If you own or manage an Airbnb in Athens, you probably wonder what guests really think about their stay. Star ratings tell you part of the story — but the real insights are hidden in the written reviews.
We analyzed 10,020 English-language reviews from Athens Airbnb listings. Here’s what guests actually say.
The good news first
Athens scores exceptionally well overall. 87.7% of reviews are positive — slightly better than Thessaloniki’s 86.2%. Guests love the city, and it shows in what they write.
Location dominates the praise. “Great location”, “Perfect location”, “Close to metro” — location-related phrases appear in over 20% of all positive reviews. Athens’ walkability, metro network and proximity to iconic landmarks make it one of Europe’s most praised cities for short-term rental guests.
Cleanliness is the second most praised quality. “Very clean”, “Spotless” — Athens hosts score consistently well here.
Host quality stands out. “Great host”, “Very responsive”, “Great communication” — Athenian hosts are praised almost as often as the city itself.
Athens Airbnb reviews — what guests complain about
When guests do leave negative reviews, five themes dominate. Among guests who had a negative experience, here is what they complained about most:
1. Small space — the biggest issue
Nearly 4 in 10 negative reviews mention space. “Small apartment”, “Smaller than expected”, “Very small bathroom” — guests feel that photos and descriptions promise more than the property delivers. Athens properties tend to be compact, and when expectations aren’t managed upfront, disappointment follows.
If you manage a small property, be explicit about the size in your listing. Guests who know what to expect don’t complain about it.
2. Noise
12.7% of negative reviews mention noise — “Noisy at night” is the single most common complaint in Athens. The city’s vibrant nightlife is a selling point for many guests, but properties near busy streets or entertainment areas pay a price in reviews.
Good blackout curtains, double-glazed windows and earplugs as a welcome amenity can make a significant difference.
3. Maintenance
6.9% of negative reviews mention maintenance issues — broken fixtures, worn furniture, things that don’t work. In a competitive market like Athens, a well-maintained property stands out. A pre-stay checklist before every check-in catches most of these issues before guests do.
4. Missing equipment
5.9% of negative reviews mention missing equipment — most commonly a microwave or shower curtain. These are small, inexpensive fixes that eliminate a disproportionate share of complaints.
Athens vs Thessaloniki — how do they compare?
Athens and Thessaloniki have similar overall sentiment scores — 87.7% positive vs 86.2%. But the nature of complaints differs.
In Athens, noise is the #1 complaint — appearing in 12.7% of negative reviews. In Thessaloniki, size is the dominant issue, and parking appears as a unique complaint that doesn’t feature in Athens at all.
Both cities share the small space problem — a reflection of the compact urban apartments that make up the majority of Greek Airbnb inventory.
What this means for Athens hosts
The data tells a clear story. Athens guests are generally very happy — but the hosts who consistently earn 5-star reviews are the ones who:
- Are honest about property size in their listing and photos
- Address noise proactively — good curtains, earplugs, honest description of the neighborhood
- Keep the property well maintained with a pre-stay checklist
- Provide basic equipment — microwave, shower curtain, reliable WiFi
Athens is one of Europe’s most popular city break destinations. Your job as a host is to match the city’s reputation with your property’s execution.
About this analysis
This article is based on 10,020 English-language Airbnb reviews from Athens properties, collected from Inside Airbnb and analyzed using AI sentiment analysis. Reviews cover the period 2019–2025.
For earnings data, see our analysis: How Much Can You Make from an Airbnb in Athens.
Greek BnB Data provides insights for property owners and investors across Greece. Brothers Consulting manages short-term rental properties in Thessaloniki and Porto Heli.