Royal Olympic Hotel

The Ultimate of Discreet Luxury!

We spent two unforgettable nights at the Royal Olympic Hotel when in Athens celebrating my birthday.
The location is more than perfect away from the centre where the protests take place from time to time, but still close in an ideal spot opposite the Temple of Zeus. It is about a 7 minute walk to Syntagma, but there is a bus stop just opposite the hotel for somebody who does not wish to walk.

We had the Athenian Panorama Room #403 on the 4th floor just opposite the Temple of Zeus with an unbelievable view, a room with many windows flooding with natural light. For several minutes I was standing looking outside instead of unpacking. The outside beauty had turned our window into a live work of art. This beauty became more impressive later on in the evening with lights coming from the Archaeological Temple, further behind the Lycabettus Hill and from the lighted buildings and streets around.

The room was big, beautifully decorated and very impressive with huge mirrors making it look even bigger. There was hidden lighting on two sides and three or four stylish brass sconce with yellow lamp shades with a couple of paintings on the walls that added more luxury to it. The navy blue thick carpet with yellow/gold designs was matching with the stylish curtains, the bed and the sofa set. Even the marble on the small table was matching with the colours of the room. The bed was huge and comfortable and I appreciated the side corner desk where I had my laptop to check for possible urgent e mails.

There was a separate, very impressive closet to slot our bags with shelves on both sides and a central mirror with a stool or seat. A side velvet curtain made this little spot look more impressive. We had a complimentary big bottle of Greek red wine with a bowl of seasonal fruit - a treat from the hotel which we surely appreciated. There were no coffee facilities in the room however. I usually carry with me but I did not this time. I always love to have my morning coffee in bed as I wake up early much before the restaurant opens and it was my only disappointment.

Something else that highlights our room are the two separate connecting rooms of the marble bathroom and toilet which is beyond expectations impressive with a real king size bath tub, with stylish tap and shower facilities in the colour of silver and gold. The hotel uses exclusively the Jade by Caterways products and skin essential gentle soap,-all toiletries found in a sea shell.
There is a separate very spacious shower room all in marble with a thick glass door and an impressive glass handle. There are so many mirrors in the bathroom area and the lights are really bright out there that it is so inviting and personally I spent much time here.

Breakfast was on the Roof Garden and it truly included everything to meet the expectations of the most difficult guest.

We had dinner the first night at the new Gourmet Ioannis Restaurant and we found everything so fresh and tasty – a creative cuisine so beautifully presented. What a breathtaking view from up there! So close to the Acropolis as well. We thought to dine somewhere outside the second night since Athens is full of nice restaurants but we could not resist the cuisine of the hotel. Besides, it was the night of my birthday and I wanted it to be very special. The chef, Kostas Tsigas works miracles of art and taste and the Grand Master of the Restaurant Dimitris Sanidas was telling us about the fresh raw materials used here and the attempt of the chef to combine old traditional recipes with modern conception. Every dish was exceptional and I was so thrilled that I am going to write a separate review. I cannot say that dishes are cheap, but it is worth spending a bit more from time to time. It won’t disappoint you I am sure and I urge guests to visit it even for once.

Internet is totally free here –the oasis for businessmen. There are many meeting rooms each with its own unique character and charm.
I found the staff professionals and they were all very helpful when I needed them.
The hotel has a small swimming pool in beautiful gardens but it was closed since it is winter. I highly recommend the hotel as guests can find the absolute elegance of style and taste, and enjoy the ultimate of discreet luxury and warm hospitality here.

• Opinion of Price: about average
• Related to: Luxury Travel, Food and Dining, Romantic Travel and Honeymoons
• Written December 16, 2011

Royal Olympic Hotel Photo: Room 403 -Athenian Panorama

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Nice hotel near Plaka

The Royal Olympic has a great pool, and is located across from the Temple of Zeus...

We could walk to the Plaka and Constitution Square

It was just a short cab ride from the hotel to the Acropolis and a 15 minute or so ride to the Archaelogy Museum (a MUST see!)

Overall, we were very happy with our hotel choice

Unique Quality: The pool - excellent

The prices for drinks/hotel restaurant - Outrageously high

The room - Nice, clean

The breakfast - nice sized buffet every morning, great variety

Best location, right next to a Chinese restaurant!

Not only is there a Chinese restaurant right next door, the Royal Olympic Hotel's location is also convenient for subway travel and walking to the popular Plaka district. I can't imagine a better location. The first thing you see across the street is the Temple of Zeus, ruins left by the Romans. If the Italians thought this area was suitable for the king of gods, then you can't really go wrong with a stay at the Royal Olympic Hotel.
You will notice that a lot of deluxe tour groups use this hotel. That's not a bad omen, as one would expect good tour companies to have a refined set of requirements. I was very satisfied with my room and the the hotel's service. For example, the concierge let me borrow an umbrella one evening when I asked the front desk where one could be bought.
However I did overhear other guests having problems with their reservations. There was also a complaint that a bed was too low. Maybe I was just lucky during my stay, but I did not encounter any problems and would still highly recommend this hotel to individuals seeking a convenient location for accomodations in Athens.

Unique Quality: There's a Chinese restaurant just to the right of the hotel entrance. How cool is that? WOW!
It may not be the best Chinese restaurant in Athens, but it's not bad at all. Go ahead, tell me how I should be trying Greek food in Greece; yada yada yada. Let me tell you; after a day of sampling souvlaki and eating the obligatory supersized sesame bagel, it's nice to come home to my hotel knowing that delicious Chinese food will be ready upon my return.

I can't overemphasize the convenience of this location. Sooner of later, all tourists find themselves in the Plaka. This is where you buy your souvenirs, visit the local church, and still manage to squeeze in some sightseeing with that Agora complex nearby. All of this plus Hadrian's Arch is a simple stroll from the hotel. On top of that, there's a Metro subway station right near the left corner of the Royal Olympic and behind the hotel is the electric tram.

• Opinion of Price: about average
• Related to: Romantic Travel and Honeymoons, Singles, Luxury Travel

Royal Olympic Hotel Photo: I left my Easter candle in the hotel's bathroom

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SRAS Group of Hotels

Royal Olympic is Trafalgar's repertoire of hotels. Tourist class. Expensive by world standard but that's probably average for Athens. Hotels undergoing renovation right now. Rooms are good-size but a little run down on my 1st stay. On my 2nd stay after the mainland tour, a better room was assigned to me. It costs about US$115 if you get from agent. I checked with the reception & the rack rate was Euro 130.

Some people were complaining of noise & hard mattresses, depending on where the bedrooms were facing. Conveniently located though I personally wouldn't return to this particular hotel. 4* at best & service is almost non-existent!

• Opinion of Price: about average
• Related to: Historical Travel, Business Travel, Museum Visits

Royal Olympic Hotel Photo: Royal Olympic's Room

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'Hotel Royal Olympic'

• Opinion of Price:

Royal Olympic Hotel

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The Royal Olympic.

The Royal Olympic is a three star hotel. Its located near the Acropolis and Plaka. The hotel itself is about 35 years old and has a first class lobby and bar. The rooms show the age a bit better. Ask for the view, you have a great night view of the Acropolis and balconies which are excellent for sipping wine.

Unique Quality: I found this hotel to be a good bargain. It wasn't super-cheap, but really quite affordable and is close to everything you could want.

• Opinion of Price: about average

Royal Olympic Hotel Photo: Our view

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ROYAL OLYMPIC Hotel, a...

ROYAL OLYMPIC Hotel, a typically 70'ies style hotel with a great location: just opposite the Temple of Zeus and only 3 minutes by foot to the Plaka with all its restaurants and cafés.
Big marble hall, small shop selling newspapers and souvenirs, fine bar and cosy rooms that are still not that expensive - we paid about € 60 for a single room in October.