Once the grand Odeon Athenaeum, a revered venue built in homage to the legendary Maria Callas, this neoclassical gem has been lovingly reimagined as La Divina—a 12-suite boutique hotel that effortlessly blends Athens’ ancient charm with modern sophistication. Nestled on Adrianou Street in the vibrant neighbourhood of Thissio, La Divina offers a captivating escape with panoramic views of the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the Athens Observatory—landmarks that are as timeless as the building itself.
La Divina Athens
Steeped in history and rich with artistic heritage, the hotel’s transformation from a celebrated music hall to a luxury retreat is a tribute to its musical roots. Each suite is named after a famous opera, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the city’s cultural legacy. Whether you’re indulging in the striking views from your window or strolling through the private courtyard, La Divina envelops visitors in an atmosphere of elegance and tranquillity.
Though intimate in scale, La Divina is undeniably epic. Its prime location places you at the heart of Athens’ vibrant cultural and culinary scene. Just steps from the hotel, you’ll find some of the city’s finest Greek restaurants, chic boutiques, and lively nightlife. After a day of exploring the ancient streets or dining at nearby tavernas, La Divina provides a serene haven where the warm, attentive staff makes every visitor feel like royalty.
It’s no surprise that La Divina has garnered two prestigious Gold Awards this year for Best Greek City Hotel and Best Heritage Hotel. Whether you’re in Athens to soak up the city’s rich history, savour world-class cuisine, or simply unwind in luxury, La Divina promises an unforgettable stay, where every moment is a celebration of the past, present, and future.
Accommodation
If you ask us, we’ll tell you to head straight to The Athens Suite. Spanning 42 square metres (sq.m), it goes the extra mile in comfort and luxury, offering a view of the hotel’s stunning courtyard. The suite particularly exudes a warm, ambient glow with soft lighting, white furnishings, and an invitingly comfortable bed. It’s spacious, spotlessly clean, and elegantly designed—an ideal retreat after a day exploring the lively streets of Athens. Stepping back into the quiet luxury of this room is a refreshing contrast to the city’s bustle, yet the walls, reminiscent of Athens’ rocky hills and historic sites, keep you connected to the spirit of the city.
You can immediately notice the thoughtful touches in The Athens Suite. The bathroom is well-stocked with essentials like makeup wipes, face soap, a shower cap, as well as bathrobes, slippers, and Greek hand wash, shampoo, and conditioner infused with olive oil and mandarin.
The coffee and tea station is equally inviting, offering Greek tea with honey—just like the locals enjoy—and a coffee machine Greek cream milk. These small details show how La Divina is deeply connected to its origins, offering visitors a true taste of Greece. Instead of a generic experience, the hotel’s attention to local products enhances the stay, making it feel personal and full of character.
At La Divina, only one suite is larger—the Adrianou Suite, at 50 sq.m on the first floor, overlooking the lively Adrianou Street itself. Alternatively, on the same floor with the same view, the Junior Suites offer the same amenities, with spaces ranging from 33 to 36 sq.m.
Other suites with special features include a balcony with an outdoor jacuzzi facing the iconic Acropolis—ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring the city. While this is intimate on its own, the Spa Suite spans two floors—the yard-view bedroom on the first, with an indoor private jacuzzi on the ground floor, secluding you completely.
La Divina also offers two room options—the cosy Standard Double Rooms, ranging from 21 to 25 sq.m, as well as the Signature Double Rooms on the second floor, with small verandas opening onto Adrianou Street. No matter which accommodation you choose, all of them include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and complimentary toiletries in the en-suite bathrooms.
Activities and Facilities
La Divina boasts an enviable location, placing visitors just steps from some of Athens’ most iconic attractions. Wander a few paces, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Plaka district—a charming, historic neighbourhood renowned for its cobbled streets, neoclassical architecture, and timeless atmosphere. Visiting Plaka is often described as stepping back in time to a bygone era, where the city’s ancient charm effortlessly mingles with modern life.
Depending on your suite, you may even glimpse the vibrant energy of Adrianou Street, lined with boutique shops, cafés, and street artists offering a taste of the city’s creative pulse. No trip to Athens is complete without a visit to the Acropolis, only a short walk away, where you can explore the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the renowned Acropolis Museum—an essential experience for history lovers and culture seekers alike. As part of the esteemed Aria Hotels collection, staying at La Divina also includes exclusive access to the group’s Tennis Club—the oldest and most prestigious in Greece. With a storied history that includes hosting the tennis competition at the First Olympic Games in 1896 and the Mid-Olympics in 1906, the club’s 120-year-old stadiums and facilities are a testament to its legacy as a pioneer of Greek sport.
For those eager to explore further, consider renting a bike from Athens Bike Tours or hopping aboard the Athens Happy Train. This whimsical, toy-like vehicle offers a fun and unique way to see the city, taking you from Constitution Square (Syntagma) through the historic centre, past old neighbourhoods, and right up to the Acropolis.
No matter which direction you choose to explore from the hotel, there’s always something new to discover. One path leads to the charming streets of the Monastiraki district, with its eclectic souvenir shops and vibrant atmosphere. Another takes you through the bustling flea market, where treasures abound. And for those in search of authentic Greek dining, the surrounding area offers an array of restaurants, many of which feature live music in the evenings, providing an immersive cultural experience.
What we ate in Athens
At La Divina, we were treated to a delightful start to their day with a breakfast served in the hotel’s downstairs restaurant. The traditional Greek breakfast platter is a feast for the senses, featuring local delicacies such as creamy feta cheese, plump olives, golden honey, and crunchy sesame pretzels. With breakfast served until 11:30 a.m., you can indulge in a leisurely morning before setting out to explore Athens.
MAKRIS – Greek cuisine is universally adored for its fresh, vibrant flavours—and for good reason. Just steps from La Divina, one standout dining experience is MARKIS, located in a historic building in Thissio, directly across from the ancient market of the Acropolis. Led by award-winning chef Patron Peter Dimas, MARKIS stands out for its commitment to seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients. The restaurant’s philosophy, which they proudly call gastronomic sustainability, is rooted in the use of produce sourced from their own farm at the foothills of Corinth. The farm features lush greenhouses, orchards, and sprawling vineyards, all contributing to the exquisite food that graces the restaurant’s plates. MARKIS offers a degustation-style dining experience, with three thoughtfully curated tasting menus: Genesis, Utopia, and Physis Vegan. Signature dishes include Silver Cod Carpaccio, Sigklino Ham from Mani, San Michali cheese from Syros, and Red Mullet cooked with its scales—a true celebration of Greece’s rich culinary heritage.
Merceri – Nestled in the heart of Thissio, this fine dining bistro is led by chefs Melina Chomata and Maria Nitoudi, who create exquisite dishes that seamlessly blend the classic with the contemporary. Among their signature creations are the delicate ravioli, sweet lobster, and the Paccherini, a sophisticated dish featuring shrimp, black pork pancetta, orange, bergamot, and trout roe. Their ceviche options are equally impeccable, showcasing the freshest seafood in a modern interpretation of a beloved Greek classic. Like MARKIS, Merceri also offers a seven-course tasting menu, featuring a carefully curated selection of the restaurant’s finest dishes, making it a must-visit for food lovers and connoisseurs.
The epitome of Greek hospitality
Aria Hotels is synonymous with authentic Greek hospitality, offering a curated collection of boutique hotels, residences, and villas in some of the country’s most stunning destinations. From the sun-kissed shores of Crete and the Cyclades to the lush landscapes of Epirus, Evia, and the Ionian Islands, each property reflects Greece’s rich cultural heritage. The group’s philosophy is built on three guiding principles: respect for the environment, a deep appreciation of local culture, and a passion for discovery. Every Aria property is thoughtfully designed to celebrate its unique architectural heritage, ensuring that the essence of its surroundings is preserved while offering modern comforts for today’s discerning traveler.
La Divina Hotel is an ideal embodiment of Athens’ soul, seamlessly blending historical elegance with contemporary luxury. From the stone walls that evoke the city’s ancient hills to the meticulously selected Greek-inspired amenities, every detail is crafted to immerse visitors in the local culture. The hotel’s central location places the best of Athens at your doorstep—whether you’re exploring the vibrant nightlife, wandering through charming markets, or visiting ancient landmarks. Yet, despite its proximity to the city’s energetic pulse, La Divina offers a serene retreat, where attentive service and a tranquil ambiance ensure that you can unwind and recharge after a day of exploration.
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All imagery courtesy of La Divina Athens, MARKIS, and Merceri.