Athens Lotus Hotel

Located in a restored Neoclassical building, the family-run Athens Lotus Hotel has a homey and low-key vibe. The style in the lobby sitting area is eclectic, with striped curtains, tiled floors, marble columns, and simple wood furniture. The hotel's restaurant, Karavi, is a separate room that uses the same aesthetic as the lobby. Both have an understated nautical theme, the walls are decorated with artistic sailboats made from sticks. In the lobby, there are several cafe-style tables and chairs, but no reading chairs or couches; the space has free Wi-Fi and is an easy spot to hang out with a laptop or a coffee. Thanks to its quiet location not far from the city's attractions, the majority of the Athens Lotus's guests are tourist couples.

The Athens Lotus Hotel is located near the historic center of Athens, just down the block from the Metaxourgeio metro station, which puts the entire city at your fingertips. While the area may appear a little seedy (there's a good amount of graffiti around), it is perfectly safe and residential, and the street the hotel sits on turns into a popular local market street on some days. Many of the city's ancient attractions -- such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon -- are just two metro stops away, or a longer walk. The hotel is within walking distance of the National Archeological Museum, and there's a high concentration of shops and restaurants in the area (including the weekly market on the hotel's street). The hotel is also a short walk away from the national train station, making more lengthy excursions convenient as well. 

Rooms at the Athens Lotus are clean, simple, modern, and range in size. The furniture is Ikea-chic -- clean-lined and cool, but not especially sturdy or well-made; for example, the bedside tables and desk are made of a gray faux wood. Floor-length curtains add a dose of elegance to otherwise bland decor. Superior Rooms are modern and more colorfully designed, with purple or yellow accent walls and black or tufted headboards, but are not necessarily large; due to the building's age, rooms can be oddly laid-out, so it's best to inquire about specific rooms sizes upon booking. Some rooms have small private balconies. Bathrooms are more stylish than the rooms, large with marble tiles and small walk-in showers. All rooms have Coco-Mat mattresses, a small flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge with a few minibar drinks, and free Wi-Fi. Tea- and coffee-making facilities can be rented.

The hotel offers free wireless and wired Internet in both rooms and common areas. There is a large, bright restaurant that serves a buffet breakfast as well as dinner. Breakfast can be included in some rates, or purchased daily at an extra fee. The hotel offers room service and free parking. There's also a small gift shop in the lobby.