:: Location
Athens is one of those places which you have to visit once in your lifetime - home of democracy, cradle of European theatre and philosophy, city of the Parthenon and Acropolis, and birthplace of Socrates, Plato and chums. Even if this is not your thing, you may be forced to spend a night here en route to / from the islands or mainland.

:: Features
But finding a reasonably-priced, reliable hotel with even an ounce of charm has been like finding a Minotaur in a Labyrinth. With the help of various local Ariadnes, we've found a good budget hotel that is centrally-located - you can see the Acropolis from its roof top - so no need for that ball of thread! It's a neoclassical building on bustling Athinas street, just outside the Plaka on the way to the commercial Omonia square. Run by the friendly Trevlakis family, its 40 simple, en-suite rooms have air-con (to shut out the street noise at night), high ceilings and wooden floors. It may not be quite fit for the gods, but for most humans it's a lifesaver.

:: Rooms
All the bedrooms have decent-sized (though squeaky) beds, TV, telephone and air-con. They have high ceilings and wooden floors. Most have a window onto the main street (Athinas), which does get quite noisy. The private bathrooms are small - stuck in the corner of the bedroom - but functional, with shower, handbasin and loo.

The two rooftop doubles have a lovely view and are no more expensive, so are worth requesting especially (except in midsummer when they get hot, even with the a/c on).

The triple rooms are larger and can sleep three in comfort, on proper beds, not folding ones; two of them have one doublebed and one single, and one has three singles.

The quadruple rooms have two connecting double / twin bedrooms (both quite small), and one shared bathroom, making it suitable for families who
don't mind being 'cosy'.

Rooftop terrace with view of the Acropolis (currently unfurnished) Air-con in all bedrooms (make sure you get a remote control and know how to work it!) Telephone and TV in the bedrooms Friendly, English-speaking owner-managers Family suites with 2 small interconnecting bedrooms It has to be said that the hotel is fairly basic, but it does represent good value for money

:: Distances
Airport distance: 25 km (45 min)
Port distance: 12 km (25 min)
Closed Metro st.: 300 meters
Airport Bus station: 700 meters
Shopping Center: 200 meters
Restaurants: 150 meters
Flea Market: 250 meters