Athenaeum Intercontinental Hotel

We loved this hotel, every staff member we spoke to was friendly, courteous and very helpful. We used the club lounge which was excellent value with a balcony offering superb views of the Acropolis. The family room we booked was very spacious with its own seating area and was well equipped with everything you might need ironing desk, tv etc. The pool outside was pleasant, allowing the children to enjoy themselves and the adults to relax. The atmosphere has been right, an air of sophistication without the pretentiousness that this hotel could easily justify. Very impressed.

Although not within walking distance of the Acropolis, and rather isolated with very little in terms of shops/restaurants around it, we nevertheless found the location very convenient tram stop is just a block away, which takes you to Syntagma Square and Plaka in one direction, and Piraeus port and the beaches in the other direction. Metered taxis were always readily available outside the hotel. So a big benefit during the tourist/summer seasons. The rooftop restaurant served excellent food and offered nice views. As one would expect from a hotel fine dining restaurant, it's not inexpensive, but we thought the prices weren't absurdly high. Our superior room was very spacious, almost a suite. A major shortcoming is the bathtub. It is so narrow under the showerhead (see photo) that taking a shower requires some serious acrobatics. There is barely enough room for two feet, so your standing position becomes very unstable (I guess that's what the handle bar is for). Frankly, I was in constant fear that I would loose my balance and I held on to the handle whenever my second hand wasn't absolutely needed for scrubbing and soaping. I really think this is a hazard with a real risk of injury. It was so uncomfortable that I am certain we wouldn't stay there again and (unfortunately) wouldn't recommend this hotel to anyone. If not for the shower problem I would have given this hotel a rating of 5.