The Olympion Zeus Hotel takes its name directly from the Temple of Zeus, the greatest monument of Ancient Olympia and original site of the Pheidian chryselephantine statue of Zeus—one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The property sits on Kondyli street in the village of Ancient Olympia, a short walk from the main archaeological site entrance and the Olympic Museum, in a settlement whose entire character and economy revolve around the ancient sanctuary.
The hotel's tone is relaxed and family-friendly, with an outdoor swimming pool as the centrepiece of the garden terrace—a highly valued amenity during the hot Peloponnesian summer months when daytime temperatures at the exposed ruins regularly reach 38°C (100°F). The pool terrace doubles as a garden restaurant seating area in the evenings, with a shaded setting that encourages lingering over dinner. The restaurant itself serves Greek staples—grilled meats, moussaka, stuffed peppers, and seasonal salads—alongside a selection of regional wines.
Room types include Double rooms and Junior Suites; the latter offer additional sitting space suited to couples or travellers on longer stays who want more room to spread out after site visits. All rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. The hotel does not have a spa or fitness centre, but the pleasant outdoor spaces and easy walking access to the ancient site compensate effectively for the absence of indoor amenities.
Reception staff assist with entrance tickets, museum passes, and car hire for excursions to Bassae (Temple of Apollo, 50 km south) or the coastal town of Katakolon (30 km west). Pyrgos, the Elis regional capital, is 20 kilometres west by road.
Room types
- Double
- Junior Suite
Amenities
- Free WiFi
- Pool
- Air conditioning
- Restaurant
- Garden terrace
Location
Kondyli, Archaia Olympia 270 65, Greece
37.6367, 21.6322 View on map
Highlights
- Garden swimming pool—essential relief during summer visits to the sun-exposed ancient ruins
- Short walk from the Archaeological Site of Ancient Olympia and the Olympic Museum
- Garden restaurant terrace serving traditional Greek cuisine in a shaded outdoor setting
- Junior Suites for couples and travellers wanting extra comfort after heritage touring
Tips for visiting
- The pool is the key advantage over hotels in Pyrgos—check in early enough to use it between early-morning and late-afternoon site visits during peak summer heat.
- Ask reception to book the combined site-and-museum ticket in advance during July and August when queues at the entrance can be lengthy.
- The Temple of Zeus pediment sculptures displayed in the museum—Lapiths and Centaurs on the west pediment, chariot race on the east—are among the finest examples of high Classical Greek sculpture; allow 45 minutes minimum in the museum.
- For a day trip to Bassae (Temple of Apollo Epikourios, a UNESCO site), a car is essential; reception can arrange hire. The drive through the Arcadian mountains is part of the experience.