Brilliant location, close to major tourist hotspots like the
Acropolis and Parthenon
Stunning views of Acropolis can be seen from the rooftop
Located on a pretty, leafy street near Plaka neighborhood
Rooms are non-smoking (a con for some)
Some rooms have pretty street views
On-site restaurants offers a morning buffet
Room decor is in need of a refresh
Fee for faster Wi-Fi speeds
No gym
Twin beds are pushed together to make doubles
Airotel Parthenon is a mid-range property with
79 rooms over five floors, decked out in simple white decor with brown/green
furnishings. It’s extremely convenient for all the major sightseeing of
Athens: The Parthenon, Temple of
Olympians, Plaka, and the metro are all within walking distance. It’s not the
fanciest of hotels and could do with a fresh lick of paint in some places but,
considering the view of the Acropolis at night from the rooftop, it might be worth the
money. The Dorian Inn, a five-minute drive north, has similar Acropolis views
and a rooftop pool for cheaper rates.
Scene
Generic hotel with LED chandeliers and a 1970s vibe
A hotel that’s popular for its brilliant
location on a leafy street rather than lap-of-the-Greek-Gods luxury and ambiance,
the Airotel is a suitable stopover choice for young city hoppers or couples on
an urban break. From the outside, the property looks a bit imposing. The brick facade
with jutting cement balconies isn’t exactly welcoming, but the orange trees and
boxed topiary outside the door lighten the effect. Fluorescent lighting
in the chandeliers in the lobby make the place appear shabby and old-fashioned,
and much of the decor seems to be a 1970s salmon-pink color. An
older-fashioned sitting area with cloth and leather couches and patterned rugs flanks
the entranceway. The irony is that the surroundings can be seen as almost chic,
in a hipster-ish, groovy sort of way. (The dining room would look especially
appealing if given filtered lighting.)
Location
Within walking distance of the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Olympians, and metro
Centrally located in Plaka, the ancient
city of Athens, the Airotel is within walking distance of the famous Parthenon, Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Temple of Olympians, and Theatre of Dionysus, among other
attractions. The Acropolis Metro Station, offering easy connections to the city,
is a two-minute walk from the property as well. In fact, most of the major sightseeing
destinations in Athens can be reached by foot from Airotel Parthenon. Athens
International Airport is 30 to 35 minutes southeast by car, or about an hour away by
public transport.
Rooms
Simple and generic in decor, many of the rooms are in need of updates.
Clean lines, wall-to-wall carpeting, and
muted linens are the norm at the Airotel -- basically what you’d expect in a
generic hotel room. There’s nothing here that jumps out and wows. Beds are firm
yet comfortable and the air-conditioning whirrs along without too much audial
intrusion. Balconies look threadbare and in need of some potted plants to
soften them up. Bathrooms are marbled and have full bathtubs with handheld
showerheads, but the grouting needs seeing to in some cases. Overall, guest
units are clean and functional, with some having better views than others. Watch out for twin beds pushed together to make doubles.
Features
Limited amenities, but stunning views of the Acropolis from the rooftop
The Airotel Parthenon doesn't offer much in
the way of amenities. Its convenient location and affordable rates are the biggest draws for
many guests. That said, the hotel’s roof garden has a fantastic view of the
Acropolis, and the big bowl of fresh welcome fruit is a lovely touch. The on-site Acropolis restaurant serves up traditional Greek cuisine while business travelers can utilize meeting and event spaces with varied configurations that can hold from to 20 to 110 people. Wi-Fi is available as well, though fees are charged for faster service.