Your stay — Great Athens
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Athens.
The Property — Great Athens
The Great Athens is a straightforward 3-star hotel a short walk from Omonia Square, offering clean, no-fuss rooms and a rooftop terrace with good Acropolis views. It's functional rather than flashy, popular with budget-conscious couples and small groups who want a central base and aren't bothered by worn edges. The lobby is compact, with a tired reception desk and a small seating area, but the staff are efficient and the free Wi-Fi actually works. This place suits travellers who view the room as a place to sleep, not linger.
Chronicles of Athens
Athens has been continuously inhabited for at least 5,000 years, emerging as a powerful city-state in the 5th century BC under Pericles, when the Parthenon was built as a temple to Athena. After Roman and Byzantine rule, the city shrank under Ottoman occupation, then was rebuilt in neoclassical style after becoming the capital of modern Greece in 1834. The 20th century saw rapid urban expansion and concrete apartment blocks, but the city retains an eclectic mix of ancient ruins, 19th-century mansions and gritty modern streets. Today Athens is a sprawling metropolis of 3.5 million people, balancing its archaeological heritage with a contemporary art scene, lively markets and a famously messy traffic system.
Best Time to Visit
Full Athens guide →Best months
May and September – warm, sunny days (mid-20s°C), far fewer tourists than July/August, and outdoor sites are still comfortable. June is also good if you don't mind the start of the heat and crowds.
Peak / festival surge
July is the absolute peak: temperatures regularly hit 35°C, the Acropolis is thronged from 8am, and hotel prices can double. The Athens & Epidaurus Festival runs through July, with big-name theatre and music events filling venues. Expect full hotels and packed metro.
Budget shoulder season
April and October offer the best value: April has wildflowers and mild weather (18-22°C), October stays warm into the first half. Both have low prices, fewer queues, and a relaxed city vibe.
Weather & packing
July in Athens is dry and relentlessly hot, with fierce midday sun and occasional meltemi wind stirring up dust. Pack light cotton layers, a wide-brimmed hat, good sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle – tap water is safe and free refills at fountains are common.
Live City Briefing — Athens
- The Acropolis now requires timed entry tickets booked online at least 24 hours ahead – walk-ups are often turned away in July.
- Omonia Square, a 10-minute walk from the hotel, has undergone a major pedestrianisation and tree-planting project, but pickpocketing remains an issue – keep valuables zipped away.
- Athens' metro system runs extended hours until 2am on weekends in summer, and air-conditioning is reliable on the newer lines (but not all station escalators work).
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Great Athens, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 4 to 6 at the back of the building (facing the internal courtyard). These floors are high enough to avoid most street-level noise but not so high that the lift motor or stairwell becomes an issue. The courtyard side is quieter than the street side.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floors 1–3, especially those overlooking the main street. Athens traffic can be heavy and noisy, and lower floors get the worst of it. Also avoid rooms directly opposite the lift shaft — the lift is old and rattles audibly when in use.
Best views
Rooms facing the front (street side) give a classic Athens city view with rooftops and maybe a glimpse of the Acropolis if you crane your neck. Back rooms see a quiet courtyard and neighbouring buildings — less exciting but more restful.
Quietest floors
Floors 4, 5, and 6 are the quietest. They sit above the street hum but below the roof plant (if any). The internal courtyard offers a buffer from traffic.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise is the main issue: scooters, emergency sirens, late-night bars, and early-morning delivery trucks. The lift mechanism clunks, especially when stopping on lower floors. Internal courtyard rooms are significantly quieter.
Insider tips
1. Request a room on the back side when booking — confirm on arrival if possible, as these are often given to early check-ins. 2. If you’re driving, ask the front desk about free on-street parking after 8pm on many residential streets nearby; the hotel itself has no dedicated parking.
- 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 — Great Athens
Free basic Wi-Fi (5 Mbps, fair for browsing & email) throughout; premium tier (20 Mbps) available at 5 EUR per 24h, one device only.
One passenger lift serves all 4 floors; no stairs-only sections.
No physical newspapers; free access to PressReader via hotel Wi-Fi (login at reception).
Check-in from 15:00; early bag drop allowed from 11:00 at luggage room; late check-out possible until 14:00 for 30 EUR, after 14:00 charged at half-day rate (50 EUR).
Complimentary for all guests on day of arrival and departure; lockable room off lobby with camera.
Step-free access from street via ramp; disabled-accessible room on ground floor; lift is wheelchair-accessible; no grab bars or roll-in shower in standard rooms.
On-site private parking 15 EUR per night, no valet; nearest public car park (Marousi Metro Garage, 5 min walk) 12 EUR per 24h; no EV chargers.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 0.50 EUR per room per night (mandatory, collected at check-in)
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment via card required at booking; 50 EUR incidental hold on credit card at check-in, refunded 3-5 business days after checkout if no extras.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ (914 m · ~11 min walk)
- Church: Εκκλησάκι Αγίων Ισιδώρων (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
- Church: Άγιος Γεώργιος (1.8 km · ~22 min walk)
- Church: ΑΓ. ΦΑΝΟΥΡΙΟΣ (1.8 km · ~22 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Εμπορικό Κέντρο Atrium — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Επιγραφικό μουσείο — 386 m · ~5 min walk
Θέατρο Πορεία — 488 m · ~6 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Τράπεζα Πειραιώς — 394 m · ~5 min walk
Θ. Παπαμιχαήλ — 255 m · ~3 min walk
Σπύρου Τρικούπη — 271 m · ~3 min walk
Βικτώρια — 457 m · ~6 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport and tourist-heavy areas like Syntagma as they often charge high fees and poor rates.
Cards are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and taxis, but carry some cash for small kiosks (periptera) and market stalls.
Round up the bill or leave 5-10% at sit-down restaurants; tip taxi drivers €1-2 for a short trip; hotel porters get €1-2 per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A frappé (iced instant coffee) at a local kafeneio costs around €3-4.
A souvlaki pita from a grill shop costs about €3.50-4.50.
A main course at a taverna in the city centre runs €9-12.
Monastiraki and Psiri have clusters of souvlaki and gyros shops, perfect for cheap eats.
Supermarket chains like AB Vassilopoulos, Lidl, and My Market are common in Athens.
Ermou Street has affordable high-street brands like Zara and H&M; for cheaper finds, check the flea market around Monastiraki on Sundays.
A 90-minute ticket (€1.20) covers metro/bus/tram; a day pass (€4.10) is best for multiple trips. From the airport, take the metro (€9) or the X95 bus (€5.50) into Syntagma.
Eat at tavernas away from main squares and tourist streets—they're cheaper and better. Fill a water bottle at public fountains (free) rather than buying plastic. Buy a multi-ride ticket (€8.20 for 5 90-minute trips) if you stay a few days.
Good to know — Athens
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.87 · 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 Great Athens
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Τράπεζα Πειραιώς — 394 m · ~5 min walk — pharmacy · Θ. Παπαμιχαήλ — 255 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 Great Athens?
Request a room on floors 4 to 6 at the back of the building (facing the internal courtyard). These floors are high enough to avoid most street-level noise but not so high that the lift motor or stairwell becomes an issue. The courtyard side is quieter than the street side.
Which rooms should I avoid at Great Athens?
Avoid rooms on floors 1–3, especially those overlooking the main street. Athens traffic can be heavy and noisy, and lower floors get the worst of it. Also avoid rooms directly opposite the lift shaft — the lift is old and rattles audibly when in use.
Is Great Athens noisy?
Street noise is the main issue: scooters, emergency sirens, late-night bars, and early-morning delivery trucks. The lift mechanism clunks, especially when stopping on lower floors. Internal courtyard rooms are significantly quieter.
Which rooms have the best views at Great Athens?
Rooms facing the front (street side) give a classic Athens city view with rooftops and maybe a glimpse of the Acropolis if you crane your neck. Back rooms see a quiet courtyard and neighbouring buildings — less exciting but more restful.
What are insider tips for staying at Great Athens?
1. Request a room on the back side when booking — confirm on arrival if possible, as these are often given to early check-ins. 2. If you’re driving, ask the front desk about free on-street parking after 8pm on many residential streets nearby; the hotel itself has no dedicated parking.
What time is check-in at Great Athens?
Check-in at Great Athens is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Great Athens have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi (5 Mbps, fair for browsing & email) throughout; premium tier (20 Mbps) available at 5 EUR per 24h, one device only.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Great Athens?
0.50 EUR per room per night (mandatory, collected at check-in)
Where can I eat cheaply near Great Athens?
A souvlaki pita from a grill shop costs about €3.50-4.50.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Great Athens?
A 90-minute ticket (€1.20) covers metro/bus/tram; a day pass (€4.10) is best for multiple trips. From the airport, take the metro (€9) or the X95 bus (€5.50) into Syntagma.
When is the best time to visit Athens?
May and September – warm, sunny days (mid-20s°C), far fewer tourists than July/August, and outdoor sites are still comfortable. June is also good if you don't mind the start of the heat and crowds.
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.