Best Hotel in Athens

The Athens Chronicle Honors The Athenian as the Best Hotel in Athens, Georgia

When it comes to hospitality that blends soul, story, and sophistication, no place captures the spirit of Athens, Georgia, quite like The Athenian. That’s why the Athens Chronicle is proud to present the 2025 Best Hotel in Athens Award to this stunning boutique inn that has redefined what it means to stay in the Classic City.

Located at 347 W. Hancock Avenue, The Athenian is far more than just a place to rest your head—it's an immersive experience. It represents a perfect harmony between historic architecture, modern amenities, and local artistry, making it the new crown jewel of Athens’ lodging scene.

A Legacy Reimagined

Originally built in 1846 by Stevens Thomas, a University of Georgia graduate, the building that now houses The Athenian has lived many lives. From a tuberculosis hospital to a YWCA boarding home, from fraternity housing to commercial office space, the walls of this Greek Revival beauty hold generations of stories.

In 2022, a visionary team—Lauren and Chad Brown along with Reign and Monica Huff Streiter—purchased the property and saw not just what it was, but what it could become: a boutique inn unlike anything Athens had ever seen.

The Athenian officially opened in September 2024, and in less than a year, it has already become Athens’ most talked-about and beloved hotel.

Boutique by Design, Individual by Nature

The word “boutique” gets thrown around a lot in hospitality, but at The Athenian, it’s lived in every detail. With 11 uniquely designed guest suites, each named after a Greek god or goddess, The Athenian offers a one-of-a-kind experience that is rich in character, meaning, and visual storytelling.

Each room has a distinct personality. The Hera Suite, for example, serves as a gorgeous bridal suite, drenched in soft pinks and greens and bathed in light and elegance. Meanwhile, the Ares Room nods to the bold spirit of the UGA Bulldogs, blending red, black, and white in subtle sophistication.

Interior designer Everett King Waldrep, a UGA alumna, brought the inn’s vision to life with creative flair and an eye for emotion. From custom curtain prints featuring cherubs carrying Little Italy pizza and Creature Comforts beer, to nods to Sanford Stadium, the Arch, and the Chapel Bell, the décor is as clever as it is charming. Guests are encouraged to look closely—Easter eggs abound.

Merging Old Athens with New Hospitality

What sets The Athenian apart even further is its tech-forward approach to hospitality. There’s no check-in desk, no bustling lobby, and no need for a concierge. Instead, guests are given their own private access code, allowing for a seamless, touchless check-in and check-out experience.

As owner Lauren Brown explained, the goal was to make the experience “as easy and painless as possible so that people can just focus on enjoying the city of Athens.” And that’s exactly what happens.

Guests have espresso machines in every room, luxurious robes, and carefully selected mattresses for peak comfort. Every detail is intentional, down to the complimentary snacks and drinks, replenished daily by the owners themselves.

The inn accommodates up to 26 guests, making it perfect for small group gatherings, wedding parties, or weekend getaways.

A Home for Community

While each room is its own chapter in The Athenian’s storybook, the communal lounge is the heart of the narrative.

Located at the front of the inn, the lounge invites guests to sit, sip, and socialize. Whether it’s a morning coffee shared between strangers or an impromptu wine night during a UGA parents’ weekend, the space has quickly become a gathering point for conversation and connection.

“We’ve had guests become friends during their stay,” said Brown. “That typically wouldn’t happen in a standard hotel.”

This spirit of community and shared experience reflects the very essence of Athens—creative, open-hearted, and welcoming.

Location, Location, Location

It wouldn’t be a true Athens gem without a prime location, and The Athenian delivers in spades. It’s less than a mile from UGA’s campus and just a short walk from Sanford Stadium, Big City Bread, Last Resort Grill, The National, and Creature Comforts Brewery.

This walkability gives guests the ability to explore Athens on foot, making The Athenian not just a place to stay—but a gateway to the full Athens experience.

Supporting Local, Celebrating Athens

In addition to featuring a UGA alumna as the designer, The Athenian proudly showcases art from local Georgia artists, including students from the Lamar Dodd School of Art at UGA. This connection to the local art scene gives the inn a deeply Athens-centric identity, one that supports and promotes the town’s creativity.

Even the design’s incorporation of Greek heritage is a reflection of the building’s original architecture and Athens’ classical namesake, blending past and present in stunning fashion.

The Verdict: Athens' Best Hotel

The Athens Chronicle’s 2025 award for Best Hotel in Athens goes to The Athenian because it represents everything that makes our city special:

• A respect for history

• A passion for creativity

• A focus on community

• A flair for modern comfort

• A love for all things Athens

The Athenian isn’t just a hotel—it’s a living love letter to the city. It's where stories begin, memories are made, and new friendships are sparked.

Whether you're a first-time visitor, a proud Bulldog alum, or a local looking for a staycation, The Athenian is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden treasure—right in the heart of Athens.

Congratulations to The Athenian, Athens’ Best Hotel of 2025.

📍 The Athenian – 347 W. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA
🌐 Learn more or book your stay at https://www.stayathenian.com
🛏️ Where every room is a chapter, and Athens is the story.