Excellent Location and Professionalism!
Starting with the location of the Hotel which is in one of the most trendy and elegant districts in Athens, it offers the best of Athens just in walking distance, right in the luxury areas of Kolonaki centre, -a place of celebrities and shopping.
The hotel has a long history behind it with the 4th generation overtaking the business the last 10 years and this is another reason that makes it so special and a gem in the city of Athens. It is a wholly Greek family business with no trace of fatigue.
During our 2 days stay I did feel the luxury class services offered to guests, -the fundamental motive of the staff and management here. There was a taxi strike and we were given a reminder leaflet upon arrival which proved very helpful since we had forgotten all about it. It is a hotel where guests are treated like VIP guests no matter the kind of booking they have made. Professionalism is at its highest point, and the management seems to be doing an excellent job providing an ambience that guests will surely want to return. It is indeed a home of luxury and privilege and over the years has established and proved that it is one of the finest hotels in Athens.
Our spotless charming room was not very big but it was stylish, comfortable and cosy. The bed was huge with an up and over bed head canopy which provided a creative and sophisticate centrepiece,-only wished I had more time to relax here.
We had a surprise indulgence an hour after we arrived of some ouzo. Our little balcony was facing the Acropolis and it is magic sitting out here after sunset when the lights are on. What breathtaking views we had!
I can admit that our bathroom was not very big either, but for our comfortable stay we had all amenities needed which were included in a kit, and there were ample of toiletries with the name of the hotel on, besides the 3 huge bottles of shampoo and bath gel above the bath tab. Towels were bright white, and bathroom robes and slippers were provided as well.
The coffee and tea making facilities were also appreciated.
The American buffet was more than adequate with a great variety of cereals, omelette, sausages, salmon and mushrooms, cakes, jams, fresh orange juice, ham and cheese, bacon and anything one would dream of. Kyriakos the Cypriot supervisor of the restaurant has been working at this hotel for more than 25 years and he was telling me that the majority of people working here are dedicated to this hotel. I believe having people working in the same business for so many years, surely makes the difference and this is where professionalism and the success of the business comes!
The one and only day I spent here was actually not enough to visit the Sensia spa and when I asked to visit it I was told that it opens at 1:00 pm which was too late for me. I spent an hour up the terrace by the outdoor swimming pool enjoying a refreshing drink where I talked a lot with Nico, whom I found exceptional. He is responsible for the bar and the area on the terrace, with higher studies. I noticed how people greeted him with a smile that showed that he is doing a good job out there.
Le Grand Balcon on the 6th floor, -popular in all Athens and not only, is transformed to magic as it gets dark with the most beautiful panoramic views of the Acropolis and the Lycabettus hill which is in short distance. In reality, a multifunctional spot operating as a Sophisticated Gourmet restaurant with exceptional dishes, a Dancing hall and occasionally a Conference centre.
If you appreciate fine art you will find a great collection of inspiring and breathtaking works of art and paintings all over the premises. I was so amazed and absorbed by the beautiful collection having a feeling that I was walking through an art gallery until I came across the S G Art Gallery found at the mezzanine of the hotel.
In an attempt to find something negative I am obliged to mention that more businessmen would choose this hotel if it had a free internet connection. Of course there is a free wifi connection in the lobby but it is extremely slow. I had my own laptop and my own connection here since I live in Greece, but for foreigners this is a problem. At the basement of the hotel there is a parking lot but guests have to pay because it operates as a different business.
In all, our stay was exceptional, I would certainly love to return and I highly recommend it to all.
St George Lycabettus Hill
Acropolis -View from St George Lycabettus Hill
