Phidias Hotel

This is a small, but clean hotel. It has a nice lobby and is generally attractive. The rooms are somewhat small, but the bed was very nice. I would consider this a budget hotel and they are on a cash only basis. The employees at the desk were very kind and accomodating. The also offered a decent breakfast for 5 euros.

Unique Quality: I would recommed this hotel mainly because of its location. It is located in Thissio and has a magnificent view of the southwestern corner of the Acropolis. It is breathtaking at night. It is only a 2 block walk to the Thissio station on the green line of the metro which will take you from Pireas all the way to the airport and many places in between. There are great restaurants, bars and nightclubs in Thissio. It is also home to the ancient agora and very close to one end of the Monastiraki district.

Directions: Thissio

The Phidias Hotel is located on a pedestrian street near the base of the Acropolis. It is central to almost anything you would want to do or see in Athens. There is a metro stop just 100 meters from the hotel. Although only a two star hotel, the service is excellent and of 4 or 5 star quality in my opinion. I was a little skeptical when I first booked the room. The hotel required no credit card to hold the reservation. All I received in notification was an email saying my room was booked. I was a little afraid that when I arrived I would have no room. I emailed the hotel two days before leaving for Athens just to relieve my fears and asked once again if they wanted a credit card to guarantee my reservation. My response came back almost immediately that no credit card was necessary and the my room was reserved for me.

When I arrived I was told to not worry about the payment. The desk clerk told me to go out and enjoy the city, come back relax, and we could discuss the payment later. I was given a room on the second floor. The elevator was tiny but I was glad to see that there was an elevator so there was no complaint from me. The room was small but very clean. I was in the back of the hotel with the view of a small alley. The rooms in the front of the hotel have a beautiful view of the Acropolis. Each room had a private bath which once again was very clean and but accomodating.

Unique Quality: The gentlemen who worked at the hotel desk were all friendly and all wanted to talk to us each day. They asked about our plans, what we had seen, etc. They made Mark and I very welcome. The night before we got ready to leave I finally paid my bill. They required cash and no credit cards. So be prepared to pay cash. I asked for a receipt. The man at the desk laughed out loud and said, "But if I give you receipt, I can't ask you to pay again tomorrow." He then slapped my back and laughed again.

If your looking for four or five star impersonal service this hotel is not for you. If you are looking for a discount in a clean small hotel with friendly service people then I highly recommend The Phidias Hotel.

Directions: The hotel is located near the entrance to the Acropolis.