Airotel Parthenon

A hotel that’s popular for its brilliant location on a leafy street rather than lap-of-the-Greek-Gods luxury and ambiance, the Airotel is a suitable stopover choice for young city hoppers or couples on an urban break. From the outside, the property looks a bit imposing. The brick facade with jutting cement balconies isn’t exactly welcoming, but the orange trees and boxed topiary outside the door lighten the effect. Fluorescent lighting in the chandeliers in the lobby make the place appear shabby and old-fashioned, and much of the decor seems to be a 1970s salmon-pink color. An older-fashioned sitting area with cloth and leather couches and patterned rugs flanks the entranceway. The irony is that the surroundings can be seen as almost chic, in a hipster-ish, groovy sort of way. (The dining room would look especially appealing if given filtered lighting.)

Centrally located in Plaka, the ancient city of Athens, the Airotel is within walking distance of the famous Parthenon, Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Temple of Olympians, and Theatre of Dionysus, among other attractions. The Acropolis Metro Station, offering easy connections to the city, is a two-minute walk from the property as well. In fact, most of the major sightseeing destinations in Athens can be reached by foot from Airotel Parthenon. Athens International Airport is 30 to 35 minutes southeast by car, or about an hour away by public transport.

Clean lines, wall-to-wall carpeting, and muted linens are the norm at the Airotel -- basically what you’d expect in a generic hotel room. There’s nothing here that jumps out and wows. Beds are firm yet comfortable and the air-conditioning whirrs along without too much audial intrusion. Balconies look threadbare and in need of some potted plants to soften them up. Bathrooms are marbled and have full bathtubs with handheld showerheads, but the grouting needs seeing to in some cases. Overall, guest units are clean and functional, with some having better views than others. Watch out for twin beds pushed together to make doubles.

The Airotel Parthenon doesn't offer much in the way of amenities. Its convenient location and affordable rates are the biggest draws for many guests. That said, the hotel’s roof garden has a fantastic view of the Acropolis, and the big bowl of fresh welcome fruit is a lovely touch. The on-site Acropolis restaurant serves up traditional Greek cuisine while business travelers can utilize meeting and event spaces with varied configurations that can hold from to 20 to 110 people. Wi-Fi is available as well, though fees are charged for faster service.