Have a classy vacation in Athens

Athens has many of the great classical buildings – the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Hephaisteion and the temple at Sounion which are truly the icons of ancient Greece.

The city, the capital of Greece has seen a rapid growth of industries during the post-war years and is now a city that is often polluted. The excess traffic usually leads to a gridlock. In spite of this an appealing village-like quality becomes clear in places such as taverns, markets, cafés, around the Pláka. Athens also has the finest restaurants. The New Acropolis Museum is worth a visit. Also do visit the ancient sites within the city centre linked by a traffic-free archaeological walkway.

The city was renowned not just for its material success, but also for its achievements in the intellectual arts. The foundations of the western philosophy were laid in this city. Not just the philosophy, western civilization is also said to be built on the cultural legacy of Athens. Democracy was born here. Drama found its patrons and flourished. Art evolved. And Socrates held discourses on what later evolved as Western philosophy.

Despite this great cultural legacy, the classical period of Athens lasted for only five decades. During the rule of the Macedonians and Romans, the city enjoyed a privileged cultural and political position but later became a prestigious backwater of the Empire rather than a major player.

Athens has seen it all: the rise and fall of its Christian invaders, the Turkish domination for over four centuries, the plunder of its treasure of ancient art by looting collectors, the influx of Greek refugees after the Greek-Turkish war.

Today, the city is a mere shadow of its glorious past. Where you would once see beautiful monuments in gleaming marble, you now see a concrete jungle. But there amidst these concrete buildings you would still find some relics of surprising natural beauty, though not of the distant past, but of the more recent Byzatine era, medieval and even the 19th century.

The unique charms of Athens today are the cafés, tavernas, markets and the maze of streets around the Plaza. Athens is world famous for the most varied nightlife in the country as well as some of the finest restaurants.

That the Greek government is keen on promoting tourism, can be seen from its recent move to link ancient sites within the city centre by a traffic-free ‘archaeological promenade’.

Hotels:

Athenaeum Intercontinental
Luxury Class 89-93 Syngrou Ave.,
11745, Athens,
GREECE

This is a centrally located, luxury class hotel that offers easy access to the business and shopping districts of Athens. The hotel has a total of 559 guest rooms which include 48 suites. Each is well-appointed with all the best in modern facilities to provide every required convenience to the guests. The rooms are spacious and some even have balconies that offer a great view of the Acropolis, Lycabettus and other city landmarks.

Its long list of features includes a fully equipped Health club with gymnasium and sauna, and an outdoor swimming pool (open in the summer) that is set in a beautifully landscaped garden. Guests simply love the Athaneum Intercontinental’s Premiere the rooftop restaurant that offers great food besides a panoramic view of the city.

Holiday Inn
Luxury Class 50,
Michalakopoulou Str.,
11528, Athens,
GREECE

You will find this luxury hotel very much in the heart of the city yet still very close to the historical sites of Athens. It is just 15 minutes from the Acropolis, the traditional Plaka area (old town) and Syntagma (constitution) square.

Reputed for its high standard of accommodation and excellent service, Holiday Inn guests always come back as they are sure of getting the best. Also, as it is outside the restricted traffic zone, it provides ample parking space and that is the reason for its popularity as a favourite meeting place.

The hotel has 188 fully refurbished luxurious rooms and 3 suites which are equipped with air-conditioning, mini bar, safe, voice-mail, satellite and pay TV, as well as a modem line. For conferences, events and other social gatherings, it has 15 renovated halls each of which is equipped with the latest in P.A. systems.

The Hotel’s Plaza and Pool Restaurants will offer a combination of relaxation and great cuisine. Guests find the Holiday Inn as a good combination of high standard service, friendly atmosphere, impeccable facilities, great food and personal care.

Metropolitan
Luxury Class 385, Syngrou Ave.,
17564, Athens,
GREECE

The Metropolitan is a luxury class hotel, located in the coastal area of Athens. It features 361 standard and executive rooms which include spacious suites. It can be reached from the city centre after a short 15-minutes drive. It is 5 km from the port of Piraeus.

Athens Hilton
Luxury Class 46 Vassilissis Sofias Avenue,
11528, Athens,
GREECE

The Hilton is so centrally located that everything seems to be within walking distance from the hotel: the city centre, the major companies, the shops and the embassies. And the National Art Gallery is right across the hotel. It faces the Acropolis and is located close to the Lycabetus Hill.

The Hilton’s features include four restaurants and two bars – one is the chic rooftop Galaxy Bar. These are well-known for a most delectable menu of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.

The rooms are spacious and well-appointed with the required facilities. The hotel also offers a choice of ‘non-smoking rooms’ as well as rooms for the physically challenged.

For social events and gatherings, the Hilton offers 14 conference and meeting rooms within 6,000 square metres of space. There is the added flexibility of holding small or large events. The main ballroom can accommodate 2,000 persons and the new multi-function rooms offer versatile space. One can even ask for the extensive pool level and terrace spaces when the Mediterranean weather is most pleasant.

Amalia
First Class 10 Amalias Avenue,
10557, Athens,
GREECE

The Amalia Hotel is situated across the street from the National Garden, within a walking distance from the Acropolis and the Plaka area. The Greek Parliament and Constitution Square – popular tourist hangouts, are just a block away. So is the air terminal.

The hotel offers 100 convenient and spacious bedrooms, a restaurant, a coffee shop, a bar and very comfortable lounges.

Golden Age
First Class 57,
Michalakopoulou St.,
11528, Athens,
GREECE

Guests compliment this restaurant as warm, friendly, comfortable and conveniently located. It is situated on the edge of the Athens traffic restriction ring. Barely 20 minutes walking distance from the city centre and 30 minutes driving distance from the international Athens airport.

Athens Atrium
First Class 21 Okeanidon St.,
Agios Sostis, Sygrou Avenue,
11745, Athens,
GREECE

The main city centre is just 2 km away from this hotel which is located in a quiet and friendly area – the Sygrou Avenue near Agios Sostis Church. The hotel is known for the personal care and friendly atmosphere that is most appreciated by families visiting Athens.

As it is outside the restricted traffic zone, it provides ample parking facilities all day long. The hotel has 56 luxurious, comfortable and spacious guest rooms which are tastefully furnished with quality furnishings, warm colours and fully equipped marble bathrooms. These include 10 junior suites, 15 executive rooms and 31 standard rooms. All feature bathrooms with a shower, hydro massage and a comfortable bedroom and balcony. Most of them have TV in the bathrooms.

Athens Cypria
Second Class 5, Diomias Str.,
Syntagma,
10563, Athens,
GREECE

Barely a couple minutes’ walk form Syntagma Square and another 10 minutes from Plaka, located on a side street this tourist class hotel is known for its highest level of service and warm hospitality. Its location places it just minutes away from the major shopping area of Athens.

Every one of its 71 rooms is well-appointed with all the required comforts and facilities; and most have balconies and some offer a great a view of the ancient site of the Acropolis.

Hotel Athens Cypria features include a quiet little bar / café that offers a wide selection of tempting cocktails and local sweets. There is also a separate space where the freshly prepared breakfast is served.

Athens Gate
Second Class 10,
Syngrou Avenue,
11743, Athens,
GREECE

104 double rooms, each of which is tastefully furnished. Nearly all rooms offer a direct view of the Arch and the Olympian Temple of Zeus. This tourist class hotel is within 10 minutes walking distance from the historical centre of Athens - the Acropolis, Syntagma square and central shopping areas. The Parthenon can be seen from the rear side of the Hotel.

But the rooftop bar / restaurant is undoubtedly the favourite of al guests as it offers a splendid view of the Acropolis, the Olympian Zeus Temple and Lycabettus hill, besides, of course, a choice of exotic concotions to sip slowly while you enjoy the scenery with a loved one.

Achilleas
Third Class 21,
Lekka Str.,
10562, Athens,
GREECE

Most of the rooms in this elegant tourist hotel have sitting area, and the suites and rooms on upper floors include large garden terraces. The hotel is open all year round and is a favourite of people who are on a history tour, because the Athens best museums and the Natinal Garden are nearby. This hotel is located in Syntagma Square.

Acropolis View
Third Class Rovertou Galli and Webster 10,
11742, Athens,
GREECE

Guests like to call this hotel a ‘budget class hotel’ and they simply love the quiet serenity of its environment. It is located at the foot of the Acropolis in a quiet, residential neighborhood at the edge of Philopapou hill. Despite being situated on the south side of Acropolis Hill, it is still fairly centrally located, considering its modest pricing (room tariff). The Parthenon is only a few hundred metres away.

Most of the rooms’ balconies offer a splendid view of the Acropolis. Those which don’t, still offer a great view of the Philopapou hill. Most guests love to have a good American breakfast on the private balcony of their double rooms.

But the view is not the only thing that guests love. The rooftop café and the small barare also hot favourites of guests. Hotel Acropolis has established a reputation for providing excellent service and warm homely atmosphere.