Greece - Korina Miller [91]
Midrange
PLAKA & SYNTAGMA
Athens Cypria Hotel (Map; 210 323 8034; www.athenscypria.com; Diomias 5, Syntagma; s/d €94/130; ) Tucked in a side street off Ermou, this small, family-friendly hotel is a little characterless, but it is modern and comfortable, with good facilities and a very handy location. There are family rooms (€230 including breakfast) and discounts for children. There are small balconies but no great view.
Plaka Hotel (Map; 210 322 2096; www.plakahotel.gr; Kapnikareas 7, cnr Mitropoleos, Plaka; s/d/tr €109/135/145; ) It’s hard to beat the Acropolis views from the rooftop garden at this refurbished hotel, which you also enjoy from the top-floor rooms. Rooms have light timber furniture and floors, and satellite TV, though the bathrooms are on the small side.
Niki Hotel (Map; 210 322 0913; www.nikihotel.gr; Nikis 27, Syntagma; s/d/q incl breakfast €110/117/240; ) This small hotel bordering Plaka has undergone one of the more stylish makeovers in the area, with a contemporary design and furnishings. The rooms are well appointed and there is a two-level suite for families, with balconies offering Acropolis views.
Hotel Achilleas (Map; 210 323 3197; www.achilleashotel.gr; Leka 21, Syntagma; s/d/tr incl breakfast €110/135/159; ) From the sleek lobby with marble checkerboard floors, to the well-appointed rooms, the conveniently located Achilleas has been tastefully renovated. The comfortable rooms are large and airy, and those on the top floor open onto garden balconies. There are large family rooms (€175).
Central Hotel (Map; 210 323 4357; www.centralhotel.gr; Apollonos 21, Plaka; s/d/tr incl buffet breakfast from €111/136/185; ) This stylish hotel has been tastefully decorated in light, contemporary tones. It has comfortable rooms with all the mod cons and decent bathrooms. There is a lovely roof terrace with Acropolis views, a small spa and sun lounges. Central is in a handy location between Syntagma and Plaka.
Hotel Adrian (Map; 210 322 1553; www.douros-hotels.com; Adrianou 74, Plaka; s/d/tr incl buffet breakfast €115/140/159, s/d with view €130/155; ) This small hotel right in the heart of Plaka serves breakfast on a lovely shady terrace with Acropolis views. The refurbished, well-equipped rooms are pleasant enough and have free tea and coffee. The 3rd-floor rooms are the best, with large balconies overlooking the square.
MONASTIRAKI & THISIO
Hotel Attalos (Map; 210 321 2801; www.attaloshotel.com; Athinas 29, Psyrri; s/d/tr €76/94/110; ) Though decor has never been its strong point, this nonetheless comfortable and reliable hotel had an Olympic makeover. It’s very central and close to the metro, but its best feature remains the rooftop bar that offers wonderful views of the Acropolis by night. Rooms at the back have Acropolis views from the balconies. There’s free internet access.
Hotel Cecil (Map; 210 321 7909; www.cecil.gr; Athinas 39, Monastiraki; s/d/tr incl breakfast €80/115/150; ) This charming old hotel on busy Athinas has beautiful high, moulded ceilings, polished timber floors and an original cage-style lift. The simple rooms are tastefully furnished, but don’t have fridges. Two connecting rooms with a shared bathroom are ideal for families or friends.
Magna Grecia (Map; 210 324 0314; www.magnagreciahotel.com; Mitropoleos 54, Monastiraki; incl breakfast s €120, d €150-180; ) This intimate boutique hotel, in a historic building opposite the cathedral, has great Acropolis views from the front rooms and rooftop terrace. Twelve individually decorated rooms with murals are named after Greek islands, and offer excellent amenities, including comfortable mattresses, DVD players and minibars.
MAKRYGIANNI & KOUKAKI
Art Gallery Hotel (Map; 210 923 8376; www.artgalleryhotel.gr; Erehthiou 5, Koukaki; s/d/tr/q €70/100/120/140; ) This charming, family-run place is full of personal touches and works by an artist who once had her studio upstairs. Some rooms are a little small but all have been refurbished. Original furniture from the ’60s has been retained