ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL, IN ATHENS

Electra Palace Hotel is an unexpectedly big hotel in the heart of Plaka, the most touristic district of the Greek capital. However, that doesn't mean that is noisy at all. It is also near Syntagma, the main square in the city.

The hotel is rather classical. Its huge hall leads to the reception area. Two or three people will do the check in. Quick, although you need to fill in the form, as you normally do, even, when you have the voucher with all the information. The staff at reception is ever so nice. Really helpful at all times.

The lifts are too small, and rather unsafe. I got one where the doors would not close, so I got out, but could not call the other, because according to the system, the (defective) lift was still there. So I had to find my way downstairs.

The room was very old-fashioned, and to an extent, with lack of taste. It felt it was decorated in the 80s... and had remained like that since. The big problem for my room was that it was extremely hot. I put on the air conditioned, and I realized that hot air was coming out. I called reception and was told that it was either heating or air conditioned... and because customers had complained about the cold, they had to put the heater on. It was around 25 outside. How could people complain about cold rooms!!!

Internet is free of charge, but you need to go via cable. But again, it is positive.

Breakfast was rather weak. Good natural Orange Juice. Fruit salad is something that makes me wonder the origin of the food. And that was available every day. Bread was also nice, especially the cheese bread with sesame. Scrambled eggs or poached eggs... didn't look that attractive. I have to say... that I have had better breakfast.

Checking out was fast too... If I have the choice, I think I would try another hotel. It is clearly not a 5 star hotel, despite the traditional decor.

ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL ATHENS
18-20, N.Nikodimou Str
10557 Athens
Greece
Tel : +30 210 33 70 000
Fax: + 30 210 32 41 875

THE KING GEORGE PALACE IN ATHENS

Its full name is Classical King George Palace Deluxe. I hope I can be forgiven if I have forgotten any "surname".

This is a hotel, where you will feel like a movie star. The location is fantastic... Syntagma Square, where every hour, you have the famous change of the guards. It is also the place where everyone meets each other... and also, the place where the strikes take place... After all, Syntagma Square (Constitution Sq.) is where the Government is placed.

It is within short walking distance from the touristic and traditional Plaka district, where you will find a huge amount of restaurants and tavernas, where you will enjoy local food.

The hotel itself is rather classical in decoration. I always prefer a much modern looking one, but this is just a matter of taste. Like Louis XIV, you walk along the extremely baroque decorated corridors until you reach your equally furnished bedroom. As you can see from the picture, I am not exaggerating. Its all frills there. (I have to say I was not welcome with a bouquet of roses... I think I should have complained, hehehe).

Rooms tend to be rather small too. You would expect that a 5 star hotel at the high rates they charge would offer you a bigger room. At least, mine was very small. The bathroom is fully equipped with soaps and other accessories from a well known brand. I even like the smell of the soap... (Sometimes you find hotels with awfully smelly soaps).

But, something that you will never forget is breakfast. It is served in the terrace on top of the hotel. There are waiters coming in an out, to offer you coffee and juices. The rest is self-service. Between bite and bite you can stare at the Acropolis and the Parthenon in particular that is ... just there. In front of you... LOOKING at you. I fell in love with the place. Outstanding...

Service was always very attentive, offering you whatever you needed. Something you really appreciate.



THE CLASSICAL KING GEORGE PALACE DELUXE

3 Vasileos Georgiou (Syntagma Square)
Athens 10564, Greece

Tel: +30 2810 300330
Fax: +30 2810 220785