I need a recommendation for a safe place to stay in Athens

Terri

Some options that are on the other side of the Acropolis from where the demonstrations / riots are taking place

The Marble House - http://www.marblehouse.gr/

The Art Gallery (we've stayed here and like it) - http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/greece/athens/review-31052.html

The Austria - http://www.austriahotel.com/htmlsite/room_description.htm

The Acropolis View (which I prefer to the Austria) - http://www.holiday-in-athens.com/athens/hotel-acropolis-view-athens.html

We're going to be in Athens for a couple of weeks ourselves from the 19th and my guess is things will be a lot quieter by then.

Hope you have a good trip anyway.

Alan

Both of these are on the other side of the Acropolis from where the demonstrations / riots have been taking place.

Terri

Quite a long account of what is going on, from an American living in Athens

http://www.true-athens.com/2008/12/09/about-those-athens-riots/

Her conclusion:"So, while the whole country is certainly in mourning over the death of the 15 year old boy, I would say that the media coverage has been greatly exaggerated. Having just returned from the historical center, Syntagma and Omonia squares, I would say that there’s no danger violence or “riots” will impact your stay in Athens."

The rest of the True Athens site is also worth a look. They have some good restaurant recommendations and a what's on section.

Alan

Thank you so much for your kind recommendations. Reading the blog from the Athenian was also very reassuring and I forwarded this to my daughter.

We got a very speedy response from the Marble House and have booked a room there. Thank you so much for your advice on this. You've really put us at ease.

Terri

Terri

You're welcome. The Marble House is a little further out but I really like the area.

If you are there for a few days it might be worth investing 10 euros on a weekly travel pass. They are good for the metro (except to and from the airport), the buses, the trolley buses and the newish monorail.

The Marble House if just off Zinni and a trolley bus runs very regularly across Zinni and up to the centre. Alternatively a walk of about 5 minutes will take you to the metro station at Syngrou-Fix.

BTW, Matt Barrett, who runs a good site on Greece

http://www.athensguide.com/restaurants.html

recommends a restaurant on Zinni, the Palia Geitonia Estiatorio (Old Neighborhood Restaurant. He says "Really nice home-made taramasalata and a large number of hot and cold appetizers and salads. You will find stuff like Rizotto with Seafood, but instead of paying 15 to 20 euros it costs 8. Rooster in wine sauce, stuffed zucchini, roast goat with oven-roasted potatoes, lamb fricasse, beef in lemon or tomato sauce, soutsoukakia, pastitsio and grilled meats and fish with all but maybe three or four items well under 10 euros. You won't find many tourists here but its actually close to the hotels in Makryianni. Just walk down Syngrou Ave and turn right on Zinni street and its by the intersection with Dimitracopoulou at #21."

Haven't tried it myself yet, but we will do maybe next weekend.

Cheers
Alan