Novotel Athenes

The hotel's most striking feature is its rooftop pool and bar, offering stunning views of the Acropolis and the city, providing a memorable escape for guests. While the hotel generally receives praise for its friendly and helpful staff and comfortable accommodations, its location is consistently highlighted as a significant drawback. This hotel is well-suited for sightseers who plan to use taxis or ride-sharing services to navigate the city, and for families seeking a refreshing pool area after a day of exploration, despite some room size concerns. Business travelers may also find the hotel's facilities and service appealing. To maximize your stay, it is advisable to utilize ride-sharing services or taxis for evening excursions due to the surrounding area, and to confirm the rooftop pool's operating hours, as it sometimes closes earlier than expected, limiting evening enjoyment of the views.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a popular rooftop pool and bar area, which is widely appreciated for its impressive city views and serves as a pleasant spot for relaxation, though some guests note it can become crowded and sunbeds are limited. The bar on the rooftop is generally well-regarded for its offerings, but some guests express disappointment over its early closing times, preventing enjoyment of evening sunsets. A fitness center is available for guests, equipped with various machines and weights. While Wi-Fi is provided, some guests report it can be slow or unreliable. The hotel also offers free underground parking, which is a significant convenience for those traveling with a vehicle. However, the elevators are described as small, and some guests experienced issues with the key card readers for elevator access.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed. Many guests find the rooms to be spacious and the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep. However, a recurring concern is the condition of the carpets, which are frequently described as dirty, stained, or in need of replacement, sometimes contributing to an unpleasant odor. Some rooms are noted to have a persistent smoky smell or issues with air conditioning functionality, which can lead to uncomfortably warm temperatures, as the system is centrally controlled and not always active. While bathrooms are generally functional, some guests mention them being small, having glass doors that compromise privacy, or emitting unpleasant drain smells. Noise levels from the street can also be an issue for some rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast receives largely positive feedback, with many guests praising its variety and quality, including fresh orange juice and a wide selection of hot and cold options. However, some guests found the breakfast area to be crowded and unorganized, with slow replenishment of food items and cold hot dishes. The coffee served at breakfast is frequently described as poor, with better options available at an additional cost from the lobby bar. The rooftop restaurant and bar offer good food and a pleasant atmosphere, but some guests consider the prices to be high for the quality provided. The downstairs restaurant and bar are noted by some to lack ambiance, with staff appearing disengaged and service being slow.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a dominant theme in guest reviews, often cited as its main drawback. While it is relatively central and within walking distance to Omonia Square and Larissa Metro Station, and about a 30-minute walk to the Parthenon, the immediate surrounding area is consistently described as run-down, sketchy, and unsafe, particularly after dark. Guests frequently report encountering homeless individuals, visible drug paraphernalia, and a general sense of unease. This makes walking to and from the hotel, especially in the evenings, an undesirable experience for many. Consequently, guests strongly recommend using taxis or ride-sharing services for transportation to and from attractions, despite the hotel's proximity to public transit. Free underground parking is available, offering convenience for those with vehicles.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience. Many guests highlight the welcoming demeanor of the reception team and their willingness to assist with various requests, including efficient check-in processes. Housekeeping is generally described as attentive, though some isolated incidents of missed cleaning or lost laundry were reported. However, there are notable instances of mixed feedback, particularly regarding the restaurant staff, with some guests finding them disengaged or slow. A significant concern raised by some families was the hotel's rigid policy regarding special food requests for young children, even in emergencies, which was perceived as a lack of empathy.

Additional Information
Several important details enhance or impact a stay at this hotel. The hotel offers a pet-friendly policy, though some guests note that finding suitable outdoor areas for pets nearby can be challenging. A recurring technical issue mentioned by guests is the unreliability of the key card system for both room access and elevator use, often requiring multiple attempts or visits to the front desk for re-activation. While the hotel maintains a 24/7 security presence at the entrance, reflecting concerns about the surrounding neighborhood, some guests feel the overall property is dated and could benefit from significant renovations to align with modern standards. A particularly distressing incident reported by some families involved the hotel's refusal to provide basic food items for a toddler during an emergency, citing strict policy.