I apologize if this was a recent question, though I have looked back through several pages of postings & not seen anything. There will be 4 of us spending 2 nights in Athens in the beginning of September, since there is no RS Greece book I'm at a loss of where to start looking. I have lonely planet Europe, which has some suggestions, but if anyone has reccomendations that would be much appreciated. Athens is the last stop on our 3 week tour...We're looking for central location, but not too noisy at night, our ideal budget would be around $20eu/person, but could go up to 30 if necessary.
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
473 posts
Lonely Planet has a very good Greece book, as does Frommer's. Although Frommer's tends to have more hotel recommendations in the upper price ranges, so Lonely Planet would probably be a better source for your price range.
Posted by
Lincoln, NE, USA
390 posts
We stayed at Tempi Hotel in Athens - it was clean and had AC! A double with shared bath is 54 euro/room, with private bath is 60 euro per room/night. The location was great - located on a pedestrian street and about a 15 minute walk to foot of Acropolis. Lots of great restaurants and markets around. We had a nice view of the Acropolis from our balcony. http://www.travelling.gr/tempihotel/index.htm
Posted by
Kirkland
212 posts
JJ, no specific recommendations but here are two ideas. Google for "monastiraki athens". It's a great neighborhood next to the Plaka, but quieter. It also has a metro station on the square. I'm sure you'll find websites with hotels in the area for a wide range of prices. Second, check "greektravel.com" - it's a great website for info on greece. good luck
Posted by
Gloucester, MA, USA
59 posts
Stay away from Hotel Rio. Its a 54 Euro per night hotel but is located in the worst area I think in Athens. Just around the corner from the main trainstation and the Metaxiagho (sp?) subway station. Not a good neighborhood at night. Plus the hotel's rooms are about as confortable as a park bench. Shower fell apart on me, tv did not work, remote was held together with duct tape. You get the picture.
Posted by
Jax
47 posts
Try this website for info, it's on Rick's link page.
http://www.greecetravel.com/index.html
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
83 posts
From my own experience, I can recommend
www.athensstudios.gr
It's run by the same people who run "Athens Backpackers" hostel, but in a different building. I'm not going to reiterate what's on the website, but I can vouch it's representative of what you'll get!
I think the price range for a 4 person room is what you're thinking of. The kitchenette alone will save you $$ since you can put things in the fridge.Remember, every hotel is close to the Acropolis in the Plaka. And if you choose this place, remember to ask directions to the bakery! (yum) Oh, and the walking tour at the hostel is worth it.
hm, i noticed you're staying 2 days, I think they might have a minimum stay of 3 nights. however, ask them anyways, they're all expats that work there nice folk.
Posted by
Holdrege, NE, USA
91 posts
Try the students and travelers inn (a youth hostel for all ages). They would have rooms which meet your budget. www.studentsandtravellersinn.com We stayed there in June. Centrally located in the Plaka, friendly staff. Good luck.
Posted by
OP
Tallahassee, USA
29 posts
Thank you all for your replies. Has anyone stayed in the Kolonaki area (near Syntagma Square)? I haven't been able to find anything in our budget in Monastiraki and most of the places in Plaka reviews say the street life is loud & prostitutes are around (makes me a little nervous). Kolonaki seems to have budet travel options, but if its far (or just as noisy) I'd just as soon stay in Plaka. I don't want to save on room rates only to spend on public transportation. Found Hotel Kaningos & Hotel Achilleas in Kolonaki area for 25/person.
Posted by
Gloucester, MA, USA
59 posts
Kolonaki is the most exclusive address in Athens.
I stayed at the St. George Lycabettus at the top of the hill. $200USD per night but the view was worth it!!! It is a 5 star hotel.
At Syntagma Square is Parlement and the tomb. Kolonaki is inthe hill side above this. All the embassies are with a 1-3 blocks from there. The main area of Kolonaki contains the British Council, Milioni Avenue. It is kind of like Rodeo Drive. It is the place to be seen in Athen. The young and wealthy hang out there. Very very safe area. Being near the embassies and expensive shop, the police are everywhere. No street people, no panhandlers in this area. But it is an area for Athenians. English hardly spoken, menus are only in Greek in the restaurants. I spend $80 USD for dinner for myself in one. It was well worth the $80 though. If I go back I will definately stay in this area again.
You are correct about the Plaka. Noisy, crowded, and full of those that would take advantage of a traveller
Posted by
COCONUT CREEK, CARENCRO, FL., LA., USA
152 posts
Hope you have your housing set. I forgot to answer your question in your message to me about the language. We had NO problems at all. I practiced saying thank you in Greek for 2 1/2 weeks and never got it. It is a very hard language for me, but all had some English and I'm good with my hands. No problem with the menus!