Zeus Essence Athens Central, Former Athens Key Exterior photo This photo shows a stylish outdoor restaurant or cafe terrace. The terrace is paved with light-colored stone and is lined with a low wall overlooking a cityscape. 

The space is furnished with numerous small, square tables with white marble tops and Zeus Essence Athens Central, Former Athens Key Exterior photo The photo shows a corner of a hotel room. The main focus is a bed with white linens and a brown headboard featuring a patterned design of brown and beige leaves.  A dark brown curtain hangs in front of a window, partially covering it. A portion of a Zeus Essence Athens Central, Former Athens Key Exterior photo The photo captures a rooftop scene, likely a restaurant or lounge, with a stunning view of the Acropolis in the background. The sky is a beautiful mix of blues and soft, warm light, suggesting either sunrise or sunset. 

The foreground is dominated b
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From170US$ /night
Check-in
02Jun2026Select date
Check-out
03Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

12 Chalkokondili, Athens, Greece, 10677
-
Near Omonia Square
Great
8.1
8.7
/10
3.9
4.6
/5

Amenities

Zeus Essence Athens Central, formerly Athens Key, offers 77 state-of-the-art rooms equipped with modern furniture and essential comforts. Guests can enjoy an amply-equipped gym area and a rooftop bar-restaurant with views of the Acropolis and Lycabettus hill. The hotel also provides 24-hour reception, concierge services, and a pillow menu for a personalized experience.

Rooms

The hotel accommodates a variety of guests with single, classic double, superior double, deluxe double, executive double, and suite options. Each room features comfortable bedding, an espresso machine, and luxurious bathroom amenities to enhance the stay. Large windows offer picturesque views of the city skyline and natural light.

Location

Located near significant museums, prominent landmarks, and bustling commercial streets, the hotel is a central point for urban exploration. Famous attractions such as the Acropolis and Monastiraki Flea Market are within easy walking distance. Omonoia metro station nearby offers quick access to other areas of interest in Athens.

Dining

The rooftop bar-restaurant offers a breakfast buffet, energizing cocktails, and a selection of Greek and international dishes. Diners can enjoy meals paired with mesmerizing city views, showcasing Athens' vibrant atmosphere. The culinary experience is enhanced with locally sourced ingredients and delightful combinations.

Wellness and Services

An amply-equipped gym area lets guests maintain their fitness routine during their stay. The hotel provides 24-hour room service, laundry and dry-cleaning services, and airport transfers, catering to various traveler needs. A business center and entertainment room add convenience for business or leisure travelers.

Highlights

Location: Central point for urban exploration

Rooms: 77 state-of-the-art rooms

Dining: Rooftop bar-restaurant

Services: 24-hour room service and concierge

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the Acropolis Museum for stunning artifacts and views.
  • Savor a traditional Bougatsa pastry at the local bakery, Fokas.
  • Explore the vibrant Varvakeios Agora market for local delicacies.
  • Catch a performance at the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
  • Stroll through the charming neighborhood of Plaka for unique shops.
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Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
Classic Double Room
2 persons
2 Single beds or 1 Double bed
City view
Suite
2 persons
1 King-size bed
City view
Superior Double Room
2 persons
1 Double bed
City view
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
2 Single beds or 1 Double bed
City view
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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
Facilities: Great
8.2/10Review score

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

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

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

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Children

  • Babysitting/Child services
  • Children's buffet

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Terrace
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Sink

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock
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Dining Onsite

At Zeus Essence Athens Central, Former Athens Key, guests can indulge in a delightful culinary landscape that spans from breakfast to dinner. The dining experience features authentic flavors and inviting settings that cater to any palate, ensuring nourishment at every hour of the day.

Restaurant #1

International dining with local influences
Ambiance
A welcoming interior space that combines modern elegance with traditional Greek charm, perfect for relaxed meals at any time of day.
Key Offerings
Savor hearty breakfasts, indulgent brunches, and carefully curated lunch and dinner menus that showcase the best of local ingredients in a vibrant atmosphere.
Reservation
Recommended
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner; hours may vary.

Zeus Essence Athens Central, Former Athens Key Location

12 Chalkokondili, Athens, Greece, 10677
Map view
12 Chalkokondili, Athens, Greece, 10677
Nearby
28is Oktovriou 44
National Archaeological Museum
2000 ft
Museum
Hellenic Motor Museum
2000 ft
Museum
Epigraphical Museum
2000 ft
Restaurants
Kriti
300 ft
5 Veranzerou Kaniggos Square
Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani
3200 ft
Sokrates 1 Evripidou 52
Geonas Restaurant
300 ft
1 Davaki Str. & 28is Oktovriou Str. Psychiko
Restaurant Polis Grand Hotel
400 ft
19 Veranzerou Polis Grand Hotel
Mezedopoleion Ellinikon
500 ft
Kaniggos 8
To Rodon
500 ft
Kaniggos 8 St. Next to Kaniggos Square.300 meters from Omonoia Square.
To Navagio ton Aggelon
600 ft
Stournari 41
Dealsrestaurantathens
800 ft
Kapodistriou Ave
O Andreas
600 ft
Themistokleous 18 Omonoia
Beer Acadamy
1000 ft
Stournari 29
Explore Athens
Activities and Dining Near Zeus Essence Athens Central
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
National Archaeological Museum
National Archaeological Museum
8 minutes' walk
Renowned for its vast collection of ancient artifacts, it's a must-see for history enthusiasts. Free admission on select days.
Museum of the City of Athens
Museum of the City of Athens
10 minutes' walk
Showcases the history of Athens from its foundation. Features engaging exhibits and guided tours available on weekends.
Temple of Hephaestus
Temple of Hephaestus
17 minutes' walk
A well-preserved ancient temple located in the Ancient Agora, offering stunning architecture and historical insights.
Acropolis Museum
Acropolis Museum
25 minutes' walk
Home to key archaeological finds from the Acropolis, this museum provides a modern take on ancient Greek history.
Outdoor Evening Yoga
12 minutes' walk
Relax with outdoor yoga classes held in nearby parks. Perfect for all levels, providing a rejuvenating experience after a busy day.
Bike Rentals
10 minutes' walk
Explore Athens on two wheels with bike rentals nearby. Ideal for those seeking an active way to see the city's attractions.
Hiking Mount Lycabettus
30 minutes' walk
A popular local spot for thrill-seekers, offering hiking trails with panoramic views of the city at the summit.
Kriti
Kriti
1 minute' walk
Local Cretan cuisine with fresh ingredients. Offers a warm atmosphere, perfect for casual dining or quick lunches.
Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani
Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani
12 minutes' walk
A delicatessen and restaurant famous for its cured meats and cheeses, serving flavorful meze dishes in a lively setting.
Restaurant Polis Grand Hotel
Restaurant Polis Grand Hotel
2 minutes' walk
Elegant dining with Mediterranean cuisine and an extensive wine list. Ideal for special occasions with a sophisticated ambiance.
Gazi Music Hall
15 minutes' drive
A lively venue with live music performances in various genres, hosting both local and international acts frequently.
Athens Concert Hall
20 minutes' drive
A hub for high-profile events, offering a schedule filled with concerts, ballets, and operas, suitable for all ages.
Plaka Nightlife
25 minutes' walk
Dive into Athen's vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and taverns in the charming Plaka neighborhood, perfect for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Athens6 min  ·  1700 ft
Airports
Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)51 min  ·  21.1 mi
Train
Victoria Railway Station10 min  ·  2700 ft
Underground
Omonia Metro5 min  ·  1400 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
from 11:00-12:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of EUR 10 per person per day. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
German, Greek
Number of floors:
9
Number of rooms:
81
Former name
athens key hotel, trademark collection by wyndham

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently highlight the spacious rooms at Zeus Essence Athens Central. The hotel's proximity to Omonia Station makes exploring the city convenient. The breakfast receives positive feedback for its variety, though some guests have mentioned the coffee quality could be improved, as the in-room coffee is better. A rooftop bar offers views of the Acropolis.
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Review score
Based on 732 verified reviews
8.1/10
Great
80%
Recommend
Free Wi-Fi
9.1/10
Staff
9.0/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.1/10
Breakfast
8.0/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Comfortable bed
Rooftop view
Cons
Constant noise
Poor elevators
Unrepaired malfunction
Guest reviews
based on 732 reviews
8.1/10
based on 1083 reviews
8.1/10
Liam from Ireland
Single
Deluxe Double Room City View
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 26, 2026
9/10

Solid Place to STAY

spacious roomcoffee machinelocal products
The room given was very SPACIOUS. There were provided amenities like a coffee machine. Breakfast had great variety with many local products.
No complaints at all
0 Helpful
Reese from United States
Family with children
Deluxe Double Room City View
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:October 29, 2025
6/10

Acceptable Stay

rooftop restauranthelpful staffsmall roomdeserted area
The rooftop restaurant had a nice atmosphere. The staff were helpful (especially Christian at reception).
The location is not ideal. I found the area quite deserted at night, and I didn't feel very comfortable walking alone. The room was also very small.
0 Helpful
Parker from United States
Family with children
Superior Double Room City View
4 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:September 05, 2025
6/10
enough varietyfailed air conditioningunresponsive front desk
the breakfast was acceptable. it had a enough variety.
i was really mad when air conditioning failed in my room. no one at the front desk responded and phones were disconnected. the manager never checked in at any point and this made me furious. i paid way too much for my stay and did not receive the service i expected.
0 Helpful
Aiden from Ireland
Family with children
Superior Double Room City View
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:August 24, 2025
5/10
rooftop viewfaulty air conditioningunresponsive staff
the breakfast was acceptable with a view of the acropolis from the rooftop.
The air conditioning in my room did not work at all. The front desk was unresponsive to my requests. the phone in the room was disconnected. It was a very hot day. the manager did not address the issue .
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About Zeus Essence Athens Central, Former Athens Key
Is the rooftop bar open in early April, and does it offer both covered and open-air seating options?
5 April 2024
The rooftop restaurant and bar are open year-round, providing both covered and open-air seating for guests to enjoy.
Are hair dryers available in the rooms?
15 May 2024
Yes, each room is equipped with a hair dryer for guest convenience.
Does the Deluxe Double Room include any outdoor seating on the balcony?
20 June 2024
The Deluxe Double Room features a small balcony, though it does not include any chairs or tables.
Can airport transfer arrangements be made in advance?
25 July 2024
Yes, airport transfer arrangements can be set up with prior notice.
Is luggage storage available if I need to leave my bags after check-out?
10 August 2024
Luggage storage services are available for guests who wish to store their bags after check-out.
Is there a fitness center available for guests?
2 September 2024
Yes, there is a gym facility available for guests to maintain their fitness routines.
Is it possible to check in before the official check-in time?
18 October 2024
Check-in typically starts from 15:00, but early check-ins are subject to room availability.
What is the cost of the airport bus to Syntagma Square?
22 November 2024
The airport bus ticket to Syntagma Square costs approximately 10 euros.
What parking options are available near the hotel?
3 December 2024
There is free public parking available near the hotel, and a private parking facility is located just a few minutes away.
Are toiletries provided in the rooms?
10 January 2025
Yes, a range of toiletries including soap, shampoo, and dental kits is provided for guests' convenience.

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