Art Hotel

Behind 1930-built neoclassical facades, the hotel's eclectic interiors are more attractive than the somewhat-seedy neighborhood (nearby trains offer quick downtown getaways). The lobby's white walls and glossy marble floors have Art Deco flourishes from black chandeliers and a grand piano, and red and purple seating boldly contrast period-style wood furniture. Quirky styling here may not be to everyone's taste, but large paintings, hardwood floors, and fresh flowers keep things classic. Rooms occupy an old and new wing, which decor reflects, so prepare for some wear and tear in the older rooms. Guests mostly spend their days out exploring, although many opt in for the decent free breakfast, with a handful making use of the lobby's small bar/restaurant. A tiny plunge pool and small outdoor terrace are a nice touch for a city hotel, but don't expect the rooftop views typical of Athenian properties. Rollaway beds in Family Rooms cater to kids, but the hotel mostly welcomes sightseeing adults.

A stay outside of the city center has its pros -- namely bypassing steep downtown rates. While immediate streets here are somewhat rundown, major sights such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, and historic Plaka district are within a 30-minute walk, or shorter metro ride. Accompanied by Omonia Square's fast-food outlets and cheap cafes, Omonia metro station is seven minutes away on foot. Trains from here run to the above destinations, plus Monastiraki flea market, Syntagma Square, and Ermou shopping district (all of which are also a healthy 20 to 30 minutes on foot). Nearby attractions include the Archaeological Museum of Athens and National Theatre of Greece, both located a seven-minute walk from the hotel. Athens International Airport is a 40-minute drive, or one hour by public transport.

Some fresher-looking than others, rooms are outfitted in a mix of bold or neutral palettes. They have light-hued walls, wood floors, dark-wood furniture, and deep red, caramel, or loud striped accents in drapes and bedding. Chandeliers or gilt-framed mirrors dress rooms up, as do black-paneled or wooden headboards. At 172 square feet (16 square meters), Budget Doubles are a squeeze, although upgraded categories offer more space. Family Rooms measure 302 square feet (28 square meters), and have rollaway beds, while larger Suites come with huge furnished balconies, plus slippers and robes. Suite rooms sleep four, and bathrooms here have jetted tubs. Note that double beds are two twin beds pushed together, though that's common for Greece.

Phones, desks, cable flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, empty mini-fridges, and bottled water come standard, as do hairdryers, toiletries, safes, and AC. However, there are no tea- and coffee-making facilities are provided. Shower/tub combos (with rainfall showerheads in some) occupy straightforward bathrooms, which are worn in older rooms, but more attractive in newer units. Unfortunately, many rooms suffer noise, either from the street, air conditioners, or internal movement. Rooms can be fitted with cribs. 

The Art Hotel offers a sufficient list of amenities that generally satisfies guests who spend most of their day outside the property. It's hard to turn down the free breakfast buffet, which consists of scrambled eggs, frankfurters, a cold Greek and continental spread, tea, coffee, and juice. The dining area's wooden tables and chairs are less outlandish than the adjacent lobby, but gilt touches here are polished, and the room receives natural light. With most guests eating lunch and dinner out, its bar and restaurant are rarely used, but they're handy for late arrivals. The tiny outdoor plunge pool is sheltered by high walls in exposed stone, and while the space lacks views, it's peaceful. Terraces are topped with tables and chairs for outdoor seating. A meeting room is also available. No parking is offered, although paid parking lots are nearby, and there's no gym on-site. Pets are not permitted. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.