Hotel Attalos in Athens, Greece

It's true. It's not a fancy hotel but is well-located near the Metro, inexpensive, is close to the Plaka and has a great view of the Acropolis/Parthenon from the rooftop lounge.

Yes, Attalos continues to be listed, but word is getting around that its reputation has outlived the reality; this was an OK budget hotel at €50double;now it's €80 or so, not [INVALID]d, and the block is grungy. If you are seeking a budget hotel, here are some others to check also (this simplified map shows locations). http://www.cretetravel.com/Athens/Athens_mini_guide/Athens_map.htm [INVALID]-Hotel Myrtos Akropolis (50 yards from #36), Hotel Pan (50 yards from #17), Hotel Metropolis (across from #19), and Hotel Phaedra (10 yards from #35. By contrast, Attalos is #23 [INVALID] outside Plaka district. Check ALL these hotels not only on their websites, but google their names with "TRIP ADVISOR Reviews" for traveler comments... their comments are more up to date than the guidebooks.

How about Divani Hotel? Are there good restaurants in that neighborhood? How about hotels in the neighborhood? I am looking for a nice hotel that is not so expensive as Divani, but with a great view of Athens and Akropolis?

Divani's too rich for my blood. I don't agree with Jan's assessment of the Attalos Hotel, but check the website for the Acropolis View Hotel. It might be just what you're looking for. http://users.otenet.gr/~av_hotel/en/hotel.html

I have stayed at Attalos several times. The last time being summer of 2009. It was clean, free wi fi and computers, nice roof top bar with Acropolis view, and the staff were friendly. It is a block from the Metro, a short walk to the Athens Market, and as you mentioned it is next to Psiri. Getting to any of the major tourist sights is a snap, and I would stay there again.

Hotel Phaedra has top floor rooms with balconies that have acropolis views, http://www.hotelphaedra.com/ for about 70€ in May & Sept. For about same price Metropolis has top floor front views ALSO with balcs with acropolis views AND the Metropolis Dome almost close enough to touch and shade from worlds tallest bougainvillea vine [INVALID]http://www.hotelmetropolis.gr/ . Both hotels have nondescript hallways (but clean) but view/location is great. ALSO [INVALID] both hotels have open roof terraces with shade, where there's no need to buy drinks to sit there, you can bring your own beverage & snacks up there to enjoy the acropolis view.

Hello, All, Thank you for all your feedback. I heard from an agent in Athens that Attalos is 1 block away from the drug d-tox center & the red light district...??!!

We've stayed at the Attalos several times. It's a great location, about a half-block from the metro, which is convenient when you're arriving with your luggage. We love being able to sit at the rooftop bar with our final ouzo of the trip (and my husband with his final cigar) and enjoy the Acropolis view. We've also found the front desk clerks to be very helpful. We'd stay there again.

any feedback on the following comments: Hello, All, Thank you for all your feedback. I heard from an agent in Athens that Attalos is 1 block away from the drug d-tox center & the red light district...??!!

All that is in the opposite direction from the Plaka and Psirri Districts, so nothing to worry about.

I do not know about the detox center, but I work in health care and would consider this to be a nonissue. The red light district is a couple blocks north of Attalos, off the side street around the Fresh Hotel. These people are out at night, and you will probably never see them. I walked past them once about 0700 in the light of day and felt no threats or danger. I walked on to Platia Iroon in Psiri, and I was uncomfortable around Platia Iroon. A number of the men I saw along my route were a bit threatening and rough looking. I never felt this on Platia Iroon during the day or into the evenings.

I've used the Attalos a lot, most recently yesterday. and still think it's a good bet. I agree with Jan that it is worth checking other options - we also use the Tempi and the Phaedra from time to time - but the Attalos has a good location and quality. There has been a problem in a nearby area with drugs and prostitution but it is off the main road and in the opposite direction from Psyrri and Plaka so it would be possible to be in the Attalos and not notice it. Going into the area (in the daytime I hasten to add!) it was considerably less noticeable now than in March and the city council are very aware of the problem and are working to clean up the area. I imagine it will be pretty much history by Sepember 2011. They are in the process of tearing down various old warehouses that have been used as squats and are planning a pedestrian area. In any case, as I say, it would be quite possible to be in the Attalos and not notice it. Alan

My recommendation of the other 2 hotels was NOT influenced by Attalos' location regarding drug or crime elements. It was based on 3 more solid reasons: (1) Attalos is NOT as convenient as the others named; it is farther from the Plaka Landmark sites & Syntagma sq; it's even farther from MOnastiraki than Metropolis is (2)it is on a "grungy" block even tho the hotel is OK & clean albeit outdated; (3_ its rooftop terrace-sitting involves a drink purchase, where the others can be BYO (4) a few years back Attalos was preferred because of bargain pricing, but now it is MORE than the 3 that I named. Drugs/crime did not factor in my recommends.

i was just there for 2 nights in late sep. the location is really good - very short walk to metro and plaka, free pc with internet, and the roof top bar has a good view and inexpensive beer. the rooms are basic, and i didn't buy the breakfast option. overall a good choice.