Hotel in Athens near the Plaka

The Attalos Hotel and Arethusa Hotel are both decent (or better) and close to the Plaka.

It's been 5+ years since we were there, but we stayed at the AVA Hotel in Plaka. It was clean, quiet, and the front-desk staff was incredibly helpful and kind. They offered cold drinks as we arrived, and each time we came back from touring, arranged a very kind and reliable taxi trip for us to the port. Location was convenient for touring the Acropolis Museum and other sites were very walkable.

We were there for just one night before catching a cruise.

http://www.omiros-hotel.com

We always stay at the Attalos Hotel on Athinas St., one of the best mid-range accommodations in Athens. Clean, safe and centrally located to everything one goes to Athens for. Just a block away from the Central Markets, shops, markets, tavernas and very near the Psiri District.

Lots of options in Athens for accommodations but the Attalos was perfect for us. As a bonus it has one of the best rooftop bars/gardens with outstanding views of the Acropolis and all of Athens.

Athens deserves a minimum of three days to fully see and experience everything the city offers. Get to the Acropolis at opening time, 8 a.m. You'll have a good hour before tourists and tour groups show up, giving you a more peaceful and relaxed experience.

Check out Matt's Athens Guide for more help:
http://www.athensguide.com/

I'll plug the Herodion, on the less crowded south side of the Acropolis, with views of the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum a block away, easy walk to the Plaka and the Acropolis metro station. There are many other choices in that area and right in the Plaka itself.

I'd suggest at least three nights in Athens, four wouldn't be too many, especially if it's your first destination after an overnight flight. See the "Explore Europe" links on this website for ideas about what to see and do in Athens. Many travelers recommend making Athens your last stop, instead of your first, for two reasons -- first, to work off your jet lag in a less intense place, and second, to be sure you'll be near the airport for your departure flight. You don't want to be sweating a possible ferry or flight delay from an island on the day of your flight home.

I just returned from Athens--I stayed at Acropolis Museum Boutique hotel. very close to Acropolis, Plaka, hop on hop off bus. excellent staff and great breakfast.

I stayed at the Hera, not far from the Herodion, and was very pleased with it, including the rooftop cafe with its view of the Acropolis. Athens is very easy to navigate, walking and using the metro. The only places I found less accessible are the not-to-be-missed National Archaeology Museum and Kerameikos. There is a lot to see and do in the city. It's not hard to fill up 3-4 days there, if you like museums. Top things to see in my book include the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, the RS self-guided walking tours, and the changing of the guard in Syntagma Square on Sunday, begins around 10.45, get there early to find a good viewing spot.

If you don't mind a hostel, you might want to check The Student & Travellers Inn.
It is affordable and clean, set at the best location possible... Plaka!