Athens

A [STAR] denotes those restaurants and hotels that we highly recommend.


Where to Stay  

Click here for Over 40,000 dr., 15,000 dr.-23,000 dr., 23,000 dr.-40,000 dr. and Under 15,000 dr..

OVER 40,000 DR.

Andromeda Athens Hotel
Timoleondos Vassou 22, Mavili Sq., near the U.S. Embassy
Athens 11521
Phone: 01/643-7302 through 01/643-7304
Fax: 01/646-6361
Athens's newest luxury hotel caters to business travelers with a mixture of deluxe rooms, studios, suites, and penthouses. The spacious rooms have a salmon color scheme with quilted headboards, wall-to-wall carpeting, and TV (computers and fax machines are available on request). The hotel is on a quiet street, and the bedrooms have double-glazed windows. The White Elephant Polynesian restaurant is one of the city's best. If you are Greek, please note that though you may not get first dibs on the rooms, the price drops by half. Also available is a limo service. AE, DC, MC, V. 30 rooms with bath, 4 suites and penthouses. 2 restaurants, minibars, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle.
Athenaeum Inter-Continental
89-93 Syngrou Ave., near Neos Kosmos
Athens 11745
Phone: 01/902-3666
Fax: 01/924-3000
One of Athens's most posh hotels, it has a marble atrium lobby with a central fountain, mirrored planters, and a private art collection. The rooms are very spacious, with sitting areas, marble bathrooms, and thick carpeting. The Kublai Khan restaurant is known city-wide for its Far Eastern cuisine, including Mongolian barbecue. In the morning a shuttle takes guests to the airport, and then until 9:30 PM it travels hourly between the hotel and Constitution Square, 15 minutes away. AE, DC, MC, V. 520 rooms with bath, 38 suites. 3 restaurants, 2 bars, pool, health club, shops, business services, convention center, meeting rooms.
Athens Hilton
Vasilissis Sofias 46
Athens 11528
Phone: 01/725-0201 through 01/722-0209
Fax: 01/725-3110
A 200-year-old olive tree with a Turkish cannonball lodged in its branches adds an earthy touch to the glamorous entrance, with its multilevel lobby of variegated marble. Opened in 1963, this is still one of the top hotels in the city, giving an impression of calm confidence amid the comings and goings of various conventions, banquets, and meetings. The spacious rooms have a subdued color scheme and carpeting; double-glazed windows and thick curtains buffer the street noise. The huge balconies face either the Acropolis or Mt. Hymettus. The executive floor has private check-in and check-out, a private lounge, and business facilities. The Byzantine Café serves a Sunday brunch, a rarity in Athenian restaurants. AE, DC, MC, V. 434 rooms with bath, 19 suites (3 with hot tubs). 3 restaurants, 2 bars, pool, massage, sauna, shops, business services, convention center, meeting rooms.
[star]Grande Bretagne
Vasileos Georgiou A' 1, Syntagma Sq.
Athens 10563
Phone: 01/331-4444
Fax: 01/322-8034
Built in 1842, the GB is an Athens landmark, and its guest list over the years has matched its colorful history. During World War II, it was headquarters of the Greek, German, and British forces, in turn, and when Churchill was visiting on Christmas Eve 1944, a plot to blow up the hotel from the sewers was foiled. The hotel's marble lobby is graced with antiques, plush sofas, Oriental rugs, tapestries, and ornate chandeliers. The most coveted rooms are the Syntagma rooms, with Acropolis views and huge balconies facing the square, but the ones overlooking the courtyard are quieter. Lounge areas on each floor have velvet couches, antiques, and etchings; the ceilings are so high that corridors seem like tall tunnels. Afternoon tea is served in the Winter Garden, and in the GB Corner (not particularly known for its food) you can sometimes catch a glimpse of politicians taking a break from Parliament. Continental breakfast is included in the rate. AE, DC, MC, V. 341 rooms with bath, 23 suites. Restaurant, 2 bars, business services, meeting rooms.
Holiday Inn
Michalakopoulou 50, Ilisia
Athens 11528
Phone: 01/724-8322 through 01/724-8329
Fax: 01/724-8187
This favorite among businesspeople was completely refurbished in 1996, and the lobby is quite striking, with a glass-enclosed shopping arcade, a coffee shop, and a monolithic sculpture in the center. The light, modern rooms now have voice mail, satellite TV, and video, as well as double-glazed windows; those on the fifth and sixth floors are quieter. The rooftop pool has a pleasant garden with a cozy bar. AE, DC, MC, V. 190 rooms with bath, 4 suites. Restaurant, bar, pool.
Ledra Marriott
Syngrou 115, near Neos Kosmos
Athens 11745
Phone: 01/934-7711
Fax: 01/935-8603
The Ledra has earned a reputation as one of the most efficient and attractive hotels in this chain. The lobby piano bar sits below a spectacular 1,000-crystal chandelier; Kona Kai, the Polynesian restaurant, is excellent; and the Zephyros Café has a bountiful Sunday brunch. The rooftop pool has a view of the Acropolis that is breathtaking at sunset. The pastel rooms have vast closet space and armchairs, and some have views of the Acropolis. The Executive Level offers fax and secretarial services and a private dining area. Shuttles run hourly to and from Syntagma Square. AE, DC, MC, V. 258 rooms with bath, 1 presidential suite. 3 restaurants, 3 bars, pool, shops, business services, meeting rooms.
St. George Lycabettus
Kleomenous 2, Kolonaki
Athens 10675
Phone: 01/729-0711
Fax: 01/729-0439
This hotel, in a great location on the wooded slopes of Mt. Lycabettus in upscale Kolonaki, has a splendid view. Getting there, however, involves a steep, short walk or a ride up (remember: taxis are inexpensive). There are sumptuous rooms and suites, and in late 1995 the hotel opened the decadent Maria Christina presidential suite, inaugurated by the Duchess of Kent. The hotel has an attractive ground-floor bistro and its trump card, Le Grand Balcon, a rooftop restaurant with good food and a panoramic view. Continental breakfast is included in the price. AE, DC, MC, V. 162 rooms. 2 restaurants, bar, pool.

15,000 DR.-23,000 DR.

[star]Acropolis View
Webster 10, Acropolis
Athens 11742
Phone: 01/921-7303 through 01/921-7305
Fax: 01/923-0705
This hotel in a quiet neighborhood below the Acropolis has a roof garden and pleasant rooms, half with Parthenon views. An American breakfast (cornflakes, eggs, ham, and cheese) is included in the price. The staff in the homey lobby is efficient and friendly, and major sights lie just a stone's throw away. AE, MC, V. 32 rooms with bath. Bar, air-conditioning.
Astor
Karageorgi Servias 16, Syntagma
Athens 10562
Phone: 01/325-5111
Fax: 01/325-5115
A good choice for those who want to stay near Constitution Square, the Astor is convenient, with amenities, such as TVs, usually found at more expensive places. The rooms have modern furniture; request one above the fifth floor for a memorable view of the Acropolis, which may also be taken in from the roof garden where guests enjoy their (included) Continental breakfast. AE, DC, V. 131 rooms with bath. Restaurant, bar, air-conditioning, room service.
[star]Athenian Inn
Haritos 22, Kolonaki
Athens 10675
Phone: 01/723-8097, 01/723-9552, or 01/721-8756
Fax: 01/724-2268
The best things about this hotel, with its flowering plants, white stucco walls, dark beams, terra-cotta tile floors, and watercolors of Greek scenes, are its location in the heart of Kolonaki and that it is quiet. Opened more than 20 years ago, it has a loyal clientele of return visitors, so you must book well ahead. The lounge and breakfast room has an open fireplace, and Continental buffet breakfast is included in the price. Guest rooms have modern bathrooms, carpeting, radios, and traditional Greek spreads on the wood-frame beds; the upper rooms in front have balconies, some with a view of Mt. Lycabettus. The street has little traffic, but there's occasional loud conversation at the popular Ratka restaurant nearby. AE, DC, V. 28 rooms with bath Bar, air-conditioning.
Austria
Mouson 7, Filopappou
Athens 11742
Phone: 01/923-5151 or 01/922-0777
Fax: 01/924-7350
This small, unpretentious hotel is on Filopappou Hill, opposite the Acropolis, ideal as a base for wandering around the heart of ancient Athens. It has no restaurant, but it is at the low end of the moderate category and is well worth considering. Continental breakfast (included in the price) is not mandatory; without it, deduct 700 dr. per person. AE, DC, MC, V. 37 rooms with bath. Breakfast room, air-conditioning.
Castella Hotel
Vassileos Pavlos 75, Kastella
Piraeus 18533
Phone: 01/411-4735
Fax: 01/417-5716
Beautifully located on the hill above Mikrolimano, the rooms here are fairly large and pleasant, with TVs; some rooms on high levels have a sea view. The spacious roof garden is landscaped with flowering plants and has a splendid view of Mikrolimano and the yacht club. AE, DC, MC, V. 32 rooms with bath. Restaurant, bar, air-conditioning.
Lycabette
Valaoritou 6, Syntagma
Athens 10671
Phone: 01/363-3514 to 01/363-3517
Fax: 01/363-3518
This convenient hotel at the edge of Kolonaki has a gregarious atmosphere and pleasant service, but the "pedestrian" street is sometimes filled with motorbikes. The comfortable rooms all have balconies (those overlooking Acadimias are smaller), and about 10 now have TVs. The lobby is cheerful, and the optional Continental breakfast is served in a pretty breakfast room. AE, DC, MC, V. 39 rooms with bath. Restaurant-cafeteria, tea shop, air-conditioning.
[star]Mistral Hotel
Vassileos Pavlos 105, Kastella
Piraeus 18533
Phone: 01/412-1425, 01/412-6589, 01/411-5887
Fax: 01/412-2096
This pleasant Piraeus hotel is quite suitable for families. The rooms are attractive, and many have balconies. The price includes Continental buffet breakfast. The furniture is modern wood, and there are marble-top tables, blue spreads and curtains, and tile floors. AE, MC, V. 74 rooms with bath. Restaurant, bar, cafeteria, air-conditioning, meeting room.
Plaka Hotel
Kapnikareas 7, Plaka
Athens 10556
Phone: 01/322-2096 through 01/322-2098
Fax: 01/322-2412
Close to many sights and the Monastiraki Square metro, this hotel has a roof garden with a view to the Parthenon. Double-glazed windows cut down the noise; the highest floors are the quietest. All rooms have TV and are simply furnished; those in back from the fifth floor up have the best Acropolis views. AE, DC, MC, V. 67 rooms with bath. Air-conditioning.
President
Kifissias 43, Ambelokipi
Athens 11523
Phone: 01/692-4600
Fax: 01/692-4968
Perhaps the most inexpensive A-class hotel in Athens, the President is a favorite of athletic teams and tourist groups. The staff is professional; the rooms, though unexceptional, are quiet and have city views (the Acropolis is visible from the sixth floor up), and there's a rooftop pool in summer. Continental breakfast is included in the price. Taxis stop often at the hotel, and there are trolley and bus stops nearby for the 20-minute journey to Constitution Square. AE, DC, MC, V. 513 rooms with bath. Restaurant, piano bar, air-conditioning, pool (summer), meeting rooms
Scorpios
Akti Themistokleous 156, Piraiki
Piraeus 18539
Phone: 01/451-2172
Fax: 01/452-4751
The view of the Makra Teixoi is the draw at this little hotel in Piraiki, not far from Zea Marina. At the low end of the moderate range, the rooms are small but attractive, with fans, wood furniture, and brown decor; the balconies in front have fine views of the harbor and ancient walls. The lounge and living room are cooled by a fresh sea breeze and overlook Mikrolimano and the Saronic Gulf. AE, MC, V. 24 rooms with bath. Breakfast room.

23,000 DR.-40,000 DR.

Athens Gate
Syngrou 10, Syntagma
Athens 11743
Phone: 01/923-8302, 01/923-8303, or 01/923-8304
Fax: 01/923-7493
This hotel, now a Best Western, is a bargain, but many have complained about malfunctioning air-conditioners and noise. The lobby now has couches in muted hues, apricot rugs, and sleek glass-and-chrome tables. From the front rooms you see the Temple of Olympian Zeus, from the back rooms above the fifth floor, the Acropolis. Some rooms need refurbishment. The good buffet breakfast is included in the price, and the bar and restaurant on the breezy rooftop has a generous buffet table. There's also a roof garden. AE, DC, MC, V. 104 rooms with bath. Restaurant, bar, minibars.
Electra Palace
Nikodimou 18, Plaka
Athens 10557
Phone: 01/324-1410
Fax: 01/324-1875
At the edge of Plaka, this hotel has cozy rooms done in warm hues, complete with balconies--for comparatively low prices. All rooms were recently renovated. Keep in mind that rooms from the fifth floor up are smaller but have larger balconies; the top floor has wonderful views facing either the Acropolis or Mt. Lycabettus. The staff is helpful, the American breakfast (included in the price) is abundant, and best of all, you can spend hours by the rooftop pool, sipping a cool drink and gazing at the Parthenon. AE, DC, MC, V. 101 rooms with bath, 5 suites. Restaurant, bar (summer), pool, meeting rooms.
Novotel Athenes
M. Voda 4-8, Vathis Sq.
Athens 10439
Phone: 01/825-0422
Fax: 01/883-7816
Though not central, this hotel is just a 10-minute walk to the rail station and the National Archaeological Museum. One of the city's better values, it has an elegant lobby and tranquil rooms with sofas. The rooftop pool with Acropolis views is beside the hotel's Greek restaurant. AE, DC, MC, V. 190 rooms with bath, 5 suites. 2 restaurants, bar, minibars, pool.

UNDER 15,000 DR.

Acropolis House
Kodrou 6-8, Plaka
Athens 10558
Phone: 01/322-2344 or 01/322-6241
Fax: 01/324-4143
This landmark family-run villa on the edge of Plaka is frequented by visiting students and faculty. Check out the belle époque accents--such as the painting behind the reception desk. The rooms are clean, usually with new spreads and curtains. It may be somewhat cluttered, and the wallpaper decrepit, but this makes it all the more endearing--and the friendly atmosphere more than compensates. No credit cards. 23 rooms, 20 with shower or bath
Aphrodite Hotel
Apollonos 21, Syntagma
Athens 10557
Phone: 01/323-4357 through 4359
Fax: 01/322-5244
This hotel near Syntagma is an excellent value, and it includes a buffet breakfast. Rooms are quiet and tidy, with spare furnishings and all the amenities of more costly hotels; the staff's even helpful. Don't be put off by its cold-looking entrance: the gleaming white marble lobby ends with a bar where guests relax in the evenings. AE, DC, MC, V. 84 rooms. Bar, air-conditioning.
[star]Art Gallery Pension
Erechthiou 5, Koukaki
Athens 11742
Phone: 01/923-8376 or 01/923-1933
Fax: 01/923-3025
On a quiet side street near the Acropolis, this friendly place, much prized by visiting students and single travelers, draws a congenial crowd. The handsome house has an old-fashioned look, with family paintings on the muted white walls, earth-tone spreads on the comfortable beds, hardwood floors, and overhead fans. Many rooms have balconies with views of the Acropolis. No credit cards. Closed Nov.-Feb. Bar.
Attalos Hotel
Athinas 29, Monastiraki
Athens 10554
Phone: 01/321-2801 through 01/321-2803
Fax: 01/324-3124
The market area, where you'll find the Attalos, is full of life and color by day, but deserted at night. The pleasant hotel is well run by its friendly owner, Kostas Zisis, who goes out of his way for guests. The rooms are large; many have an exceptionally fine view of the Acropolis and Mt. Lycabettus. Try to get one on the fifth or sixth floor and in the rear, where the street noise is reduced, though the double-glazed windows and air-conditioning usually deaden the noise. V. 80 rooms with bath. Bar, air-conditioning.
Erechtheon
Flamarion 8, Thission
Athens 11851
Phone: 01/345-9606 or 01/345-9626
Fax: 01/346-2756
This fairly quiet hotel off busy Apostolou Pavlou is convenient to ancient Athens and perfect for partaking in the area's lively nightlife. The rooms are air-conditioned, most have balconies, and all doubles have a view of the Acropolis. If you like, breakfast can be served in your room. AE, MC, V. 22 rooms with bath. Breakfast room, air-conditioning.
Marble House
A. Zinni 35, Koukaki
Athens 11741
Phone: 01/923-4058 or 01/922-6461
This popular pension, in a cul-de-sac about a 15-minute walk from the Acropolis, has a steady, satisfied clientele--even in winter, when it offers low monthly and weekly rates. Rooms are clean and quiet, with ceiling fans and basic furniture. The international staff is always willing to help out, and the courtyard is a fine place to relax. Take Trolleys 1, 5, or 9 from Syntagma and get off at the Zinni stop. No credit cards. 16 rooms, 11 with bath. Breakfast room.
Orion and Dryades
Emmanuel Benaki 105, Lofos Strefi
Athens 11473
Phone: 01/330-2387, 01/330-2388, or 01/382-0191
Fax: 01/380-5193
These two hotels in a residential area across from the park on craggy Lofos Strefi are often booked by local fashion agencies, who house their models there. Orion is the humbler, with 20 smaller rooms and shared baths between two rooms; its third-floor roof garden serves as the breakfast area for both hotels. Dryades has 15 rooms with private bath. Each hotel has a kitchen guests may use, and most rooms have balconies. For those who don't want to go far for dinner, the park has several inexpensive ouzeris open in summer. The atmosphere is congenial, the help very friendly, and the hotels attract a young, lively crowd. No credit cards.
XEN (YWCA)
Amerikis 11, Syntagma
Athens 10672
Phone: 01/362-4291 through 01/362-4293
Fax: 01/362-2400
This centrally located budget (7,000 dr. and under) choice for women (and occasionally their young children) has rooms with a communal bathroom, although three doubles and one single have private baths. The marble floors have rugs in winter; sheets and blankets are provided. The rooms are not air-conditioned, but those at the back are cooler and quieter. Some meals are available in the cafeteria. No credit cards. 26 rooms share bath, 4 with bath. Cafeteria, laundry facilities.

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