susanhA3404OS
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Periscope is a lovely small hotel in the Kolonaki neighborhood. Kolonaki is quiet and upscale, in the literal shadow of Lycabettus Hill, near the Presidential Palace and the National Garden. We stayed there for a week in mid-May 2025.|Although we found them through Marriott’s Bonvoy network, Periscope is a European hotel. What I mean by that is, the hotel is no larger than any other building on its block, the Standard and Superior rooms are small (cramped, even), and the “lounge” downstairs can also seem small and dark; there’s no workout room, no business amenities, no swimming pool. The hot tub in the website photos is part of the penthouse suite, so it is only available to certain guests.|We did stay in a suite, so we had more room and a private balcony.| We found the lounge, which is Periscope’s claim to local fame, to be “atmospheric,” with a film projected onto the ceiling, cushy blue velvet sofas, and a pro-grade Nespresso machine available 24/7. It was a great place to eat breakfast, which Periscope serves buffet-style each morning. [And make sure you opt for breakfast; it is included with the larger rooms but is an add-on for the smaller rooms.] The lounge is also quiet enough to work if you are staying in one of the smaller rooms with no desk.|Our opinion: We loved it and would stay there again. It's in a walkable neighborhood of shops and restaurants, and my husband walked up Lycabettus Hill every. morning. so he did not miss the gym at all. The desk crew were delighted to have “long stayers” and treated us like celebrities. They were unfailingly helpful. If you want the experience of staying in Athens, try the Periscope.
