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Athens accommodation for family - safe area + budget

Athens accommodation for family - safe area + budget

Old Mar 7th, 2012, 01:06 PM
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Athens accommodation for family - safe area + budget

Hi,
I am looking for accommodation in Athens in early May for family of four (incl two daughters 16 yrs and 8 yrs). Most budget accommodation (ie under EUR 100) I have viewed has reviews that area is somewhat unsavoury - although I realise 'safe' 'dodgy' etc is often subjective. Also taking current situation into account - Any tips for location and or accommodation? We are only there for a couple of nights. We are happy to stay in hostels, pensions, hotels etc - prefer something with 'character' rather than clinical big hotel - but will consider everything.
Also appreciate any tips for things to do outside the usual.
Thanks
Huia is offline  
Old Mar 7th, 2012, 01:09 PM
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http://www.hoteltony.gr/

We stayed at the place above and it was great. Its by Sigrou-Fix station but we walked to all the sites. Plaka was about a 10 mins walk.

I think we paid €75 for a double.
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Old Mar 8th, 2012, 12:42 AM
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Under 100 euro for 4 persons is a bit low for Athens.
http://www.backpackers.gr/ is a well-reputed hostel in a very handy location. There is the usual hostel dorms but there are some private studios too. I checked for example on May 9th for one night, and there is availiability for a 4 bed mixed dorm on 20.99 euro/person so about 84 euro for all of you, and there is availiability for an ensuite 4 bed appartment on 23.75 euro/person, so about 96 euro for all of you. Hostel is located on Makri street, a 5-10 minutes walk from Acropolis metro station. I own an appartment in Piraeus so I never use hotels or hostels while in Athens, but I know people who have stayed there and were absolutely happy.
About low cost hotels in shabby areas... It is a personal call. Hotels their selves are usually absolutely fine, but area itself is unpleasant. On my opinion there is no really dangerous area in Athens if you use common sense and you do your homework. Take for example Omonoia Square area which nowdays has so bad reputation... I have walk there any time of day and night, I am a 30 years old female. But I am self confident and know which particular streets to avoid just for peace of mind rather than real danger. Still, on every walk I'll see begars, poor immegrants, drag users (often drag dealers too),winos, people with medical problems and other people who are obviously homeless and lost in space, prostitutes... It is a sight that it breaks my hurt rather than make me feel unsafe, but I guess a visitor may think different and even if those people cause no harm to other than theirselves, it is not a sight a tourist would like to see- especially with an 8 years old in tow. I think the area around Plaka, Monastiraki,Syndagma is a much safer bet and more convenient as you can mostly walk or take metro for a couple of stops to all sites of interests...
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Old Mar 8th, 2012, 05:47 AM
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What about Hotel Attalos?

I have never stayed here, but a friend did. I went to the hotel to meet her--only saw the lobby but it was fine.

The hotel is at the edge of the Plaka and that area is very safe. There is a Starbuck's close by so the neighbourhood can't be too dodgy.

I love Athens, especially the Kolonki neighbourhood.

I have stayed at the Grand Bretagne and the Intercontinetal.

Tschuss,
Pepper
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Old Mar 8th, 2012, 07:03 AM
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Attalos is a hotel that gets good feedback and on handy location.Problem is there are no family rooms, you'll have to go for 2 doubles and usually it's 80+euro/night for a double, so above OP's budget.
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Old Mar 8th, 2012, 09:22 PM
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Please avoid the Omonia area, where there are many good and cheap hotels.
Even though the price might be tempting, the area, especially at night, is not safe.
Unfortunately this forced many hotels to close down, as their business were constantly decreasing.
In my opinion one of the safest areas is the Acropolis- Koukaki area, there are plenty of good hotels there.
Try Philippos, Herodion, Parthenon , Hera or the Athens Gate, and you'll be fine.
Most sites will be in walking distance, and the metro station Acropolis, is between 50 and 300 meters away, depending on the hotel.The Plaka area is another nice and safe area of Athens, hotel Plaka is a good hotel, with Attalos being on the edge of the area, that i would choose.
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Old Mar 8th, 2012, 11:59 PM
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I've stayed several times in Hotel Cypria, which is just off Ermou Street and not far from Syntagma Square. They do have family/interconnecting rooms, but not sure of the rate. I have paid under €100 for their highest category luxury room, if that's any indication.
http://www.athenscypria.com/article.php?id=17

Some people are avoiding the Syntagma area because of recent demonstrations, but they are infrequent and normally not a problem. If there were a demonstration while you are there, you can walk the other way on Ermou Street to board the Metro at Monastiraki Station.
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Old Mar 9th, 2012, 06:08 AM
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I am pretty sure Attalos has rooms with multiple beds. As I recall a few years ago we got one room with a double bed and two singles. Its location is great and has a wonderful rooftop bar overlooking the acropolis.
Another thought would be Athans Style Hostel. It is about 200 meters from the Monestraki metro station and has some suites with two bedrooms. I wouldn't try one of the dorm rooms though
Lastly you might try booking dot com and search your dates two adults two children. It will give you details on many hotels along with price and availbility. That might help you find a few hotels that interest you and then you can ask your question agian and people who know those specific hotels will likely respond.
stanbr is offline  
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