Athens Diamond Homtel

Housed in a tall, narrow, modern building, the Athens Diamond Homtel is rather bland on the outside and has little common space inside, apart from a perfectly functional breakfast room outfitted with Philippe Starck's signature clear plastic chairs. The dramatically lit lobby is accessed via a set of stairs up from the street, with arching ceilings; the small lobby itself has a metallic check-in desk surrounded by dark drapes and silver chairs. While not exactly diamond-studded, the Athens Diamond Homtel does its best to shine, decorated in silvers, whites, and reflective metals. Globular glass and metal chandeliers add a touch of whimsy. There is a petite elevator or a circular staircase to access rooms. The hotel primarily attracts tourists looking for a conveniently located hotel with a sense of style.

The Athens Diamond Homtel is conveniently located on a quiet street in the central Syntagma area of Athens. The hotel is within walking distance of tourist attractions such as the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Plaka, and the bustling Ermou, filled with shops and restaurants. Just a few hundred meters from the Syntagma metro station, it is also easily situated for getting around the rest of the city. 

Rooms at the Athens Diamond Homtel are modern and whimsical, if a bit worn around the edges. The Double Classic rooms contrast teal and silver, giving an Alice-in-Wonderland feel that's only accentuated by tall metal bedside lamps and silver leather drawers and headboards. Different rooms have different color schemes -- some are dark and dramatic, others are bright and shiny -- but all maintain the sleekly ornate Philippe Starck-inspired style found throughout the hotel. Most rooms also have small balconies. Suites are significantly more spacious, but the layouts tend to be bizarre; for instance, the Junior Suite's sitting area, which includes a love seat and a small dining table, faces the armoire, while the television is in the bedroom. In the Suite with Jacuzzi Terrace, the bathroom doubles as a corridor between the bedroom and living room. This room does, however, have a whirlpool in a sunroom terrace, from which you can see the Acropolis. Bathrooms are small, decorated with black and white polka dot tiling, and most have walk-in showers; suites have soaking tubs as well. All rooms have mini-fridges, a flat-screen TV, DVD/CD players, and free Wi-Fi. Overall, the rooms are modern and uniquely designed, but may be showing some wear and tear.

The Athens Diamond Homtel has relatively limited facilities, with free Wi-Fi and a mediocre free breakfast buffet included in all rates. Room service is available throughout the day and there's a small business center available. A 24-hour front desk offers concierge services. While there are few added amenities and little common space, the hotel's location near the ancient ruins and popular shops is a real benefit.