Greece - Korina Miller [92]
Philippos Hotel (Map; 210 922 3611; www.philipposhotel.com; Mitseon 3, Makrygianni; s/d incl breakfast €107/140; ) This friendly, small hotel close to the new Acropolis Museum had a smart Olympics makeover. Rooms are small but well appointed and have free wi-fi. The small double on the roof has a private terrace.
Athens Gate (Map; 210 923 8302; www.athensgate.gr; Leoforos Syngrou 10, Makrygianni; s/d incl breakfast €130/145; ) With stunning views over the Temple of Olympian Zeus from the spacious front rooms, and a handy (if busy) location, this totally refurbished hotel is great value compared with some of the similarly priced offerings. The stylish rooms are immaculate and have all the mod cons, staff are friendly and breakfast is served on the superb rooftop terrace with a choice of 360-degree Athens views.
AROUND OMONIA
Fresh Hotel (Map; 210 524 8511; www.freshhotel.gr; Sofokleous 26, cnr Klisthenous, Omonia; s/d/ste incl buffet breakfast from €115/130/350; ) The first of the hip hotels to open in the gritty Omonia area, this is a cool place as long as you’re happy to ignore the working girls hovering in the streets below after hours. Once inside the candy-coloured reception, the seediness gives way to chic design and brightly coloured rooms and suites with all the mod cons. The fantastic rooftop – with pool, bar and restaurant with Acropolis views – couldn’t be further from the world below.
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STUDIOS & APARTMENTS
For longer stays or if you’re travelling with the family, a furnished studio or apartment may offer better value than some of the budget hotels.
In Psyrri, Athens Style has well-equipped studios (€90 to €125) on the upper level, with kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs, stylish modern bathrooms and great balconies with Acropolis views.
Near the Acropolis, there are comfortable, modern studio apartments in two buildings at Athens Studios (Map; 210 923 5811; www.athensstudios.gr; Veïkou 3a, Makrygianni; apt €60-100; ).
For a comfortable home away from home, there are four superbly renovated, spacious apartments at EP16 (Map; 6976484135; www.boutiqueathens.com; Epikourou 16, Psyrri; apt €90-110, min 3-night stay; ), above a gem of an old garlic store. A spiral staircase (no lift) leads up to apartments decked out in contemporary designer furniture, with large kitchens and Aesop toiletries in the marble bathrooms. The massive roof garden with Acropolis views has sunbeds, a barbecue and a stocked-up beer fridge. The only downside is the location, in the seedy outskirts of Psyrri.
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Baby Grand Hotel (Map; 210 325 0900; www.classicalhotels.com; Athinas 65, Omonia; s/d incl buffet breakfast €120/130; ) Orang-utans hanging in the restaurant downstairs and the reception desk created out of two Mini Coopers set the tone for this fun, revamped hotel. There’s original graffiti art in the corridors and rooms, and iPod docking stations. Individually decked-out rooms have designer furniture, and anything from chandeliers to faux animal skins.
Top End
Hera Hotel (Map; 210 923 6682; www.herahotel.gr; Falirou 9, Makrygianni; s/d incl breakfast €130/160, ste from €250; ) This elegant boutique hotel, a short walk from the Acropolis and Plaka, was totally rebuilt but the formal interior design is in keeping with the lovely neoclassical facade. There’s lots of brass and timber, and stylish classic furnishings with a modern edge. The rooftop garden, restaurant and bar have spectacular views.
Hilton (Map; 210 728 1000; www.athens.hilton.com; Leoforos Vasilissis Sofias 46, Ilissia; r/ste from €144/364; ) Popular with business travellers, this vast concrete edifice looks more like a 1950s housing project than a luxury hotel, but inside no expense has been spared. It has lashings of marble and bronze, enormous chandeliers and somewhat giddy designer carpets. The fine Milos restaurant is downstairs and there is a lovely pool. Internet rates