26 Mar Central without a view
The Ariston in the centre of Athens offers very good value for money. Situated right accross the road, by subway and 20m down the street from Larissis station, a direct link from the airport brings you right to the front door where friendly and helpful staff will quickly help you check in and settle you in your room. No room services, but a nice and modern restaurant on the ground floor can fulfill all you needs. The night manager was extremely accommodating in that he opened the kitchen early every morning to make us coffee.The lift is always in working condition, although small, and the landings on the floors are neat and clean. The hotel is over all a quiet, relaxing one.The rooms are small but sufficient, with new furniture and finishes, and the same goes for the bathroom. Most rooms have balconies facing onto the street, where a glimpse of Greek suburban nightlife can be had. Unfortunately there are no views of the Akropolis.In the immediate vicinity are some conveniece stores but the real shopping happens downtown – hop accross the road and take the Metro to Syntagma Station for more upmarket and designer shops, or get off at Monastiraki Station which will put you right in the middle of Plaka and its myriad of small streets, ancient ruins, markets and wonderful restaurants. From Plaka you can walk a block or two to get to the Akropolis.A nice enough hotel offering good value for money, clean and modern rooms with all the required facilities and easy access to all the sights.