I now narrowed my hotel search in Athens to the Adrian (I think), which I can get for 94 Euro on the web (less than previously thought at 124E), but it's not the room with the Acropolis view that people have been enthusiastic about. It is for the garden veranda room - has anybody been in this room? Is it noisy? Since I can't get the acropolis view room, should I stay there still, or would the Plaka Hotel be a better choice?

also, is it difficult to get to the Adrian by bus from the airport?

thanks

Can't offer an opinion on which hotel... I stayed at the Amazon last year and had their Acropolis view room. I think it was 116 double.

How to get to the Adrian? Easy. When you exit the airport go right... you'll see the buses. You want X95. You can buy a ticket at a kiosk, if closed buy from the driver then vaildate ticket in the machine.

The bus finishes it's run at Syntagma Square. Hop off and walk down Mitropoleos...
notice the tiny old church under a modern building a couple of blocks down...
here's a link to a map with "A" your bus stop and "B" the hotel. It should take 10-15 minutes.

http://tinyurl.com/cnu3zp

Rob

Rob, you're a sweetheart - thank you so much for the trouble.

by the way, how was the Amazon?

You're welcome.

I liked the Amazon. It's not fancy but clean and decent sized rooms in a great location. You'll pass it on the way to the Adrian... it's right after that tiny church.

We were lucky enough to move to their only Acropolis view room (216) for nights 2 through 4. Anastasia at the desk was kind enough to engineer the move for us.

Can't comment on the hotel breakfast as I never eat in a hotel when I can sit outside in a cafe instead! ;^)

Rob

I stayed at Adrian in 2006 ... again, not "fancy" , bathrooms small, but clean and and an excellent Plaka location. Good breakfasts, served on the top roof patio, with lovely Acropolis views.

The room description "veranda" is a bit misleading ... IIRC, a veranda room was one that did *not* have an Acropolis view, but *could* face either the street or the rear. Best to re-confirm this w/ the Adrian.

The rear veranda room (type I had) basically faced a large wall some 20-30 feet away. But, it was very quiet.

The front street rooms partly overlook a small square, which does have light car & motor scooter traffic -- so I'd expect some noise. Higher floors should be better.

note: the Acropolis side of hotel is the rear.

Rob, I did try the Amazon (before I found that the Adrian has a rooftop breakfast w/a gorgeous view and then changed my decision) but they are full for the one night I need. (Did they have a rooftop breakfast?)

thanks tom_h. It turns out that by the time I decided on the veranda and called back, it was gone - as were the ones w/the Acropolis view which I had originally wanted. And they told me they are fully booked, period. But, I found on the web that there is a standard room available still - I think it's on the first floor. How awful do you think that would be?

tamarat,
1st floor ("2nd floor" in USA), facing street, at Adrian Hotel would probably be a bit noisy for my tastes.

The square in front has cafes & tables setup, and it stays pretty busy until late at night ... I like to be in bed by 11pm, so it wouldn't work too well for me.

we stayed at the Adrian June 2009 on the 2nd floor, street side. We didn't find it that noisy. We liked the hotel, the room was comfortable and the breakfast on the roof was great because of the view of the acropolis and the food selection.

Sorry... no rooftop at the Amazon.