The Y Hotel

Set on a calm, tree-lined street in an upscale suburban neighborhood, the Y Hotel emits a similar vibe with its refined interiors. The lobby's back-lit silvers, charcoals, and muted grays get soft white accents from large period-style armchairs. Wall-mounted butterflies above the black-painted fireplace are cheerful and a departure from the typical corporate hotel -- most guests are business travelers. Greece embraces outdoor life and a glass-topped terrace at the entrance is furnished with contemporary neutral-tone seating. Indoor dining areas feel more plain, although panel photography on walls with leaf motifs add some character. The bar's intricate etchings and back-lit golden hues are more atmospheric. The vibe is sophisticated but relaxed and many of the hotel's leisure and business guests are repeat visitors. 

The hotel's Kifisia district is suburban but happening, and leafy trees line elegant streets leading to the main Kefalari square, a three-minute walk away. Designer boutiques are a five-minute walk and nearby restaurant and cafe terraces feel cosmopolitan around well-maintained cobble streets. Goulandris Natural History Museum is just as close, but journeys to business destinations and historic sights require drives or metro rides. The nearest Kifisia train and metro station is a 15-minute walk. Rides from here take one hour for downtown Athens, including Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, and the Acropolis. Helexpo-Maroussi and Metropolitan exhibition centers are both within a 30-minute drive. Athens International Airport is just under 30 minutes by car or one hour by public transport. Though not a hotel feature, the nearest parking lot is a three-minute walk and well-priced.

Rooms in muted tones have an understated elegance, enhanced by classic hardwood floors and stylish accent wallpaper. Large beds have metallic or black headboards, and plum, silver, or caramel runners with matching throw pillow menus, plus wall-mounted lamp sconces on either side. Everything is well thought out, from the built-in flat-screen TVs to the bedside charging points and desk-level electrical outlets. Rooms come with phones, minibars, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, air-conditioning, and safes. Starting at 161 square feet (16 square meters), Standard Rooms are small, though furnished balconies help add some space. These are larger in higher-category rooms and turn private terrace-style in Suites, which start at 226 square feet (21 square meters) and have full living areas. The knockout Penthouse Suite has a kitchen. Modern bathrooms have rainfall showers, ample quality toiletries (including toothbrush kits), hairdryers, robes, and slippers. Rooms can be fitted with cribs.

All meals can be delivered to rooms, but the breakfast buffet is worth getting out of bed for. Eggs and bacon feel almost ordinary amongst quiches and homemade fruit tarts and cakes. Breads, pastries, cereals, and fruit come alongside cold meats and cheeses, with Greek varieties, plus fresh-squeezed juices, tea, and coffee. The Y Bar serves coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages, plus snacks, while The Y Menu offers Greek specialities, sandwiches, pastas, and salads. Guests can dine indoors or under the terrace's glass canopy. The tiny 24-hour fitness center has a handful of cardio machines, plus free weights. Massage treatments can be arrange on request. Guest computers in the lobby extend to business services in a meeting room holding 10 people. The concierge can arrange laundry, car rentals, and babysitting (all at a fee). Wi-Fi is free throughout.