Hotels
Our choice of Athen's
best character hotels.
The range in
comfort and luxury is incredibly large. Backpackers can save a few
drachma by sleeping for peanuts on an open roof while the international
jet set checks in to some of the most classically beautiful hotels
in the world. One complaint from many visitors is that the 24 hour
noise of the city makes sleeping tough; just one of the reasons
Hotelgenie.com has
chosen the Andromeda, an establishment
located in a quiet side street yet still close to the centre.
Hilton
Athens *****
Larissis, Athens
The
Hilton Athens faces the ancient monument of the Acropolis, situated
in one of the city's most fashionable avenues. Located close to
the city centre, opposite the National Art Gallery and within walking
distance of major shopping areas. A selection of 6 restaurants and
2 bars awaits you, where you can enjoy the Greek and Mediterranean
speciality dishes, or view the city from the chic Galaxy roof top
bar. Relax by the swimming pool, or work out in the new health club...
(more)
Novotel
Athenes ****
Larissis, Athens
In
a quiet area, near to the city centre, the Novotel Athens offers
easy access to the city's attractions. Recently renovated, the hotel
has 195 en-suite bedrooms, all air conditioned and equipped with
television, radio, telephone and minibar. The hotel serves both
Greek and International cuisine in the 'Rooftop' summer restaurant,
"Cote Jardin" and "Claire de Lune" restaurants.
Leisure facilities include a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the
Acropolis... (more)
Hotel
Rio Athens ***
Central
Athens
The
Hotel Rio is located on a quiet pedestrian street in the centre
of Athens. Within the beautifully restored neo-classical building
you will find welcoming air-conditioned bedrooms all with private
bathrooms, TV, mini bar, hairdryer and telephone. The hotel also
has a relaxing bar-restaurant serving Greek specialties until the
early hours... (more)
Hotels
- Instant Booking
Dozens of Athens hotels, with instant online booking. Great
for last minute availability.
(more)
Essential
Athens
Quick
guide to Greece's capital.
Introduction
Classical Greece,
ancient Rome, Byzantium and Turkish invaders have given Athens a
mythic status that its well preserved architectural monuments help
keep alive. Now a thriving, busy metropolis of some 4.5 million
people, present day Athens has recently added some modern sites
of interest to keep the throngs of tourists coming back for even
more.
Top
Sights
The Acropolis,
especially its most visible part, the Parthenon, dominates
sightlines across Athens and is the first port of call for most
visitors. Built in the 5th century BC, it has been at various times
temple, whorehouse, church and mosque. While the view from the Parthenon
is breathtaking, it suffers from one major deficit - you can't see
the Parthenon itself. Correct this problem by visiting Likavitos,
Athens' highest hill which is reached via funicular railway and
provides world beating views of the whole city. Near the Acropolis
is the Archaia Agora, ruins that were once the central square
where great philosophers chewed the cud. Nowadays it's a fine museum
on ancient Greece. Roman Athens is represented especially by the
triumphant militarism of Hadrian's Arch, built in the 2nd
century AD and by Irodion, another 2nd century structure
but this time a theatre built in a mixture of Greek and Roman styles.
Byzantium influences are best viewed at the Vizantino Museo
to the east of the centre which houses some beautiful pieces from
the 14th century and beyond. The centre of modern Athens is Syntagma
(Constitution Square) where you'll find the Greek Parliament, and
the sumptuous gardens of Ethnikos Kipos
Culture
Western theatre owes everything to classical Greece and for a flavour
of the time-tested dramatic arts visit during the Athens Festival
(June-September) when a wide variety of performances go on show,
often at ancient sites. Classical music is well catered for at the
Megaron, a well-equipped modern venue that also houses Opera
and dance.
Shopping
Two locations dominate tourist - and often Athenian - shopping habits
in the central part of the city. The streets around Monastiraki
Square - the site of an old Turkish bazaar - host a wide range of
antique shops, folk art outlets and a huge flea market on Sunday
mornings while those near Syntagma are cluttered with jewellery
stores, small arty places and plenty of more general gift shops.
Nightlife
Enjoy
a Greek night out at a boisterous Bouzoukia music bar or
the mournful, soulful tones of a Rembetika club. For those
after a more modern, international feel, Athens has a plethora of
clubs catering for most tastes including techno, house, rock and
reggae. Restaurants are in plentiful supply and range from the traditional
Greek eaterie serving up moussaka, taramasalata and kebas to regional
cuisine specialists and those - often top hotels - offering international
cuisine.
Essential
Info
Currency
- The Drachma, approximately 300 of which will by you one dollar
or one euro.
Weather
-Usually above 30 degrees centigrade from June to September, dipping
a little under a mild 15 degrees centigrade in the winter months.
Airports
Ellinikon Airport - Buses and taxis
link the airport to the centre, which is a 6 mile/10 km trip away.
|
