Your stay — Emirates
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The Property — Emirates
The Emirates is a no-frills three-star hotel on a busy central Athens street, a 15-minute walk from Syntagma Square. The lobby is small, with a worn reception desk and a lift that often feels temperamental. It suits budget travellers who need a clean, functional base for one night and don’t plan to linger indoors. For the price, you get what you pay for: a bed, air conditioning, and a location within striking distance of the Acropolis.
Chronicles of Athens
Athens has been inhabited for over 3,400 years, making it one of the world’s oldest cities. Its golden age in the 5th century BC produced the Parthenon, a temple on the Acropolis that remains the city’s defining symbol. After centuries of Ottoman and then modern Greek rule, Athens expanded rapidly in the 19th and 20th centuries, resulting in a sprawling concrete metropolis. Today, it blends ancient ruins with a vibrant café culture and a reputation as Europe’s sunniest capital.
Best Time to Visit
Full Athens guide →Best months
May, September, October: warm weather (mid-20s °C), fewer crowds, and still plenty of daylight for sightseeing.
Peak / festival surge
July–August: temperatures often exceed 35°C, and hotels like Emirates double their rates. The Athens Epidaurus Festival (June–August) draws visitors for outdoor theatre and concerts, but the heat is punishing.
Budget shoulder season
April, early June, mid-October: lower prices, mild 20–25°C days, and tourists thinning out. You’ll get discounts on rooms and more space at archaeological sites.
Weather & packing
Athens in July is a furnace: the heat is dry and relentless, with temperatures barely dropping at night. Pack light linen clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and reapply high-SPF sunscreen every two hours.
Live City Briefing — Athens
- The Athens metro extension to the port of Piraeus is now fully open, making it easier to reach the islands without a taxi. Check for line 3 trains from Syntagma.
- The Acropolis now operates a timed-entry system to manage crowds; book your tickets online at least a week in advance to avoid long queues in July heat.
- New pedestrianised zones around Plaka and Monastiraki have been expanded, reducing car traffic but increasing footfall—expect crowds even early morning.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Emirates, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the top floor (4th floor) facing the rear courtyard. These are furthest from the street and the single lift shaft, minimising noise from Xenias Street and the lift mechanism.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the entrance and lift – noise from the two-step entry, arriving guests, and the lift door. Also avoid rooms facing Xenias Street directly; it's a real city thoroughfare with traffic until late.
Best views
Rooms at the front (Xenias Street side) have a standard city view – mainly residential apartments and traffic. No significant landmark view from this location; Ampelokipoi is a middle-class residential district.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 – furthest from the lobby and street-level activity. The lift is less used above floor 2.
🔊 Noise notes
Xenias Street has moderate traffic during day and early evening (7am–11pm). The single lift is audible in adjacent rooms – especially on floors 1–3. No bar or restaurant noise; the hotel is a basic 3-star with no on-site nightlife.
Insider tips
1. Use the public car park at Strefi Hill (5-min walk) at €12/night – cheaper than paid street parking and avoids Athens' parking fines. 2. The free Wi-Fi is only 2 Mbps – for video calls or streaming, pay €5/day for the 15 Mbps premium tier; just quote your room number at check-in.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Emirates
Free basic Wi-Fi (2 Mbps) throughout; premium tier at €5/day for 15 Mbps – no login email required, just room number
Single lift serves all 4 floors; no stairs-only sections
Free digital Kathimerini on tablet at reception; no physical papers delivered to rooms
Check-in from 14:00; early bag-drop allowed from 10:00 if room not ready; late check-out until 14:00 for €30 (subject to availability)
Complementary; luggage left at reception, no supervised locker
No step-free entry – two steps at main door; lift fits standard wheelchair; no adapted bathrooms
No on-site parking; use public car park at Strefi Hill (5-min walk) – €12 per night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €1.50 per room per night, payable at check-in
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required 14 days before arrival; €50 incidental hold on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Άγιος Σώστης (379 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Αγιος Γεώργιος (553 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Ανάληψη του Κυρίου (608 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Γ' Ελληνική Ευαγγελική Εκκλησία Αθηνών (614 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Εμπορικό Κέντρο Καλλιθέας — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
πλατεία Αγίου Σώστη — 505 m · ~6 min walk
Εθνικό Μουσείο Σύγχρονης Τέχνης — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
Σημείο — 508 m · ~6 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Εθνική Τράπεζα — 506 m · ~6 min walk
Κασαρτζιάν - Σκούρτη — 239 m · ~3 min walk
Natural market — 863 m · ~11 min walk
Νέος Κόσμος — 1.2 km · ~14 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs in the city center for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux in tourist areas and at the airport, which charge poor rates and high fees.
Cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and taxis; contactless and mobile pay are common. Keep some cash for small kiosks and market stalls.
Round up the bill at tavernas (10% is generous but not expected); leave small change for hotel staff; taxis are not tipped unless they help with bags.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →An espresso or freddo cappuccino from a local kafenio costs about €2–€3.50, cheaper than tourist-trap cafes.
A gyros pita from a hole-in-the-wall shop runs €3–€4; a sit-down lunch special (e.g., moussaka with salad) is about €8–€12.
Expect €10–€15 for a main course at a decent taverna; a set menu (grilled meat, salad, fries) can be €12–€18.
Head to Monastiraki or Psiri for cheap gyros, souvlaki, and koulouri (sesame bread rings) from street carts and small shops.
AB Vassilopoulos, Sklavenitis, and Lidl are common budget chains; basics like bread, milk, and fruit are affordable.
Ermou Street and the side streets near Syntagma have mid-range chain stores (Zara, H&M); flea markets in Monastiraki sell second-hand and vintage.
A single metro ticket costs €1.40 (90 min); the best value is a 5-day tourist pass (€8.20) covering metro, bus, and tram. From the airport, take the express bus (X95) for €6, cheaper than a taxi (€38+).
Eat away from the main squares; walk five minutes down a side street for authentic, cheaper tavernas.Visit the Acropolis and museums on the first Sunday of the month (Nov–Mar) for free entry.Buy a multi-day public transport pass instead of single tickets; drink filter coffee at kafenios instead of tourist cafes.
Good to know — Athens
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
AthensIn Athens, Greece: Police (100), Ambulance/Medical (166), Fire Department (199). For general emergencies, dial 112 (EU standard). Tourist Police: 171. Non-emergency medical: 1016. Poison Control: 210-7793777.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Athens, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Emirates
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Εθνική Τράπεζα — 506 m · ~6 min walk — pharmacy · Κασαρτζιάν - Σκούρτη — 239 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Athens Airport Station → Larissa Station + Local Transit to Syntagma
💡 Alternative to metro. Connects to central station; requires additional transit. Less crowded than metro during peak hours.
Airport Station (Stathmo Aerodromio) → Syntagma Station (connected to King George hotel)
💡 Modern, clean system. Direct line to Syntagma. Purchase multi-day pass (€20 for 3 days) for unlimited local transit including metro, tram, and buses throughout stay.
Athens Airport Station → Syntagma Station (Line 3) / The Stanley Hotel
💡 Fastest, most reliable option. Direct Line 3 to Syntagma. Buy day pass (€24) for unlimited local transit.
Athens International Airport 'Eleftherios Venizelos' (ATH) → Syntagma Metro Station (5-min walk to King George)
💡 Most economical option. Train arrives directly at central Athens. Buy tickets at airport station kiosk. Night buses (X93, X95) operate 00:00-05:00 if late arrival.
Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" → The Stanley Hotel, Syntagma Square
💡 Use official white taxis at designated stands. Fixed rates to city center available. Avoid unmarked taxis.
Athens International Airport 'Eleftherios Venizelos' (ATH) → King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens (Syntagma Square)
💡 Use official taxi stand at airport for fixed rates or pre-book through your hotel. Avoid unmarked taxis. Uber/Beat often cheaper than metered taxis during peak hours.
Athens Airport Terminal 3 → Syntagma Square / The Stanley Hotel
💡 Most economical option. X95 goes to Syntagma; buy combined ticket. Night service available with reduced frequency.
Athens International Airport 'Eleftherios Venizelos' (ATH) → Syntagma Square / Omonoia (walking distance to King George)
💡 Cheapest option but slower. Operates overnight when metro closes. Request stop near hotel. Best for budget travelers without luggage. 24/7 service makes it ideal for late/early arrivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Emirates?
Request a room on the top floor (4th floor) facing the rear courtyard. These are furthest from the street and the single lift shaft, minimising noise from Xenias Street and the lift mechanism.
Which rooms should I avoid at Emirates?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the entrance and lift – noise from the two-step entry, arriving guests, and the lift door. Also avoid rooms facing Xenias Street directly; it's a real city thoroughfare with traffic until late.
Is Emirates noisy?
Xenias Street has moderate traffic during day and early evening (7am–11pm). The single lift is audible in adjacent rooms – especially on floors 1–3. No bar or restaurant noise; the hotel is a basic 3-star with no on-site nightlife.
Which rooms have the best views at Emirates?
Rooms at the front (Xenias Street side) have a standard city view – mainly residential apartments and traffic. No significant landmark view from this location; Ampelokipoi is a middle-class residential district.
What are insider tips for staying at Emirates?
1. Use the public car park at Strefi Hill (5-min walk) at €12/night – cheaper than paid street parking and avoids Athens' parking fines. 2. The free Wi-Fi is only 2 Mbps – for video calls or streaming, pay €5/day for the 15 Mbps premium tier; just quote your room number at check-in.
What time is check-in at Emirates?
Check-in at Emirates is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Emirates have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi (2 Mbps) throughout; premium tier at €5/day for 15 Mbps – no login email required, just room number
Is there a city or tourist tax at Emirates?
€1.50 per room per night, payable at check-in
Where can I eat cheaply near Emirates?
A gyros pita from a hole-in-the-wall shop runs €3–€4; a sit-down lunch special (e.g., moussaka with salad) is about €8–€12.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Emirates?
A single metro ticket costs €1.40 (90 min); the best value is a 5-day tourist pass (€8.20) covering metro, bus, and tram. From the airport, take the express bus (X95) for €6, cheaper than a taxi (€38+).
When is the best time to visit Athens?
May, September, October: warm weather (mid-20s °C), fewer crowds, and still plenty of daylight for sightseeing.
Top Attractions in Athens
💡 Go on Sunday morning when it's busiest and more antiques appear. Watch your pockets in crowds. The adjacent Monastiraki Square has good souvlaki for €3-4.
💡 The permanent collection covers ancient Greek to modern coins. The building itself—designed by Ernst Ziller—is worth seeing. Café has good coffee at Athens prices (around €3).
💡 Bring water and a snack. The small zoo in the corner is free too—but skip it if you don't like cramped animal enclosures.
💡 Climb up from Dionysiou Areopagitou street—it's a 10-minute hike. Bring a hat in summer; there's little shade near the top. Best at sunset for photos.
💡 Go at 8am when gates open. Crowds build fast, and by 10am it's shoulder-to-shoulder. Check the official site for updated dates.