29 Athinas str., Monastiraki, Athens, Greece | (251) 219-4428
Located in the Plaka area of central Athens, near all historic sights, restaurants, and nightlife
Spectacular roof garden with panoramic Acropolis view
15 minutes' walk to the top of the Acropolis
Some rooms have balconies with phenomenal Parthenon views
Rooms have mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs
Two minutes' walk from metro, with a direct line to airport
Free Wi-Fi in rooms, as well as a free Internet corner
Street noise may disturb light sleepers
Noise from rooftop bar can be heard in guest rooms on upper floors
A bit shabby and run-down in some common spaces (but nonetheless clean)
Very few on-site amenities aside from the rooftop and breakfast (for a fee)
The 80-room, mid-range Attalos Hotel is in the heart of Athens' Plaka district, a 15-minute walk to the top of the Acropolis and near most of the historic sites, as well as popular flea and food markets. This family-run hotel is neither flashy nor opulent, but it is clean and well-maintained, with smallish rooms that offer a good base for tourists or business travelers, and a charming, spacious rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city. Aside from this and a basic breakfast (for a fee), there are few on-site amenities.
Scene
The rooftop terrace and bar, upbeat atmosphere, and an awesome location set the scene.
Although not supermodern or glamorous, the Attalos Hotel is ideally located for both tourists and business travelers who want to see the sights, and the rooftop terrace and bar offer a fantastic place to chill between excursions. With 360-degree panoramic views, the spacious bar offers seating in the sun, in an open air shaded area, and inside, for those who prefer air-conditioning with their retsina. In several corners there are sunbeds for horizontal relaxation. In the evenings, the view of the Parthenon all lit up is spectacular. The bar is open until midnight. The lobby is cheerful, with scattered tables accessorized with fresh flowers and bright, spring-green chairs for socializing or plotting the day's sightseeing. The walls feature large sepia photographs of vintage street scenes, and, of course, the Acropolis. The general atmosphere is fun and uncomplicated, with all of Athens right outside the lobby doors.
Location
Phenomenal location near modern and ancient markets, on an everyday Athens street
The location of the Attalos Hotel is ideal for both business travelers and tourists, with the metro station a two minute walk from the lobby door. The hotel sits on a busy commercial street within walking distance of the central market and Monastiraki flea market, the Ancient Agora, and the Acropolis. Visitors can reach the Parthenon in 15 minutes. The area has a lively local bar scene, and is surrounded by good restaurants, gyro spots, bakeries, and creperies.
Rooms
Cozy but clean, with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi
Rooms at the Attalos Hotel are clean and tidy but narrow. (Triple rooms feel dorm-like.) Some rooms have balconies; some of the balconies have Acropolis views, but all of the terraces have nice tables and chairs for hanging out and watching the busy street life. Free Wi-Fi and high-speed (wired) Internet are included, as well as flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Windows are soundproof, but rooms near the rooftop bar may experience some noise. Bedrooms have cozy quilts, hardwood floors, and pretty peach walls, but the bathrooms feel dated and lack design. Modern rainfall showerheads are a bonus.
Features
Rooftop terrace bar, buffet breakfast
The centerpiece of the Attalos Hotel is the rooftop bar and terrace, where guests can enjoy the full panorama of downtown Athens with the Acropolis and Parthenon in the distance. The terrace is lined with tables and chairs but doesn't feel crowded. There are spots to soak up the sun, including sunbeds, shaded areas for hot afternoons, and an indoor bar with plenty of tables and barstools for socializing in the air- conditioning. The hotel offers a buffet breakfast by the lobby for a fee.