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[edit] AdventureHotels.travel
While still growing and improving, AdventureHotels.travel is already the internet's biggest and most comprehensive Pacific Rim travel and hotel portal, and with good reason. Adventure Hotels offers a new but simple concept in hotel reservations that tremendously benefits both you, the traveller, and the hotel. We have thirty-nine of the internet's most popular Pacific Rim (and other) destinations for you to choose from. Some of our destinations are huge, and very comprehensive, covering areas as large as SouthPacificHotels.travel.
And finally, our specialty! Through a rigid qualifying process of former guest reviews, we have narrowed down your search to the best value-priced, independently-operated, eco-friendly Athens hotels available.
[edit] No middlemen
Most internet portals will list any hotel as long as it pays the middleman (a chain hotel central reservation system, or the Global Distribution System (GDS) like hotels.com, travelocity, expedia, orbitz, etc.) a huge 20% to 40% commission for each reservation. All of our qualified and listed hotels pay us only an annual listing fee. We make nothing on your reservation.
[edit] Our hotels need to qualify to be listed
Our hotels need to undergo a rigorous qualification process to be listed on our websites. In fact, only about 15% of all hotels qualify. We don't list a lot of hotels, just the best ones. The four step qualification process includes:
- Pricing: all Adventure Hotels must have average prices under US$200, $150 or $100 (depending upon the location) per night double occupancy, but most are far less. Because good quality hotels in Athens tend to be expensive, all hotels listed on this site are under US$200, but most are far less. We have determined that there is no need for you to pay more for fine quality, well-located accommodation.
- All Adventure Hotels listed are independently owned and operated which means the owners must personally demonstrate they try harder to satisfy their guests. Often the personal service and advice they offer is worth the price of accommodation alone. Adventure Hotel owners are excited about their hotel and facilities, and it shows. They not only provide excellent accommodations, facilities and services for the price they charge, but also, they have painstakingly put together an attractive, informative website proudly displaying their wonderful hotel (and prices) on the first page (or two) of the search engines. Prices are important and forcing you to contact the hotel to obtain them is annoying. Our hotels do not rely on costly middlemen to send them a steady stream of guests like cattle through a feed lot, making you feel like a statistic (which you are). Adventure Hotels' philosophy is simple. If the hotel doesn't rely mainly on word of mouth, nor have the wherewithall to attract and keep its own guests by providing comfortable, clean, updated accommodations and facilities, and make guests feel welcome and appreciated, then the hotel probably doesn't have the genuine interest to make your stay an authentic, warm, real, and a problem-free experience.
- Former guest reviews: all Adventure Hotels listed have undergone a series of former guest reviews, guests who lay out the truth (as they see it) and the cream hotels that we list have risen to the top positions...don't just take our word on it, trust the opinions of former guests!
- All Adventure Hotels are eco-friendly (to some extent) and must meet minimum requirements of sustainability. Categories include recycling, composting, using renewable energy, conservation of the environment and indigenous cultural promotion, employing local help with chances for upward mobility, buying local produce, reinvesting profits in the local area, informing guests of eco-friendly travelling practises, and generally encouraging visitors to observe, listen, understand and empathize rather than see, hear, take pictures and boast. If visitors prefer the familiar comforts of home, they need to ask themselves why they are traveling?
[edit] Locate the perfect hotel at any destination
From each listed hotel's website, you are able to contact the hotel(s) directly. Ask a real person for multi-night and multi-room, child and senior discount; a quiet room or a top floor room with a view; or to be accommodated close to the pool; extra blankets, towels or pillows; or have them recommend and book a tour or car for you in advance; you can request a romantic bouquet of exotic flowers with a note attached waiting in your room, or a chilled bottle of champagne; or ask questions about the surrounding area, dining, nightlife, laundry services or luggage storage, or a possible early check-in or late check-out. You can't do any of this when you book through a middleman!
[edit] We have done the work for you
Now, confidently make your reservations your way by dealing directly with the hotel, and holding the hotel accountable for what they promised. Though our listed hotels are highly recommended and qualified, if your hotel doesn't live up to your expectations, send us an honest and realistic review, to warn others. However, if it meets or surpasses your expectations, be kind and send us a positive review. These hotels depend on YOUR word of mouth, eliminating the costly middlemen, and saving everyone money. Both you and the hotel win. In fact, the only people that lose are those greedy middlemen.
[edit] Athens Crash Course
Athens, considered the birthplace of Western Civilization, has a population approaching four million inhabitants.
Visitors today may be shocked to find a city nothing like they had imagined. A large, overwhelming proportion of the city and its nearest suburbs are subject to bad urban planning and unimaginative 1970s architecture. There are few green spaces in the central areas of the city, and the urban sprawl does an injustice to the city's glorious past.
To the amazement of many, Athens was only a small village in the mid-1800s when they moved the capital of Greece from Nafplio to Athens. Its classical ruins were only a reminder of its prosperous times, when it reined as the regions political, social and economic leader. City planners and architects layed out wide avenues, green spaces, big public squares and grand neoclassical homes around the abundant ruins and by the beginning of the twentieth century, it was a beautiful cosmopolitan city.
Unfortunately, the city was heavily damaged during the Second World War, and for the last century has suffered from population pressures and poorly-planned industrialization. Much of the lovely neoclassical architecture was destroyed to make way for ugly concrete block apartments, particularly going west from the center. Public transportation services were reduced as cars took their place, with little forethought about congestion and smog. Even the charming areas such as Thissio and Pláka fell into a state of decay.
Two decades ago, the city officials finally came to a realization that something had to be done, and started pouring millions of Euros into new transportation projects, restoring the Greek neoclassic buildings, enhancement of Athen's historic center, and along the Aegean coastline. Attractive new post-modern buildings were built in some newer districts improving the aesthetics of the city. Athens continues to evolve.
Still steeped in history and mythology, you will find behind the concrete walls a city quite quirky and affable in character, laid-back, eccentric and cosmopolitan. With the sidewalk cafes and pedestrian streets winding through this ancient showcase, yet somewhat smoggy and noisy, there is a charming underbelly waiting to open up to you. And one of the greatest things about Athens is that so much is in center of town, much of it can be explored on foot.
[edit] Olympic Games
The proudly hosted the Summer Olympics of 2004 in Athens were a real success story. Though many of the sporting venues were held throughout Attica, outside of the metropolitan city, Athens itself underwent a major lasting reformation not only for the visitors, but giving Athens a well-needed facelift in addition. Not only the wonderful transportation improvements mentioned above, but a sensible joining of the the classic ruins and monuments by pleasant walking streets. Also, the neo-classic neighbourhoods of Thissio and Pláka were uplifted.
[edit] Architecture
Athens displays a bewildering mix of architectural styles from across the centuries and under many influences, making it a fascinating place to visit. A European Union-sponsored program aims to help in Discovering Contemporary Architecture in Athens by means of multimedia presentation and guided walks.
The Athens Academy is a beautiful building on Panapestimiou Street, about a 10 minute walk from Syntagma. Next to the Academy is the University of Athens (its original location) and the National Library.
[edit] Climate
The best time to visit Athens is in the Spring or late autumn as the summer heat can be brutal and hordes of people in transit to the cooler islands make it hard to get around. If you can stand the heat, the mid-August mass exodus of Athenians make it much easier to get around Athens . Winters in Athens are lively and give you a different experience. You can save money on accommodation and, besides, the off-season is quite a pleasant time with few tourists.
Athens has something of a reputation for being Europe's smog capital, the most polluted city on the continent. While this was once true (and the memory dies hard), it is now quite undeserved. For the last decade or more, massive clean ups have been in force, older vehicles and buses were withdrawn from the roads, industries were moved out of the city centre and the Metro has been expanded. Rush hour can be smoggy around the main traffic concentrations, but most days a light breeze keeps the sky above Athens a lovely blue.
[edit] Districts
Athens sprawls in all directions, limited by Mountby Hymettos, Mount Parnitha and Mount Pendeli. Right in Athens are eight hills, the most prominent being Lykavittos and of course, the Acropolis all providing a break from the urban setting. From these hills are panoramic views to the south Saronic Gulf, Athens' buffer from the Aegean Sea. The road signs are done in English and Greek direct you to the sea through Piraeus, the city's busy yet ancient port.
As mentioned earlier, the center of the city is where you want to stay and experience first, specially the area around Syntagma Square or Plateia Syntagmatos, the epicentre or amusement. From here, Plaka is to the south, Monastiraki runs west, Omonia north and Kolonaki goes east.
- The old Royal Palace dominates Syntagma Square, the central business district (CBD) of Athens. Here you will find lots of hotels, restaurants, banks, and travel agencies.
- Plaka was remodeled during the 1990's and is very much a tourist destination with its renovated neoclassical homes, pedestrian walkways, touristy shops, cafes and restaurants, all just below the Acropolis and wonderful Roman era ruins.
- The marble temples Acropolis were built to honor the goddess Athena, the 'high city' of ancient Greece
- The most bohemian area of Athens is Monastiraki, kind of funky, artsy, touristy, with lots of stores vending hip stuff, posters, kinky clothing, crafts and souvenir stores and antiques, punk and gothic, tatoos, mostly for the young at heart.
- Omonia is kind of the seedier side of town, bars, ladies of the night and pickpockets. It has one of the major transportation hubs of the city, like the Metro Line 2, and buses.
- Go east to Kolonaki to find one of the nicer residential areas of Athens with many sidewalk cafes, art galleries and expensive boutiques.
- Formerly an industrial zone, Psiri is becoming full of alternative restaurants or trendy cafés, bars, restaurants and neat little shops
- Exarhia is another bohemian zone frequented by intellectuals, students, and alternative culture abnorms, lots of strange, clicky clubs and bars.
- Thissio - picturesque, historic district with restored 19th-century neoclassical architecture -similar to Pláka- located next to the Ancient Agora, and housing many restaurants and cafes
- Piraeus is the age-old port of Athens, an independent, very industrial section south-west of Athens with all the ferries taking you to Crete or the Aegean Islands.
[edit] Currency
The Greece Drachmae is now obsolete. On January 1, 1999, eleven of the countries in the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)
All major Credit Cards as well as Euro-cheques are recognized and accepted in most hotels, shops, travel and car rental agencies and restaurants. Stickers in the front windows will advise you as to which cards are acceptable.
[edit] Travel and Tourism
[edit] Entry requirements
US, Canadian, Australian, Ireland and New Zealand citizens require a passport valid for at least three months after the end of their stay. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months if coming as a tourist.
UK nationals (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) require a passport valid for the intended period of stay, but a visa is not required. If passport is endorsed with British National (Overseas), Isle of Mann, Jersey, or Guernsey and its dependencies, then visa exemption is for up to three months. Other UK passport holders require a visa.
South Africans must have a passport valid at least three months beyond expiry date of the visa. A visa is required. Greece accepts visas issued by other Schengen States according to the Schengen Agreement. Visitors must hold medical travel insurance.
Passport/Visa Note: The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Belgium, Austria, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Greece, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Portugal, Norway, Sweden and Spain. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that allows the holder, in principal, to travel freely within the borders of all. Travellers to Greece must hold visible means of support. It is recommended to hold return/onward ticket. If arriving with a one-way ticket, passengers may be asked for proof of sufficient funds for the return/onward journey. Passports must be valid for at least three months after period of stay, or three months after the expiry of the visa.
[edit] Safely.travel
If you are new to travelling, or even if you have travelled the globe for years, I strongly recommend you check out the following link for some very interesting and informative reading about safe travelling in Athens, and the Third World in general. It is an accumulation of original thoughts and experiences of several worldly travellers, just go to Safely Travel. It was written with the Third World in mind, where travelling disasters are around every corner, and a pre-emptor to what we may all expect someday in the First World as populations increase and desperate people become more brave and sophisticated in their survival techniques. It will make you aware of all sorts of scams, how to check into a hotel, advice for single lady travellers, advice for single men travellers, rip tides, credit card scams, driving in a foreign land, kidnapping, street people, you name it. It is an essential read for anyone travelling, and the most comprehensive discussion I know of!
[edit] Arriving by plane
Athens' new well-appointed Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is seventeen miles east of Athens center. You need Euro coins to operate the luggage trolleys.
To get the the city from the airport you can take the metro for about €10, and there are cheaper per person group tickets, it is an extension of the blue line 3 going to the stations in Monastiráki and Syntagma.
You can also take the suburban railway to the Larissis Railway Station for €10, then change to line 2 of the subway going to downtown Omónia and Syntagma Stations
You can take a train to northern Greece and the Peloponnese from the airport.
There are several bus options epending where you want to go in Athens.
A taxi will run you $20 to $25 one-way into Athens.
Pick up a free copy of a city transport map in the airport. It will help a lot.
As there are no regular automatic lockers at the airport, if you want to just spend a few days in Athens, consider storing your bags with private Pacific Travel on the left-wing of the arrivals level, though the line up can be a bit annoying.
[edit] Getting around Athens
- The Athens Metro System is an experience in itself, putting many other world metros to shame, as many of the stations actually have artifacts on display found during the excavation of the system such as at Syntagma. The pride of the Athenians shows as those littering or graffiti writing will be quickly arrested with the use of their impressive security system. Don't even try to bring food and drink onto the trains! Here are the three lines:
- Line 1 - this will connect you from the Port of Piraeus to the northern station of Kifissia going through the central city.
- Line 2 goes from Agios Antonios to Agios Dimitrios connecting southern and western Athens.
- Line 3 connects Monastiraki to Doukissis Plakentias to the international airport.
Validation machines need to be used to validate your pass when you enter the stations, fares are about €1 between all Athen's stations except going to or from the airport, which is €7, €12 if you are returning within forty eight hours, €12 one way for two persons and €17 for three persons.
A day ticket of €3 will let you use all modes of transport. A weekly ticket of €10 will let you use all modes of transport between all stations except the Airport.
The new combined ticket, introduced December 2004, costs €1 and is valid for all modes of transport for 1.5 hours between all stations except the Airport.
- The Suburban rail called Proastiakos was in use by 2004, starting from the Larissis Station or OSE Main Line station and the Metro station terminating at the international airport or Eleftherios Venizelos, plus it goes to Corinth.
- The new Athens Tram joins the southern suburbs with the city centre and also connects to the metro. There are two tram lines:
- Line 1 or T1 goes from Syntagma to Palaio Faliro to Neo Faliro connecting the Peace and Friendship Stadium to the central Athens.
- Line 2 or T2 goes from Syntagma to Palaio Faliro to Glyfada connecting the coast to central Athens.
- Line 3 or T3 goes from Neo Faliro to Palaio Faliro to Glyfada running parallel to the coast.
A ticket costs about 75 cents.
- Athens has a network of diesel-burning buses, natural gas run buses plus electric trolley buses. A standard bus ticket costs €.60 or use the €4 ticket from or to the airport.
Nightbuses. There are also a series of nighttime buses.
- By taxi - Taxis are relatively cheap in Athens. They are easy to come-by. Note that taxi meters in Athens have two rates - rate one applies from 5am till midnight, and rate two, the double rate, from 12am to 5am. Taxis tend to be honest, but if you fell ripped off, get a receipt which they are obligated to give you, copy down the licence plate number, and report the driver to the tourist police. You probably won't get your money back, but it feels good!
[edit] Things to see
When you first experience Athens, you may be overwhelmed by the blocks of three to six story, drab concrete buildings, worn and boring. Just visiting the various districts lets you see the cosmopolital Athens that reaches for your heart at every opportunity. At the foot of Athenas' hills are some classic areas with trendy cafes and boutiques, art galleries, narrow and winding streets begging you to walk around, and views of the Acropolis that you will never forget. Wonderful Greek Orthodox churches are found in the most unsuspecting places, decorated with relief and icons and fixtures of brass inside. Out of respect, long sleeves and covered legs please.
- Many think to view Athens, the best place is in Kolonaki on top of Ploutarchou Street, grab the funicular railway, bring walking shoes and water, and go to the top of Lycavittos Hill, you will see an amazing view as far as the Island of Aegina, the port of Piraeus and the whole of Athens. There's a little cafe there, or visit the St.George chapel.
[edit] Landmarks
- The Acropolis represents the fortified ancient town called Athens, some from the late Bronze Age, the awe-inspiring architectural marble marvels, just dripping in history and early civilization, see the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erectheion. Entrance is fourteen Euros, but European Union university students get in free, with ID.
- From the Syntagma Square, see the Parliament building changing of the guards each hour, the restored Grande Bretagne Hotel.
[edit] Museums and Galleries
Obviously if you want to see what Athens is all about, you'll need to check out the museums, and even some galleries.
- Acropolis Museum - the new one (designed by swiss star architect Bernard Tschumi) is under construction.
- Benaki Museum - visit the beautiful neoclassical main building which houses collections of Greek art, from ancient times through the Byzantine period and the modern state. Open late and for free on Thursday evenings.
- National Archaeological Museum of Athens - Greece's best repository of archaeological finds.
- Museum of Cycladic Art - small but gem-like
- The Greek National Gallery displays Greek art that comes from the the 1700s to present plus post-Byzantine art and El Greco.
[edit] Things to do
- The Acropolis, Dionysiou Areopayitou, built around 510 BC, is the pride of Athens. Pericles transformed the 'high city' which was habitated since 5000 BC in 'The City of Temples'. The partheon is the most famous, dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom, the arts, war, industry, skill and justice, and Zeus' favorite child. The bright colors it was once painted have faded, but it is breathtaking to walk around and through. The Erechtheion is another temple here having six caryatids serving as columns. A ticket to the Acropolis lasts a week and with it you have admission to the Acropolis Museum, the Theater of Dionysus, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Forum, Karameikos Cemetery, the Temple of Zeus and the Tower of the Winds.
- Marathon Battlefield and Burial ground, though twenty six miles west of Athens, it marks Athens' most famous victory in 490 BC, the Persians who outnumbered the Athenian troops 24,000 to 9,000, but handily slaughtered the Persians. Then Pheidippides, the swiftest runner ran to Athens to report the good news, dropping dead from exhaustion, and the rest is history (literally). Marathonas' Burial Mound has the cremated remains of 192 Athenians who died that day in battle. There is a small museum in the village with exhibits of several battles fought around Marathon.
- Temple of Olympian Zeus at Olgas and Amalias Ave, Plaka, Greece's largest, aking seven hundred years to complete in 131 AD, Hadrian added two giant statues, one of the mythic God Zeus and one of himself to dominate the interior, both gone now, but fifteen of the giant Pentelic marble pillars still stand.
- The Kessariani Monastery, Mount Imittós, is still operated by a few monks, that allow visitors to explore this famous historic residence. The buildings date from the eleventh century, but the mosaics are from the 1500s and 1600s. Still Greek Orthodox, in the nicer weather, picnic on the manicured grounds and gardens.
- National Archaeological Museum, Omonia Square, probably comes with little surprise that Athens would have one being the 'Cradle of Western Civilization', and the amazingly huge collection of arts and artefacts will not disappoint. You will enjoy it more if you void the middle of the day crowds, and leave time on your schedule to visit more than once to take it all in. The collections of Minoan, Cycladic, Classical Greek and Mycenaean art are what it is best known for especially the gold Mask of Agamemnon and the Minoan frescoes.
- In Glyfada only fifty minutes from central Athens by tram, check out the sea turtle rescue facility. They love volunteers, but you must cover your own costs.
[edit] Shopping
- Kolonaki is Posh Central. It is cosily situated between Syntagma Square (metro Lines 2 and 3), Evangelismós (metro Line 3) and the Lucabettus hill. Come here for first hand experience of the sport of "people watching" and marvel at the spectacle of elegantly dressed people of all ages lounging in the cafes on the main square, sipping Frappé and gossiping. Here is where you'll find your designer goodies, should you be so inclined.
- Shopping addicts will love Kolonaki, or for more reasonable prices, try Ermou Street, by the Syntagma Square, just turn off Ermou to the right at the MAC Makeup Shop to find Aghiou Markou or other smaller streets, home to great but cheap bags, shoes, jewellery, housewares, gifts, etc.
[edit] Cuisine and eating out
- 'Psiri' is the up-and-coming social hub of Athens- if you are looking for 'trendiness', you are at the correct place. Situated in the "warehouse" district, beside the Monastiraki metro station, it's home to many of Athens' more funky restaurants, and a great number of good tavernas and bars. The place buzzes on a Saturday night, well into the small hours.
- For an atmospheric lunch or dinner with the best view of the city, the best choice is Lycabettus Hill, where Orizontes Lykavittoy and Cafe Lykavittos present delicious international dishes seven days a week. (Tel: +30 210 7227065)
- One of the best budget meals is 'souvlaki' (soo- VLAH-kee), which is mainly grilled meats like pork or chicken, you choose), plus vegys like tomato and onion chunks and 'tzatziki' (tzah-TZEE-khee) consisting of yogurt enhanced in cucumber and garlic, usually French fries accompany these, all wrapped in a thin pita bread. Prices are from €1 to €1.50, add a salad and soda, all for under €7, sold especially in most tourist areas.
[edit] Drink
One thing Greeks are famous for is their socializing, and many do not even consider going out at night before 8pm, then party until the sun comes up. If you want to bar hop and go to clubs, especially on weekends, you'll find the bars start to et busy around midnight. Especially in the summer, many bar and clubs relocate to the beach, with the conversation, singing and dancing spilling out onto the street.
- There is a zone for clubs along the coast extending to the east, where the music is a bit more international as opposed to Greek, and it is certainly a hot spot on Fridays and Saturdays. The center of Athens also has a lot of restaurants, clubs and bars.
- You will also find many upscale bars and clubs in the Psyrrí area, get off of Lines 1 or 3 at the Monastiraki stop or get off at the Thisseio stop when you take Line 1.
- For gays, you won't be disappointed in Athens, especially if you head for most of the bars in Gázi, sort of a gay village.
- Though you can of course get the usual bar beers and drinks, try this, combine the lift with the relaxation when you have a frappé, a delicious Greek-style cold coffee, served black or with milk, with or without sugar, excellent with an Irish cream, or Kahlua.
- Single men shouild be aware of a scam where a friendly stranger approaches to start a conversation, suggesting he knows a great pub to go to. After a couple of drinks, you'll notice you are alone and a huge bar bill presented to you, pay up or they call he police, or worse. The New York Pub and Pub Love in Plaka are renouned for this type of scam.
[edit] Getting out of Athens
Piraeus, the harbour of Athens, and Rafina (on the east coast of Attica) are the departure points for a large number of ferry services to the Greek Islands and other destinations in the eastern Mediterranean, including ports in Italy, Egypt, Turkey, Israel and Cyprus. Fast hydrofoil and catamaran or helicopter services also take you to the Greek Islands. Italy is easier approached by boat from Patras (take a train or a bus to Patras).
The closest islands, suitable for a day trip, are located in the Argosaronic (or Saronic) gulf: Hydra, Aegina, Poros, Spetses and Salamina.
Day trips to the Corinth Canal, the theatre at Epidaurus and to the ancient sites of Olympia, Delphi and Mycenae are easy with a rental car.
Other towns along the Peloponnese such as Nafplion are charming and worthwhile.
[edit] Athens hotels
As mentioned above, the following Athens hotels had to qualify to be listed here. They must be independently owned and operated, meet minimum eco-friendly requirements, rise to the top after a series of former guest reviews, and their average nightly double occupancy room rate must be less than US$200 per night.
Click on any hotel website we provide, and talk to a real person. Avoid misunderstandings caused by a middleman. Before you make your reservation, you can request a multi-night or multi-room, child or senior discount; a quiet room, or a top floor room, or a room with a view; or if you wish to be accommodated close to the pool; if you want extra blankets, towels or pillows; or have them recommend and book a tour or car for you in advance; you can request a romantic bouquet of exotic flowers with a note attached waiting in your room, or a chilled bottle of champagne; or ask questions about the surrounding area, dining, nightlife, laundry services or luggage storage, or a possible early check-in or late check-out. Play one hotel against the other. You can't do any of this when you book through a middleman, and without the middleman's whopping 20% to 40% commission to pay, a hotel has far more flexibility in satisfying your requests! AdventureHotels.travel makes no commission from any reservation, and only charges a small annual fee to list the hotel on our websites.
It costs you nothing to enjoy the fruits of our labor, and the savings and advantages are up to you when you deal directly with the hotel!
[edit] Our most qualified Athens hotels under $200 (in order)
- Art Hotel - The Athens Art Hotel is a 4-star new elegant boutique hotel, operating in a renovated neoclassical building of 1930, situated in the centre of Athens, within walking distance from the national archaeological museum and Omonoia square. The Hotel is very easily accesible by various means of public transportation, including the metro. The thirty guest rooms and suites were designed and furnished one by one, depending on the room shape, the traffic flow, the focal point and the lighting. Different colours, original paintings on the walls and materials like wood and Greek white marble dominate inside the rooms and the bathrooms giving a sense of 'modern eclectic' style. In the main floor, there is a large lobby and also a cafeteria and a bar/restaurant, very elegantly furnished and decorated, which communicate through a double height foyer, where a vintage chandelier dominates. The sophisticated combination of modern designed furniture with precious antiques and original paintings create a very elegant unique atmosphere, hard to forget.
- Eridanus Hotel - Eridanus Hotel is named after the historic river that crossed the city of Athens. The hotel is an elegant, friendly, luxurious and modern place that has turned hotel hospitality into an art form. Eridanus Hotel has been in operation since June 29, 2004 and is housed in a neoclassical landmark that belonged to the Strefis, a historical Athenian family. Both the business and the traditional building now belong to a construction company named "Xidias", with extended experience in hotel construction, which renovated and redesigned the building accordingly. Luxury and construction quality are in perfect harmony in these modern, monumental and beautifully decorated hotel areas, which are characterized by elegant colour combinations and smart lighting all in a relaxing, pleasant setting. Modern style paintings, by Giorgos Lazongas, dominate the decorative artistic touch and make for a 'historical', yet wonderfully blended contrast when compared to the neoclassical authentic ceiling frescos, which were very carefully conserved piece by piece before being replaced in their original places in the hotel. However, Eridanus Hotel's secret weapon is not something concocted by modern man, but something so remarkably spectacular that leaves people in awe on account of its beauty as well as all that it stands for: The Acropolis. The unique view of it is incomparable to anything else, and the hotel offers it in abundance from numerous rooms as well as the roof-garden, thus delightfully completing the range of pleasures one can savour under the hospitable wings of Eridanus Hotel.
Western face of Acropolis
- Magna Grecia Hotel - The Magna Grecia, a member of the Great Small Hotels of the world, is a small intimate boutique hotel with an Acropolis view in the prime central location of the Plaka district. The neo-classical building now housing the Magna Grecia Hotel was originally designed by the German Architect Ernest Schiller in 1898 and renovations reflect the architectual philosophy of that era with high ceilings and wooden floors tinted with original paintings. The total renovations combine all amenities and comforts that the modern sophisticated traveler has come to expect while maintaining its authentic style and character.
- Athens Cypria Hotel - Athens Cypria is an entirely renovated and refurbished hotel in the heart of Athens. Its facelift comes along with a new hotel ownership which combines the best qualities to provide our guests with the best service and hospitality. Visiting Athens either for business or pleasure, Athens Cypria provides a warm and friendly environment essential to the well being of any visitor. Relax in one of 115 rooms,(singles, doubles, family, superior and luxury superior rooms) most with balconies and some with view to the ancient site of Acropolis.
- Stratos Vassilikos Hotel - In the intensity of impressionism and hyperrealism, Stratos Vassilikos Hotel situated in Athens center, is now in position to offer to the guest the emotional uplift and euphoria in combination with the coverage of his demands, in a place that combines harmonically the floral style with the frugality and relaxing mood. The guest's first surprise is created by the facade of the Stratos Vassilikos Hotel, which borrows elements from the Italian renaissance and after that from the imposing presence and vividness of the reception. In an effort to succeed the unique greek welcoming the guest in a warm and intimate way we have replaced the classic front desk that many hotels have, with a reception lounge. The contribution of the lighting to the impression made is decisive as other times it interfuses and helps relaxation and other times, it points out spots and objects.
- Amazon Hotel - Amazon Hotel is located at Syntagma, in the center of Athens, in the scenic area of Plaka. Recently renovated, it has all modern amenities and with the particularly experienced staff, at AMAZON you will promptly feel the friendly and family atmosphere required to make your stay pleasant. The hotel has 46 completely renovated rooms, equipped with all modern facilities, such as sound-proof windows, satellite television, subscription television, direct phone line, bathroom, air conditioning (heating, cooling) with automatic thermostat, music, refrigerator, mini bar, safe, magnetic locks, access to internet (isdn, voice mail), hair drier and dinner table. Room service available on a 24 hour basis.
- Philippos Hotel - The family owned Philippos Hotel is the most ideally located in the heart of the old city district, only a two minutes walk from the Acropolis, the Plaka, the Herodus Atticus ancient theater and the new museum of the Acropolis. The Metro Station Acropolis is a few steps away from the hotel as well as the tramway station, only one stop away from the main shopping and business areas. Our fifty rooms and suites are fine, luminus, in a modern style, softened by elegant fabrics and ambient lighting. Entering from a warm and tasteful lobby our guests can enjoy spacious lounges full of charm and privacy. The hotel provides a meeting place for those who want an efficient conference, three meeting rooms of various sizes and layouts are available to suit the needs of the guests.
- Attalos Hotel - The Attalos Hotel is totally renovated in December 2003 and is more than a comfortable C- class hotel located in the center of Athens. It's a place to treat as home away from home. The difference at the Attalos Hotel is the attitude. We offer what we feel is the best in Greece. Simplicity, hospitality, a warm informal atmosphere inside the hotel and cool evenings on the roof garden, relaxing with a glass of ouzo and the rhythm at your feet.
- Economy Hotel - Hotel Economy is a family hotel with 56 rooms, located in the center of Athens, in a quiet road, next the Old Town Hall in Athinas street. The location of hotel allows you easy access in walking distances to the most interesting places in Athens such as Plaka area, the flea market (Monastiraki), Acropolis, National Archaelogical museum and Syntagma square. Our friendly staff will try to make your stay more pleasant, providing you directions to all the Archaeological sites of the city, Greek taverns or restaurants, shopping areas the flea market or to any point you wish to visit. Also we can give you travel information about ferries, trains or basses schedules and we can make reservations for tours around the city.
- Residence Georgio - An ancient Greek proverb states that “welcome is the best cheer.” And that’s exactly how we want you to feel at The Residence Georgio Hotel Athens – Welcome. Welcome to Greece, welcome to Athens, and welcome to the Residence Georgio luxury hotel. It’s in the name, Residence Georgio Hotel Athens– we want you to feel like our luxury Athens hotel is your luxury residence. Slip into our complimentary bathrobe and slippers and let the stress of the day just wash away in your Jacuzzi. Surround yourself in sophisticated comfort and let us cater to you. With our customised and hospitable service, we make sure you feel that you’ve booked the top Five Star hotel accommodations in Athens.
- Electra Hotel - Athens Electra hotel is a modern 4 star property located in the centre of Athens. This Athens hotel was built in 1965 and completely renovated in 1993, offering the best service combined with the traditional Greek service. The privileged location of Athens Electra hotel, on a pedestrian street near Syntagma square is ideal for both leisure guests who want to explore the city and business travelers. Athens Electra hotel offers 106 elegant guestrooms carefully decorated and designed with wood furnishings and soft tones creating in each room a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere where guests can relax.
- Plaka Hotel - Hotel Plaka, three star, is an excellent choice for a demanding client, in a terrific location. Five minutes walk from Syntagma square. Acropolis, museums, Parliament, shopping area of Plaka, Cathedral are all in walking distance from the hotel. You are really in the heart of Athens, in the best location.
- Atrium Hotel - The Athens Atrium Hotel & Suites is a modern and recently renovated Superior 4 star hotel located in the center of Athens, the capital of Greece. It is the ideal place for all visitors of Athens to stay, whether they travel for business or holidays. This elegant and functional hotel offers high-standard accommodation and integrated service. Our aim is to satisfy all the needs and the demands of our corporate clients and travellers by offering ideal hospitality. We demonstrate that luxury is not a privilege for a selected few, but an entitlement to any visitor who wishes to treat him / herself with multi-star accommodation. During your stay you will enjoy all amenities and services of a luxury hotel. Our main concern is to make your stay at our hotel unforgettable for its ample comfort as well as for the impeccable service by our experienced staff. The luxurious shared areas of the Athens Atrium Hotel & Suites offer to all guests moments of relaxation and entertainment. The rooms and the shared areas of our Hotel are noted for their comfort and their distinctive luxury. The decoration of all areas combines classical and modern elements and will certainly impress you!
- Kanigos 21 Hotel - The Hotel provides 72 units. All rooms are air-conditioned with sound proof windows and equipped with, bathtub/shower, w.c, hairdryer, mini bar, cable and satellite t.v, direct dial telephone, fast access to internet, deposit safety box and music. Hotel also provides a coffee shop, bar, roof garden restaurant and 113 sq.m. of meeting space to accomodate from 10 to 250 people. Kaningos 21 Hotel, is situated in the commercial center of Athens at Kaningos Square, and within walking distance from business, cultural and shopping districts. Specifically 300m from Omonia Square, 400m from the Archeological Museum and 1,2km from Kolonaki and Syntagma Square.
- Parnon Hotel - Hotel Parnon provides the finest service and quality in the heart of Athens City. 51 rooms prepared and well equipped to provide you a pleasant stay. Make yourself at home while you are out exploring Athens. All the rooms are renovated to provide our guest a pleasant stay. The rooms are sound isolated with double glass windows so that the city's noise cannot reach you at all.
- Tempi Hotel - View of the flower market and the Acropolis.The private pedestrian mall in front of the hotel creates an oasis of tranquillity and relaxation. We are located in the heart of the market area and just a few minutes walk from Plaka, the Flea Market, Subway and Monastiraki metro station. It's only 18 minutes by metro from Monastiraki station to Piraeus, port of Athens and the departure point for ferries to the Greek islands. You can also travel direct from Athens' El Venizelos International Airport to Monastiraki ( 6 EURO) in 40 minutes from 5:50 am to 23:00 pm. We are 5 minutes on foot from Syntagma Square (Constitution Square), which is the terminal for the airport express bus (X-95, 24 hour service, 3,20 EURO). The price by taxi to / from the airport is about 30 EURO.
- Coral Hotel - For an enjoyable stay in an Athens hotel may we present the guest friendly Coral Hotel. Here, you can always count on gracious welcome, up to date facilities, amenities and world-famous Greek hospitality that will make you want to return. Newly and charmingly remodeled, Coral Hotel is a four star, full service, seafront property, a short ride from the historical and commercial center of Athens.
- President Hotel - The President Hotel, at 43 Kifissias Avenue, towers over one of the most significant hubs of Athens. An impressive example of cubist architecture, the Hotel is only a few minutes away from Museums, Archaeological Sites, Commercial and Business Centers.
- Arion Athens Hotel - Downtown Athens in Psyri, Arion Hotel a superior hotel, totally renovated in 2004 with a fresh atmosphere and a special touch and care to all little details. It is a charming hotel for an unforgettable stay on a quite square overlooking the church of St Dimitrios. 51 rooms refurbished with exclusive cotemporary design. A fully air conditioned breakfast room, offers continental enlarged buffet breakfast which is included in the price spacious rooms. Just five minutes walk from Monastiraki Metro station, and Plaka area. The Acropolis, museums, the National Gallery are all in short and pleasant walking distance. Modern shops, souvenir shops and tavernas are all in the area. Relax in one of 115 rooms,(singles, doubles, family, superior and luxury superior rooms) most with balconies and some with view to the ancient site of Acropolis. All rooms have mini bar, air-condition, direct telephone line, radio, satellite & pay T.V, hairdryer, and a safe deposit box.
- Byron Hotel - Nauplia was the first capital of modern Greece, libarated almost 200 years ago from the Osmanic Empire. In the middle of its historical centre, at the foot of Citadel Hill with excellent view on Nauplia and the sea, you will find our Hotel Byron in a carefully restored ancient building. All the rooms are equipped with shower and WC, telephone, Mini Bar, TV, hair dryer, safe box, air condition and central heating. We look forward to welcoming you in the warm and friendly atmosphere of our Byron Hotel.
- Achilleas Hotel - Downtown in the heart of Athens at Syntagma Sq. (Parliament), Achilleas Hotel is an urban small hotel with 35 rooms. Totally renovated in 2001 offers a nice and quite stay in Athens. A fully air conditioned breakfast room, offers continental enlarged buffet breakfast which is included in the pricepacious rooms. 34 rooms, beautifully renovated and decorated including new design furniture, colorful fabrics, individual control air conditioning, mini fridge, satellite TV, hairdryer, safe deposit box, electronic key card system, telephone. For families up to five people are offered spacious rooms on attractive rate.
- Attica Beach Hotel - Attica Beach Hotel lies on the enchanting beach of Mati resort. Mati is a small holiday resort with few nice tavernas, coffee houses, night clubs making it a perfect place for your holidays. Just 30km from the center of Athens and 25 km from the airport 'El Venizelos' . Attica Beach is a nice, quiet hotel ideal for family vacations and bussiness meetings. It consists of 94 rooms, bar, restaurant, pool, meeting room, internet corner, games room. Right next to the hotel there is a basketball court together with a playground and a small marina for pleasure craft.
- Galini Palace - The Hotel Galini Palace is a deluxe hotel which is located in Voula, it is 18 km from Athens city centre and 19 km from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. The Hotel Galini Palce which is separated from B Voula Beach by K.Karamanli Street, has direct access for guests to the beach and to the "One thousand and One Nights" Restaurant which offers a wide variety of local and international cuisine by the tremendous sea side. The Hotel Galini Palace is a fully renovated, air-conditioned, sound proofed hotel. The attractive guest rooms are fully appointed to satisfy even the most discerning guest. The hotel’s staff is genuinely warm and friendly while consistently exceeding your expectations. Due to its location near Athens and the International Airport, the Hotel alini Palace appeals to both leisure and business travellers alike. The hotel’s sensitive interior is supplemented by its extensive gardens, spacious sundecks and organized private beach. All of the 20 rooms offer an amazing sea view. Their inviting balconies are suitable for private breakfast / thirst-quenching cocktails along with marvellous ocean sunset views of unforgettable romantic dining. With its wide range of facilities Galini Palace is the ideal setting for social events.
- Omiros Hotel - Omiros Hotel, three star, fully renovated on 2004, is an excellent choice for a demanding client, in a terrific location. Only a few minutes walk from Syntagma square, the Acropolis, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Benaki museum, the old Athens 1896 Olympic Games stadium and the shopping area of Plaka. Everything within walking distance from the hotel. You are really in the heart of Athens, definitely the best location!
- Amalia Hotel - Amalia Athens is privileged by its location, right in the heart of the city, across the street from the National Garden. Amalia Athens is located within a walking distance from the Acropolis and Plaka area, a block away from the Greek Parliament and Constitution Square -the tourist and business center of town- and the air terminals.
[edit] About the author
By Jim Nealon, a lifelong friend
Canadian Eric Robinson and I lived in the same residence at the University of Waterloo, in Ontario, Canada in 1971. After graduating with a degree in Environmental Studies (BES), majoring in cultural geography, Eric, always a bundle of energy, backpacked around the world in 1974-75. He travelled mostly overland through thirty two countries, including working his way across the South Pacific on a Danish banana boat. He sent postcards and letters back to our group of friends, and we were always excited to read his amazing stories.
Between operating three different hotels in northern Ontario, he travelled (with his family in the later years) throughout much of the Pacific Rim from Japan to Thailand and Viet Nam, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, many South Pacific Islands, Chile, Peru, Columbia and all of Central America and Mexico between 1978 and 1992, compiling information about Third World Eco-Tourism Marketing for his post-graduate thesis at the University of Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. He finally made San Jose, Costa Rica home-base for himself and his two teenage sons in 1995, operating two more successful hotels, the Hemingway Inn in central San Jose, and presently Adventure Inn in the central valley closer to the airport. Over the past twelve years, Eric has founded three non-profit Costa Rica eco-hotel associations, with a total of over fifty independent hotels strategically located throughout the country. Through his writings, the internet and room, tour and car rental reservations, he has properly advised literally thousands of people with their travel plans, and has built up quite a repertoire of questions that he has direct experience with, or has researched and answered, regarding Third World travel.
Eric's interests, other than writing about his world travels, are his family first, photography, his dogs, establishing litter pick up programs for public school kids in San Jose, Costa Rica, and masters swimming, in which he is a world class competitor. His next competition is the World Championships in Perth, Australia in April, 2008.
Eric believes that honesty in marketing has longevity, telling you both the good and the bad. After seeing the
Though he knows he is often preaching to the converted, he suggests your stay and travels should impact minimally and only positively on the indigenous physical, cultural, economic and ecological setting. We all need to observe, listen, understand and empathize rather than see, hear, take pictures and boast. If we prefer the familiar comforts of home, ask ourselves why we are traveling? With this approach, future visitors will equally enjoy the experience of an exotic Third World adventure.
I hope Eric and I will always stay in touch. Sometimes I feel I live vicariously through him. These days we use e-mails and MSN. It is so refreshing to hear his thoughts, covered in humour, from whatever corner of the world he may be reporting from.
[edit] Adventure Hotels destinations and qualified hotels from around the world
[edit] Asian hotels
- Japan hotels
- Beijing hotels
- Taiwan hotels
- Taipei hotels
- Macau hotels
- Macao hotels
- Hainan hotels
- Philippines hotels
- Manila hotels
- Hanoi hotels
- Bangkok hotels
- Chiang Mai hotels
- Koh Samui hotels
- Phuket hotels
- Jakarta hotels
- Bali hotels
[edit] Australian hotels
[edit] New Zealand hotels
[edit] Pacific Island hotels
[edit] Micronesia
- The Federated States of Micronesia hotels
- Marshall Islands hotels
- Palau hotels
- Northern Mariana Islands hotels
- Nauru hotels
- Kiribati hotels
- Guam hotels
[edit] Melanesia
[edit] Polynesia
- Cook Islands hotels
- Niue hotels
- Samoa hotels
- Tonga hotels
- American Samoa hotels
- French Polynesia hotels
- Easter Island hotels
[edit] Hawaii
- Hawaii in general
- The Big Island hotels
- Maui hotels
- Moloka'i hotels
- Lana'i hotels
- O'ahu hotels
- Kaua'i hotels
[edit] Central America
[edit] Central America hotels
- Guatemala hotels
- Belize hotels
- Honduras hotels
- El Salvador hotels
- Nicaragua hotels
- Costa Rica hotels
- Panama hotels
