Piraeus Port Hotel

The Piraeus Port Hotel ranks highly amid properties dotting this nautical hub, and proximity to the port attracts a largely transit presence. Marbled columns make a statement at the entrance, where full 2015 renovations have left a fresh facade and interiors that contrast the somewhat rundown streets surrounding the hotel. The look is functional done right -- think clean marbles, plant-flanked inlays, and a smart lobby bar outfitted in straightforward wood and gray-fabric chairs and pendant lamps. The breakfast room's glossed-wood floors and bright-white chairs and walls feel more sleek than sterile, but there's little else in terms of common areas. Guests mostly find the hotel serves its stopover purpose well and at a great value.

Immediate streets can feel a bit sketchy (often the case near transit hubs), but the hotel is conveniently placed for Piraeus Port. The port itself is huge, so walking times vary. While the main port entrance is seven minutes on foot, and the E7 terminal for Santorini is three minutes farther, other terminals can require walks of up to 25 minutes. Taxis are plentiful, though, as are trams and busses. Downtown Piraeus is a seven-minute walk away, although the nicest areas to wander (namely yachts and restaurants at Pasalimani or Mikrolimano marinas) are 10 minutes farther. The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus is a similar distance. Athens is a 17-minute drive, or 20-minute metro ride from Piraeus' metro, which is at the port entrance. Athens International Airport is about 35 minutes by car, or 90 minutes via the 24-hour X96 bus, which runs direct from the Dimotiko stop, a block from the hotel. 

The 2015-renovated rooms have an up-to-date look, featuring hardwood floors, dark or light-brushed wooden furniture, and crisp white bed linens with striped runners. Sconce lighting and bare walls are budget-like, but rooms are bright from windows with striped drapes, and all except Economy Rooms offer a small or large furnished balcony (some with Acropolis views). Note that views are luck of the draw, but contacting the hotel in advance may help secure a big balcony or distant Acropolis views. Admittedly, rooms are small. Tiny Singles are 129 square feet (12 square meters), rising to 161 square feet (15 square meters) in Twin, Double, and Triple rooms. Amenities-wise, though, all the basics are covered. Phones, desks, flat-screen TVs, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, and empty mini-fridges come standard, alongside safes in fitted wardrobes, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Compact tan-tiled bathrooms have quality fixtures, stall showers, toiletries, and hairdryers. Unfortunately, some guests have complained of street, port, and internal noise in rooms. Rooms can be fitted with cribs.

Features are limited to practical services, and guests mostly find offerings sufficient. Although there's no full restaurant, buffet breakfasts are served for a fee, and consist of scrambled eggs, sausages, a good continental spread, tea, coffee, and juice. The lobby bar is stylish in a generic way, and seating clusters around coffee tables extend to stools at a wooden bar. A range of spirits and non-alcoholic beverages are on offer. Two computers here are free to use, alongside printers, and staff are helpful with port arrangements. Secure, underground parking next door is at a fee. Pets are not permitted. Wi-Fi is free everywhere in the hotel.