Central Hotel
21 Apollonos Street, Plaka, Athens, Greece, 10557
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#16 of 25
expert-rated hotels in Athens- Recommended for:
- Families with teenagers, Families with younger children, Mature travellers, Singles, Shopping, Sightseeing
Expert review of Central Hotel
An honest, unpretentious hotel on a quiet Plaka back street.
As central as its name suggests, this is an unassuming but well run little place. It’s on one of my favourite streets in central Athens, lined with quirky corner shops, noodle bars and neoclassical houses. There’s nothing exceptional about the hotel - apart from the Parthenon view from the pretty roof terrace. But it’s the sort of middle-of-the-road place where I’d send an older relative visiting Athens for the first time.
Location:
Handily placed between the archaeological sights and the city’s main shopping centre, Ermou Street. There’s a real neighbourhood feel to this quiet, residential corner of Plaka, so you get all the charm but none of the hassle or tourist tat.
Bedrooms:
Rooms tend to be small and a little worn, but perfectly decent and free from the kitsch clutter that spoils so many Athenian budget hotels. Rooms are exceptionally quiet considering the downtown location. Frosted glass doors on the bathrooms compromise privacy – not great if you’re sharing the room. Rear-facing Superior Plus Rooms on the 4th-6th floors have Acropolis views, but you get better views from the roof terrace. Instead, ask for a room with a balcony overlooking the surrounding houses.
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Public areas:
The large reception is all pale wood and polished marble. There are plenty of squidgy beige sofas in the lobby lounge, especially appealing in winter when the fireplace is crackling. But like so many Plaka hotels, the real draw is the roof garden with the Acropolis in close-up - a view you can soak up from the hot tub. And unlike most hotels that ramp up the prices in their rooftop bars, here you can bring your own drinks and even a takeaway souvlaki or sushi.
Eating and drinking:
A basic buffet breakfast is served in pleasant surroundings, overlooking a sunny atrium planted with olive trees.
Leisure facilities:
The rooftop Jacuzzi is a recent addition.
Service:
Slightly offhand and occasionally understaffed, but generally reliable and friendly.
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Who stays there:
Retired Americans on European tours, families, and the odd business traveller.
Price advice:
Superior Plus Rooms are worth the extra – as well as an Acropolis view or balcony, you’ll get a bottle of wine, bathrobes and slippers, and late check-out until 6pm.
Family rooms are a bargain.
Pros:
Handy but quiet location
Well priced
Cons:
Beds aren’t brilliant
Glass bathrooms aren't suitable for prudes
More information on Central Hotel:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- 21 Apollonos Street, Plaka, Athens, Greece, 10557
- Free tags / Keywords:
- Downtown, Acropolis views, affordable
- Amenities:
- Business Centre, High-Speed Internet, Parking, Room Service
- Neighbourhood:
- Plaka
