Athens Hotels and City Break Lodging
With the financial shot-in-the-arm provided by the 2004 Olympics Athens' hotel scene has never been in better shape. The yawning gap in quality mid-range hotels had been plugged with several slick new establishments and today there's something tailored to every bank balance.
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At the top end of the market the financial elite are spoiled for choice, but luxury in Athens is far from cheap and you won't get much change from a €500 note for a room in the high season. For classical elegance it's difficult to beat the Grande Bretagne Hotel overlooking Syntagma Square. Founded in 1852 this landmark hotel oozes old-world magic and has been given a recent polish in time for the games. Another Luxury hotel that's using the Olympics as an excuse for a facelift is The Hilton on Vasillisis Sophia Boulevard, which boasts some of the best views of the Parthenon that you'll get anywhere in the city. During the stifling summer months it's difficult to think of a better way to cool off than in the roof-top pool of the Electra Palace. The latest addition to Athens ' skyline comes in the guise of the Life Gallery in the quiet suburb of Ekali. Many thought Athens was long-overdue a design hotel, and even more its' world-class health spa.
Athens has a number of new mid-range hotels built to service Eleftherios Venizelos airport, which aren't a bad option if you consider the new Metro link into the city centre. However, if you are looking for something closer to the restaurants and nightlife then the districts of Plaka, Syntagma and Monastiraki provide good starting points. A double room in a mid-range hotel should cost between €70-150.
If this sounds like too much Athens is awash with budget hotels and hostel beds. Seasoned guidebook favorites include: the lofty charms of Acropolis House (Kodhrou 6), the peace and quiet offered by Byron (Vironis 19) and the unbeatable value of Cecil (Athinas 39). For one of Athens ' better budget rooms expect to pay between €35-35.
Finding a bed in a hostel is unlikely to present too many difficulties, but if you want the peace of mind of IYHA accreditation, then you'd better book early as the well-kept YHA on Victor Hugo is the only choice. Camping is another option, but as most campsites are out of town and expensive, it isn't a popular one.
City Break
