Arion Athens Hotel

The hotel is a colorful place, with splashes of sea blues and lemony yellows on the walls. Large black-and-white photography adorns the walls in the lobby, with images of a young girl waving a large Greek flag, and other Olympic images, like the Olympic Rings. Worn gray sofas provide a spot to sit. This is a good choice for couples and families alike, but the lack of business facilities will perhaps see business travelers opting elsewhere.

In Psiri, the Arion Athens Hotel is a two-minute walk from Monastiraki Metro Station and Monastiraki flea market. The Arion Athens Hotel is just a few steps from Iroon Square (Heroes Square) which is the center of the revitalized area that's full of food and drink options. It's also a short walk in the opposite direction from the central market which provides a great window into local Athenian life. Plaka is a 10-minute walk away in the Monastiraki Square direction, and all the big-brand shopping can be found there. For culture vultures, the Acropolis is a brisk 10-minute walk away.

Rooms have a subtle color scheme, with modern textures and fabrics that create a welcoming and cozy ambiance. Headboards are textured in an Ikea kind-of-way. There are marble en-suite bathrooms with Skin Essentials brand toiletries, plus free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, in-room safes, and mini-fridges. Some of the rooms have balconies with Acropolis views. There’s a lack of coffee-making facilities and rooms that face the street can be noisy.

There aren't a lot of extra features at Arion, but Wi-Fi and breakfast are both free. One highlight is the Acropolis views from the rooftop deck, which is set with tables and chairs but could use a sprucing up. Guests can bring their own food and drinks up to the rooftop to soak in the vibe of the ancient Acropolis. Pets are allowed at the hotel.