Photo: official website
Your stay — Hotel Carol
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The Property — Hotel Carol
Hotel Carol in Athens is a no-frills, family-run 3-star gem that exudes a warm, retro charm. Its faded facade gives way to a cozy lobby with worn marble floors and a faded fresco on the ceiling. The hotel's 30 rooms are simple but clean, with vintage furniture and balconies that offer a glimpse of the Acropolis. It's perfect for budget-conscious travellers who want a authentic Athenian experience without breaking the bank. The staff are friendly and welcoming, making you feel like a local in a city that's often overwhelming for visitors.
Chronicles of Athens
Athens, the cradle of Western civilisation, was founded in the 5th century BC and has been continuously inhabited ever since. The city's rich history is evident in its architecture, from the ancient Parthenon to the neoclassical buildings of the 19th century. However, Athens has also undergone significant modernisation, with sleek skyscrapers and trendy neighbourhoods like Gazi and Monastiraki sprouting up in recent years. Today, the city is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, with a thriving arts scene and a passion for food, music and philosophy.
Best Time to Visit
Full Athens guide →Best months
The best time to visit Athens is in September and October, when the summer heat has dissipated and the crowds have thinned out. The weather is still warm and sunny, with average highs of 25°C (77°F), making it ideal for exploring the city's ancient ruins and museums. The shoulder season also offers great deals on accommodation and flights, making it a more affordable time to visit.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Athens is July and August, when the temperatures soar and the city is bustling with visitors. The heat can be intense, with temperatures often reaching 38°C (100°F), and the crowds can be overwhelming. However, this is also the best time to experience the city's vibrant nightlife and festivals, including the Patras Carnival in July and the Athens Festival in August. Expect higher prices for accommodation and flights, but it's a great time for people-watching and taking in the city's energy.
Budget shoulder season
The best budget-friendly months to visit Athens are April and May, when the weather is mild and sunny, and the crowds are smaller. Prices for accommodation and flights are lower than during the peak season, and you can enjoy the city's famous Easter celebrations in April. However, be prepared for some rain showers and cooler evenings, especially in May.
Weather & packing
Athens is known for its intense heatwaves in the summer, so pack light, breathable clothing and a sun hat to protect yourself from the sun. Don't forget to bring sunscreen with a high SPF and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Live City Briefing — Athens
- The Athens Metro has expanded its services to include a new line to the airport, making it easier to get to the city centre from the airport. A new street art museum has opened in the Psirri neighbourhood, showcasing the work of local artists. The city is also introducing a new bike-sharing scheme, 'Athens Bikes', to encourage sustainable transportation and explore the city's scenic routes.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hotel Carol, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (4th or above) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may be more prone to street noise from the nearby streets of Athens. Additionally, the hotel's 3-star rating suggests a more compact design, so it's likely that rooms on higher floors will be closer to the elevator, minimizing the walk to your room.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the 1st floor may be more prone to noise from the service entrance and nearby streets. Additionally, rooms near the elevator may experience more noise from the elevator's operation.
Best views
Rooms on the higher floors (4th or above) may offer a view of the surrounding cityscape, but it's worth noting that the hotel's address in Athens means the views may be partially obstructed by surrounding buildings.
Quietest floors
3rd and 4th floors
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location on the streets of Athens means that guests can expect some ambient noise from the city. However, the hotel's 3-star rating suggests a more compact design, which may help minimize the noise levels.
Insider tips
Be sure to check-in early to secure parking, as spaces are limited in the area. Request a room with a window on the opposite side of the building to minimize street noise.
- 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 — Hotel Carol
free; 100 Mbps speed; 3-device limit; no login constraints
serves all floors; historic section has stairs-only access to 1st floor
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader); physical papers available in lobby
16:00 - 22:00 (standard hours); 10:00 - 14:00 early bag-drop; €20 late check-out fee (up to 18:00)
available for €5 per day; limited space
step-free access; wheelchair entries at main entrance and 1st floor; some structural limitations in historic section
on-site parking available for €20 per night; nearest public car park (Athens Mall) is 5 minutes' walk away and costs €15 per day; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €1.50 per night/person (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: €50 advance deposit + €100 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Ιερός Ναός Παναγίας Μυρτιδιώτισσας (158 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Παρεκκλήσιο Αγίας Όλγας (599 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Ιερός Ναός Προφήτη Ηλία Καστέλλας (730 m · ~9 min walk)
- Church: Ιερός Ναός Ευαγγελίστριας (913 m · ~11 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Πλατεία Σκουφά — 273 m · ~3 min walk
Μουσείο εμπορικής ναυτιλίας — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk
Δελφινάριο — 241 m · ~3 min walk
Παιδική Χαρά Τζαβέλλα — 679 m · ~8 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 966 m · ~12 min walk
Στασινόπουλος Ιωάννης — 473 m · ~6 min walk
Smile kiosk — 218 m · ~3 min walk
Φάληρο — 541 m · ~7 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Travellers can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange offices, or ATMs. Be aware that airport kiosks often offer poor exchange rates. It's recommended to use ATMs instead, which offer better rates and lower fees.
Major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are widely accepted in Athens. Contactless payments and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also accepted at many merchants.
Tipping in Athens is generally around 5-10% in restaurants and bars, and rounding up the bill is common. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or giving 1-2 euros is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can cost around 1-2 euros, often available at cafes or kiosks serving instant coffee.
A budget-friendly lunch option is a souvlaki or gyro from a street vendor, costing around 3-5 euros.
A filling dinner at a traditional taverna can cost around 10-15 euros for a main course.
The streets around Monastiraki and Omonia are known for their affordable street food options, including souvlaki, gyros, and moussaka.
Common budget supermarket chains in the area include Lidl, Alfa Beta Vassilopoulos, and Sklavenitis.
For affordable clothing, try the Monastiraki Flea Market or the clothing stores along Ermou Street.
The cheapest way to get around is by using the metro, with a single ticket costing 1.20 euros. From the airport, a metro ticket costs 8 euros, or you can take the X95 bus for 6 euros.
Consider purchasing a 10-ticket public transportation card for 14.80 euros, which can save you money in the long run. Avoid eating at touristy restaurants and opt for local eateries instead. Bring a refillable water bottle to avoid buying overpriced water.
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 Hotel Carol
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 966 m · ~12 min walk — pharmacy · Στασινόπουλος Ιωάννης — 473 m · ~6 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.
About Athens
Wikipedia ↗Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. A significant coastal urban area in the Mediterranean, Athens is also the capital of the Attica region and is the southernmost capital on the European mainland. With its urban area's population numbering over 3.6 million, it is the eighth-largest urb...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hotel Carol?
Request a room on the higher floors (4th or above) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may be more prone to street noise from the nearby streets of Athens. Additionally, the hotel's 3-star rating suggests a more compact design, so it's likely that rooms on higher floors will be closer to the elevator, minimizing the walk to your room.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hotel Carol?
Rooms on the 1st floor may be more prone to noise from the service entrance and nearby streets. Additionally, rooms near the elevator may experience more noise from the elevator's operation.
Is Hotel Carol noisy?
The hotel's location on the streets of Athens means that guests can expect some ambient noise from the city. However, the hotel's 3-star rating suggests a more compact design, which may help minimize the noise levels.
Which rooms have the best views at Hotel Carol?
Rooms on the higher floors (4th or above) may offer a view of the surrounding cityscape, but it's worth noting that the hotel's address in Athens means the views may be partially obstructed by surrounding buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Hotel Carol?
Be sure to check-in early to secure parking, as spaces are limited in the area. Request a room with a window on the opposite side of the building to minimize street noise.
What time is check-in at Hotel Carol?
Check-in at Hotel Carol is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hotel Carol have Wi-Fi?
free; 100 Mbps speed; 3-device limit; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hotel Carol?
€1.50 per night/person (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near Hotel Carol?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a souvlaki or gyro from a street vendor, costing around 3-5 euros.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hotel Carol?
The cheapest way to get around is by using the metro, with a single ticket costing 1.20 euros. From the airport, a metro ticket costs 8 euros, or you can take the X95 bus for 6 euros.
When is the best time to visit Athens?
The best time to visit Athens is in September and October, when the summer heat has dissipated and the crowds have thinned out. The weather is still warm and sunny, with average highs of 25°C (77°F), making it ideal for exploring the city's ancient ruins and museums. The shoulder season also offers great deals on accommodation and flights, making it a more affordable time to visit.
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.