Novus City Hotel

Trendy layouts and rooftop action at the Novus City Hotel are big draws for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel's exterior resembles surrounding apartments, although block colors here afford a sneak preview to upbeat interiors. Back-lit silhouette murals in hallways turn more industrial in the lobby's metal and glass-accented purples and lime greens, and though not dripping with style, the space is attractive and cheerful. Guests tend to love the rooftop, which has a small pool, a bar, and sensational panoramic views. Brightly colored terrace seating continues indoors, where there are cozy sofas and ample acrylic chairs in primary colors. Within reach of both tourist and business destinations, the hotel draws leisure and corporate travelers, plus families. Note, while rooftop drinking and dining is year-round, the pool itself is only open in the summer.

The hotel sits on a busy street in Metaxourgeio, a two-minute walk from its metro station, and near a taxi rank. The area has experienced up-and-coming resurgence from its working-class roots, with trendy restaurants popping up, although streets towards Omonia Square (an eight-minute walk) remain somewhat shady. Metaxourgeio's red line trains shorten 30-minute walks to the Acropolis and historic Plaka district, and it's half that for Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, and Ermou's shopping streets. The National Theatre of Greece is five minutes away on foot. Greece's Parliament is three metro stops away. Philopappos Monument is a 37-minute walk, or half-hour metro ride. Allow 45 minutes by car, or one hour by public transport to reach Athens International Airport.

Spacious rooms are outfitted in a contemporary design with varying colorful themes by floor. Wood floors and furniture are standard, but accent walls drapes, plastic desk chairs, and bed fittings are done in different bold hues -- like baby blue on the wall, lilac drapes, a purple blanket, and red throw pillows. Although a bit loud, the overall effect is cheerful and pleasant. Suites have living areas and sunny furnished terraces. Standard amenities include phones, satellite flat-screen TVs, and kettles for tea- and coffee-making, plus mini-fridges, safes, and AC. Sleek bathrooms have showers or shower/tub combos (Executive Rooms), a good range of toiletries around bowl sinks, hairdryers, and magnifying mirrors. Rooms can be fitted with cribs. Note, busy streets below can result in traffic noise.

Generally open May through September, the outdoor pool forms part of the hotel's rooftop hub, where magnificent city views include the Acropolis. The pool itself is small, and the handful of loungers are limited, but more seating can be found on an adjacent terrace with shaded orange and green dining sets. They set the tone for more color at the adjacent indoor bar and restaurant, filled with multi-color acrylic chairs and striped sofas. View Bar's wide cocktail menu accompanies wines, spirits, soft drinks, and snacks. Its restaurant offers Greek "moussakas" and "mezze" platters, plus kid-friendly burgers, fries, and healthy salads. 

Similar fare is on offer at Atrium Bar & Restaurant, where breakfast is served for free. The buffet offers scrambled eggs, bacon, and a good continental spread, plus Greek yogurts, tasty homemade cakes, tea, coffee, and juice. A photographic mural of the Acropolis here takes up an entire wall, and offers an alternative to the rooftop's real-time views. Room service is available for most of the day and night. 

Two meeting rooms have a combined 300-person capacity, with technical equipment provided. A big perk is the free, secure private underground parking for 60 cars. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but it can be weak in some rooms. On the downside, there are no fitness facilities or kid-centric amenities aside from babysitting services.