Hermes Hotel, Athens, Greece - Explore & Book

"Plaka is the historic centre of Athens, a hotch-potch of neoclassical tiled houses that tumble down (and tumble is the word) below the Acropolis. Strict conservation laws make hotel conversions practically impossible, which means that you are obliged to stay in a modern purpose-built hotel on the edge of the pedestrian area. But that need not be a hardship: this one, like so many of its neighbours, received a total refurb in the run-up to the 2004 Olympics. It may not have ground-breaking design or historic charm, but it’s spotlessly clean, stylishly furnished and perfectly placed for a quick raid on the Acropolis and Plaka. Some of the 45 rooms have balconies looking down on narrow Apollonos street or up to the Acropolis. (The higher the floor, the better the view, of course.) Mini in-room refrigerators (so you can BYO drinks) and backgammon boards in the lounge are welcome touches. Air-con and soundproofing ensure you'll sleep well. The generous breakfast buffet is designed to fortify you for the sightseeing plan designed by the multilingual staff. Highs Surprisingly peaceful for such a central location - on the edge of Plaka, and 3 blocks from Syntagma Square (metro and airport bus) Lovely roof terrace, and a stylish bar in the lobby Breakfasts are better than average - and plentiful Reasonable rates (Nov-March) 'PR' staff approach guests during breakfast each day to distribute city maps and help organise personalised sightseeing itineraries Lows Most rooms are small, with little storage space, and double rooms have twin beds pushed together The lift is even smaller - one person at a time When we last revisited we felt the décor was looking a bit tired" - Michael Cullen