Amy Adejokun
Section editor
A hotel that lacks charm. The appearance of a boarding house, architecture, decoration and furnishings of another age: a hotel facility that has, in short, little attraction.…
On the eastern coast of the mainland, in the village of Calamos, a few kilometres from the small port of Oropos where you can take the ferry to the island of Euboea. It takes an hour and a half to reach the hotel from Athens, a distance of about 30 miles.
The rooms match the hotel's apperance - they really are worn-out. The decoration and the ambiance are worthy of a Stalinist building. The television broadcasts only Greek channels, there is no hairdryer, no bathtub, only a shower in the bathroom. The view of the entrance to the Gulf of Euboea makes up a little bit for the general impression of gloom.
The hotel was built in 1974, as shown by the characteristic architecture of that era. Simply, one cannot really say that it has aged very well. Some parts of the building such as the swimming pool leave a lot to be desired.
A restaurant which can seat up to 400 guests serves meals in the style of a buffet. The food is standard, of poor quality and has no variety.
The beach is tiny and covered with pebbles, even gravel. The hotel's facilities are time-worn even if the access to the rooms is quite easy: you only have to leave the hotel and cross the garden to find yourself with your feet in the water.
Comments by holidaymakers interviewed there: "This is not really a hotel, but rather more of a boarding house". This sad conclusion is partly explained by the dilapidated facilities.
tennis, volleyball
The Dorian Inn is located about twenty minutes away from the historic district of Plaka. It is a very good three-star hotel which was built in 1974 and has been regularly renovated ever since. Considering the lack of originality of Athenian hotels in general, this one will quite surprise you.
Well-located in the heart of Athens and two steps from the Plaka district and the Acropolis, this hotel is primarily for small budgets. But to make your dream holiday come true, you must definitely venture out of your room and out of the hotel. Because the architecture, the furniture or the decoration will not exceed in magnificence the scenery that you have certainly come to seek in Athens. This hotel is first of all functional.
Here is a hotel that, as its name suggests, is rather more suitable to smaller budgets. You will not find great luxury here, and the soundproofing and the air conditioning system leave something to be desired. There is only one real advantage: you are two steps away from the Acropolis.
Located just off Omonia Square, the Pythagorion is a pleasant starting point to sightsee in Athens. At first glance, it may seem disappointingly banal, but the comfort of the rooms is beyond question.
A small contemporary hotel in the heart of Athens, Fresh Hotel is an ideal base for exploring the rest of the city from if you do not want to compromise on design or cleanliness. Most hotels in Athens tend to be in dire need of a renovation and are not always as clean as you might want them to be. Fresh is part of the Design Hotels label, guaranteeing a certain standard in the quality and design.
The Golden City is a pleasant hotel to stay at. The atmosphere there is family style and the hotel offers comfort of good quality. Ideal for families.
A small hotel near the Omonia Square in downtown Athens, the Ionis enjoys a good level of comfort, has an old-fashioned ambiance that is not very charming, but exudes a certain masculine air.
The Royal Olympic is a luxurious hotel facility in the old section of Athens. Offering classical charm, the facilities and some of the rooms have a view of the Temple of Zeus.
The Grande-Bretagne is located beside the Grecotel Plaza. And, just as the Grecotel Plaza, it is a luxury hotel in a dream location: the large Parliament square where every hour you can admire the changing of the guards on duty at the gates.
Open since the 30s, the King George proudly sports the "Luxury Collection Hotel" label. This elegant establishment enjoys an exceptional location in the Plaka area. Unfortunately, it does not have much to offer in terms of facilities, but it is comfortable nevertheless. The hotel decor gives pride of place to various tones of beige which blend perfectly with the wooden furniture. The King George carries out regular renovations in order to keep the hotel at its best. The latest renovation work took place in 2013.
The Saint George Lycabettus is, without doubt, an exceptional hotel, both for the luxury of its architecture and its tasteful decor and furnishings. Moreover, it is located in one of the most chic districts of Athens, on a hillside close to Kolonaki and the park of Lycabettus. ?f only for the view, you will not forget your stay soon?
The Electra Palace Athens is a pleasant hotel with charm. It is one of the best hotels in the Greek capital. The facilities are comfortable and the service level is very respectable. Its greatest attraction is its view over the Acropolis, under a mile's walk away. Its location in the Plaka district is also an asset - the moment you step outside of the hotel you are instantly immersed in the Greek atmosphere of the city.
The NJV Athens Plaza is a comfortable hotel with a certain charm. Its facilities are well laid out and decorated, even though the standard guest rooms aren't to everyone's taste. Its lack of facilities is compensated by its agreement with a nearby club. Clearly the location at the heart of Athens is one of its main assets.
Like many of the establishments in the Hilton hotel group, the Hilton Athens is very much focused on business clients. Although the hotel is not as well located compared to its competition, it has other cards up its sleeve. Its numerous facilities allow guests the choice of a whole host of activities. The main building's architecture is not particularly appealing from the outside but it contains a wealth of surprises inside.
Open since the 1960s, the Arion Resort & Spa is named after the legendary poet. Its infrastructures were updated by architect Manolis Vourekas five years after its opening. At the time, it welcomed many famous guests, such as Nelson Mandela, Frank Sinatra, Jane Fonda, Jackie Onassis and Tony Blair. In 2004, the P. Masourides Company architecture firm and the Hirsch Bedner Associates interior design company carried out some major renovations. Their goal was to retain the establishment's classic style all while adding a touch of modernity. After it was re-opened in 2006, the Arion was welcomed into the Starwood Luxury Collection family. Today it belongs to the huge Astir Palace complex, like the Westin Athens and, in 2016, the W. The grounds extend over 74 acres on a private peninsula.
One of few hotels in mainland Greece that has earned an official star in the Easyvoyage classification. An achievement which deserves to be noted. Indeed, this hotel is outstanding; firstly, due to its location, at the foot of the Acropolis, and secondly for its modern and very pleasant architecture, decor and furnishing, making it a great place to visit to stay when visiting the Greek capital for a couple of days.