After our Greek Isle cruise, we will have a flight back to the States that will require an overnight stay (one night) near the port or airport. We will have already visited Athens for several days prior to the cruise, so I would rather not have to go back to the city (at least an hour taxi?). Would appreciate any hotel suggestions from any of you out there that may have had a similar requirement in prior travels.
Posted by
113 posts
If you have an early flight out just stay at the Athens airport Sofitel. It is pricey but extremely convenient - you just walk to the terminal and avoid morning traffic issues. Remember train goes direct from airport to central Athens if you end up with free time after cruise arrival.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3397 posts
Just suggested this to someone who wanted a place near the airport upon arrival, after a long tiring journey from the US. The Sofitel of course is THE most convenient -- but it's €€€ unless you qualify for "points" ... and even tho it has a pool, it IS at the airport, which is a bleak sort of landscape.
Instead, you might consider Hotel AVRA, in the Port village of Rafina, about 25 minutes away on a FREE shuttle from & back TO the airport. - http://www.hotelavra.gr/ If you are coming from a cruise, there is a bus from Piraeus that goes to the Airport for €6. (or a taxi for about €25?). Then you get the shuttle to AVRA - http://www.hotelavra.gr/uploads/editorfiles/files/avra_hotel_shuttle_bus.pdf They do ask that you tell them in advance which shuttle times you will need... since they don't run it when there's no one needing it. The advantage compared to Sofitel (besides room rate) is that it's right on a beach, for a final swim, and it's not at the "moonscape" of an airport where the outdoor terrace has only busses & cars for its dining view ... but instead in a small town where you may stroll around the square & choose one of the local tavernas under the trees.
Posted by
172 posts
I second the Hotel Avra suggestion. We have stayed there several times. Clean, convenient, good breakfast. Nice airport shuttle service.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
The Avra sounds great. We stayed at the Sofitel the night before our flight and it was maximally convenient and comfortable, with prices to match. I'd make the choice based on how early your outbound flight is, i.e. how much sleep you can get before having to check out and get to the airport. The Sofitel is about three minutes away by sidewalk.
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
2679 posts
We did the Sofitel for our flight. I followed prices for a long time and rebooked it a few times as I saw changes. We paid $165 for our night there in 2019 and I was okay with that given the amazing convenience for our 8am flight.
Posted by
OP
Tennessee
51 posts
Thanks for the great responses - very helpful. Our flight will be at 12:45pm (probably) the next day - so there would be time for the beach when cruise gets in at 9am.