Aristoteles Hotel (Omonia
Area)
by physiarArea)
Upon arrival, we were greeted at the front desk by a little 'surprise', the very-Greek-man at the desk saying, "today is a veeeery bad day! We have no electricity. The AC in the rooms is not running. The lift, too, is not running!"
And yes, our room was on the fifth floor!
But this man (whose name unfourtunately completely escapes me) was a great chat, and a few instants were enough to end up joking and, to put it the Greek way, dramatising about the situation.
As we were well early regards out check-in time, we could afford to spend over an hour of chit-chatting the guy, who proved to be an excellent introduction to Athens.
Having read some reviews that complained of noisy nights and uncomfortable sleeps, we were prepared for the worst when it came to sleeping. Gladly, however, we had a room at the back, and we heard nothing. Absolutely nothing, that is!
Moreover, all the transportation, sites and chillout zones were within easy walking distance from the hotel.
In truth, there was a downside to the place: its location was not exactly presentable on a postcard, being located in a typical big-city-setting, with concrete walls wherever your eyes go. Nevetheless, this was completely irrelevant, as we hardly spent more than 5 hours awake in the hotel (in four days).
Also, with the nearest metro station (Omonia) being around 5 minutes' walk away, we had to pass through the nearby streets every night. Having read numerous reviews about 'shady characters' that inhabit the area, I was prepared for them. Yes, they were there. But yes, they do not even as much as look at you if you keep going along your way, without disturbing them.
All in all, very - but very - highly recommended, especially for the budget traveller. And oh, it was really easy to find, too!
One cannot but not mention the excellent staff at Aristoteles Hotel - from the front desk attendants to the housekeepers to everybody else. The staff is definitely a fine asset to the hotel.
An excellent breakfast also cannot pass by without being given a mention. Orange juice, coffee, fresh bread, jam, and two slices of cheese and ham. Much more than what I expected, looking at the bill.
The room I had the pleasure of staying in was silent, at the back, with air conditioning and TV. Every day, the room was re-ordered and the towels were replaced.
However, I always judge accomodation heavily by its state of cleanliness. And Aristoteles Hotel, my fellow readers, was SPOTLESSLY clean - room, bathroom, lounge, common areas, lifts, and anywhere else I can think of.
