellent, offering a wide variety of high-quality options, and the waiter service was above average. One of the highlights of our stay was the exceptional care provided by Ilia, the hotel's Public Relations Manager. She guided us almost from the moment we arrived until we left — recommending excellent tavernas, booking taxis, restaurants, and arranging a private guided tour. On our last day, we were also warmly greeted by Dionysia in the lounge — charming and attentive. That said, there were some drawbacks: Reception service was inconsistent – not all staff members were welcoming; some appeared cold or offered forced smiles. The business lounge was disappointing – small, crowded, with modest food and drink offerings and uninspiring seating. It felt more like a repurposed room than a proper lounge. The pools require advance reservation, with no room for spontaneity. Usage hours are segmented (e.g., 1–4 PM or 4–7 PM), and spots after 7 PM are very limited. The rooftop pool area is crowded, and the adjacent restaurant is also open to non-guests. Rooftop restaurant experience: One evening we returned from a night out and hoped to enjoy a drink with a view. Although two front-row tables overlooking the Acropolis were available, we were initially told they were reserved. Minutes later, we were informed we could sit there for a €25 minimum spend per person. The sudden shift from ”reserved” to ”available for a price” was off-putting — especially as hotel guests staying in suites. The guided tour recommended by the hotel involved nearly 4 hours of driving during a 5-hour trip, leaving us with very little time at each stop. We suggest skipping it. Bottom line: The hotel is modern, very clean, and the suites are luxurious. Service is mostly excellent, particularly thanks to Ilia and Dionysia. However, don't count on spontaneous access to the pool or rooftop restaurant — enjoying those requires planning ahead, much like booking a theater show. If you value well-designed suites and structured experiences, this hotel may be a great fit. If you’re looking for flexibility and full-day pampering from hotel facilities — you might find it a bit limiting.