Acrotel Athena Pallas

Acrotel Athena Pallas Village is a beautiful hotel that guests -- mix of couples and families -- enjoy for the solid list of features and relaxing atmosphere. A warm welcome from the staff and upscale surroundings make this a lovely choice for those seeking a laid-back vacation. The lobby makes use of antique furnishings and warm, earthy tones to create a high-end feel. Columns, mosaics, and archways remind guests of the Greek heritage of the hotel, while beautiful furniture, indoor garden spaces, and lovely artwork add a modern feel. A dragon fashioned from driftwood makes for an interesting centerpiece in the lovely space. The grounds are trim and well-kept with tall trees, open grassy spaces, and ocean views from many areas. Guest rooms are spread out on the expansive grounds, with buildings organized in clusters, each near a pool and bar, or a restaurant for a more intimate feeling. 

This hotel is on the western coast of Sithonia, Halkidiki’s central peninsula, between the villages of Nikiti and Neos Marmaras. It is on the main road along the coast, but there’s little nearby besides hotels sprinkled along the coast. Nikiti is an 11-minute drive north of the hotel and Neos Marmaras is a 14-minute drive south; each offers restaurants, shops, and a marina to explore. The hotel runs a shuttle bus to both villages, and guests may catch a public bus from there to reach other areas. The nearest major city is Thessaloniki, a 90-minute drive from the hotel, where travelers will find several restaurants, shops, museums, and historic sites. The Thessaloniki Airport is a 70-minute drive from the hotel, and the port is a 90-minute drive away. 

Standard rooms are small but appealing, with a homey mix of dark-wood furniture and black iron embellishments against a neutral backdrop. An orange chair, painting, and lampshade add pops of color to brighten the space. Beds can be doubles or two twins, and all rooms have a flat-screen TV, min-fridge, safe, and kettle. Suites offer separate living rooms with a sofa bed and a bathtub, plus more modern decor. Bathrooms are tight, equipped with a small vanity and a few shelves for personal items. The shower is a walled-in stall with a handheld showerhead. A hairdryer, robe, and slippers are included, plus free quality toiletries. All have a furnished balcony or terrace with garden, sea, or pool views.

Maisonettes are a lovely upgrade, offering more character with stone walls, exposed wood-beam ceilings, fireplaces, and wood floors. A living room, master bedroom, and loft with single beds make them a good choice for families. Beautiful terraces with sofas and padded wicker chairs are just steps from the pool. Bathrooms have extra counter space and whirlpool tubs. These also come with espresso machines.

This hotel has an excellent range of facilities for relaxation and fun. The main buffet restaurant has a charming, rustic feel with arched doorways, candelabras, and wall sconces, and light fabrics draped from walls and exposed beams on the ceiling. The food gets mixed reviews, mostly for bring lukewarm. Three a la carte restaurants offer Greek and Mediterranean dishes, authentic byzantine cuisine, or Greek specialties in a small, private atmosphere. All rates include breakfast, and both full-board and all-inclusive packages are available.

Three gorgeous outdoor pools are spread out on the property, with rooms clustered so that none are too far from the water. Each of the pools is surrounded by comfortable sunbeds under umbrellas, as well as offering a bar and wading section for children. The pool surrounded by Maisonettes is set aside for the exclusive use of guests in those rooms, giving it a quieter atmosphere. Across the street and down a flight of stairs is a narrow strip of beach, but it is rocky. Farther up the beach at a sister hotel, there is a beach bar, but it is not part of the all-inclusive meal plan. 

A nice array of children’s entertainment is available: A mini-club hosting activities, a theater for kids’ movies, bowling, a game room, and a tired outdoor playground. The full-service spa offers adults some relaxation with massages, beauty treatments, a sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and heated indoor pool, which is available to children at certain times of the day. The spacious fitness room has weight-training equipment and some cardio machines. There’s also a folk art museum on-site for those interested in the history of the region. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though guests report varying reliability.