Amalia Hotel

Originally built in the '60s, Amalia Hotel has since gone through a few refurbishments to keep up with the times. Although interiors aren't super modern, they are bright and fresh, with an elegant touch. The lobby is sleek and sophisticated, with shiny tiled flooring, colorful starry lights in the ceiling, and fun three-dimensional butterfly art pieces on the walls. The Chrysalis Lobby Lounge Bar features a similar design and atmosphere, it's right next to the lobby on the ground floor. The restaurant is just as elegant, though it could do without the old-fashioned draped tablecloths on the buffet tables. The meeting rooms are the only part of the hotel in need of a refurbishment, as the furniture and decor looks a bit old-fashioned and tired. The general atmosphere is fun and uncomplicated, and while the outside street is bustling, guests have noted that it's not noisy inside the hotel. The central location makes this a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers, particularly bigger groups.

Amalia Hotel is centrally located in Syntagma Square in Athens, right across from the beautiful National Gardens where the changing of the guards is performed. The surrounding area is packed with restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops, and the famous Syntagma Square is only a four-minute walk away. It's a five-minute walk to the Greek Parliament, and the quaint neighborhood of Plaka is 10 minutes away on foot. Both Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum are within a 15-minute walk, along with popular shopping areas of Ermou Street and the Kolonaki area. Public transport is within easy reach: the Syntagma bus, tram, and train stop are located right outside the hotel and a metro stop is two minutes away on foot. It's a 40-minute drive or just over an hour on public transit to Athens International Airport. Rather conveniently, the airport shuttle bus stops just around the corner from the hotel.

The 97 rooms at the Amalia Hotel are clean, simple, and modern. The furniture is clean-lined and cool, but not particularly exciting; the bedside tables, desk, and cupboards are all made of a brown faux wood. Copper, olive green, and sea blue colors are used throughout the various rooms and decor is limited to framed palm-tree paintings on the walls. The large windows let in natural light and windows are double glazed to reduce noise from the busy street below. Only the Deluxe Rooms and Suites have balconies with views of the National Gardens, Mount Lycabettus, and Parliament. All include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, telephones, and free Wi-Fi. Tea- and coffee-making facilities are not available. Bathrooms include a shower/tub combo and come with a hairdryer, magnifying mirror, and eco-friendly toiletries. Bathrobes and slippers are provided.

Amalia Hotel is noticeably lacking in some features as it doesn't have a swimming pool, fitness center, or spa facilities -- which are mostly common in hotels within in this price range in Athens. The Mezzanine restaurant serves a free American-style buffet breakfast each morning, as well as a la carte lunches and dinners. The Chrysalis Lobby Lounge Bar is ideal for light snacks and drinks overlooking the National Gardens. There are five meeting rooms available, with a total capacity of up to 350 guests. The hotel's Roof Garden, with stunning views of the city, can cater for up to 120 guests. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and on-site parking is available for an additional fee.