Added: 01/26/2006 |
Things you should know, while choosing from Athens hotelsIn Athens the most desirable areas to stay in are the Plaka, Makrianni, Koukaki, Thission, Syntagma and Monastiraki. They all border the Acropolis and the archeological park around it, conveniently situated for having excursions of Athens. Everything you need, including shops, restaurants, the metro, ferries, buses, taxis, and the nightlife is within a walking distance. It is better not to accomodate in such neighborhoods, as Ambelokipi, Illissia, or Alexandras, which are noisy and far from the sights.
Remember that Piraeus, the main port of Athens, is considered to be a separate city; thus, many Athens hotels listings will skip places in Piraeus. If you need a place to stay before or after taking a ferry, consider inexpensive, friendly Piraeus hotels, which are within a two minute walk from the train station, the Metro station and the airport bus stops.
Traffic can be pretty bad in Athens, and a trip downtown may take you an hour or more if you are not on the metro line. For this reason be aware of booking a hotel through a US-based travel agent, as they are often totally ignorant to its location, which is significant. Some of the nicest American style Athens hotels have lousy locations and, in most cases, there is a comparable hotel nearby the Acropolis.
You will have the same feeling about the large hotels as anywhere in the world. Why not to explore tiny, usually Greek-owned and operated, less expensive gems, tucked throughout the Athens metropolis? The Plaka area has a concentration of older, small Athens hotels and pensions, some in former mansions, built in the Neo-classical style. Several of them were turned by the renovation into more of boutique hotels, and the others are still budget bets.
A peculiar feature of Greece is that its hotel rating system in use is rather misleading. There are six classifications, starting with L (Luxury) and then going in an alphabetical order from A to E. However, these ratings do not necessarily reflect the comfort, cleanliness or anything else, except the most general terms. They only show additional amenities, which may or may not be important for you.
The E classification, generally used only by budget-conscious Greeks or down-on-their-luck travelers, has been upgraded almost out of existence, as these establishments fight for the more lucrative tourist dollar. The most charming "D" class Athens hotels will never "move up" to being a "C" or a "B", unless they add all in-room bathrooms or a lobby. One of the big hurdles between being a "C" hotel and a "B" hotel is simply how extensive breakfast they serve.
As the practice shows, Americans and Asian tourists are usually happier at "L", "AA", "A" and "B" classifications, though they pay for the privilege and miss out some terrific "C" hotels. British and European visitors are often satisfied, even if the bath is down the hall; and hence, they can enjoy the "B", "C" and even "D" classifications, saving money all the way. Upscale travelers from any area generally stick to the "L", "AA" and "A" class establishments. Backpackers, students and artists thrive in the "D"s and even "E"s.
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