Oscar Hotel

Large glass doors lead the way into a lobby that looks more like part of a banquet hall than a hotel. Black-and-white tile, stained-glass, and old chandeliers date the space, and red leather seating adds little to the ho-hum design. The on-site restaurant, Dionysos, with its red-fabric chairs, white or burgundy tablecloths, and again the chandeliers, makes it look more like a meeting hall than a restaurant. Hallways have tired green carpet and salmon colored walls that don’t match and further age the hotel. There is a nice rooftop terrace/bar, though, with green metal chairs and wonderful views of historic landmarks. 

The Oscar Hotel is located on a busy street near the central rail and metro station Larissa. It's across the street from a grocery store in a somewhat dicey neighborhood. The Hellenic Motor Museum, Pedion Areos Park, National Archaeological Museum of Athens, and Omonia Square are all within walking distance. But the top sights, including the Parthenon and Acropolis, are a 15-minute drive away, or almost almost a half-hour trip by metro or bus, and the Olympic centers are an 18-minute drive, or a 50-minute metro ride. 

Like the common areas of the Oscar Hotel, the rooms are dated, with green carpeting, red bedspreads, and neutral wallpaper. There is little personality or artwork present, and the green-yellow drapes don’t improve the look. There is an extra red chair, a tan ottoman, and dated lamps over the headboard. All rooms have balconies, and some balconies are big enough for tables and chairs, and offer beautiful city views. All rooms have small flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and air conditioning, while suites include CD/DVD players and jetted tubs. Guests complain that many rooms get street and hotel noise, and several smell of smoke. Bathrooms have only bathtubs (no showers), and are covered in tired tan and cream tile. Some bathrooms have red countertops and double sinks, while others have only pedestal sinks with no counter space. Soap comes in dispensers.

The Oscar Hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout in addition to a free, American-style buffet breakfast, which receives mixed reviews. There is on-site parking for a fee and concierge services through the 24-hour front desk. An on-site restaurant, Dionysos, serves international and Greek dishes, to more mixed reviews. One perk is a small, seasonal outdoor pool with views of Lycabettus Hill and the Acropolis, although views are somewhat obstructed by the white fence surrounding the pool area.