We will be arriving in Athens at around 5 p.m. local time after more than 15 hours in transit from San Francisco. We will have two 21-inch "carry-on" suitcases, one 25-inch suitcase (all on wheels) and two small bags that can be attached to the suitcases. We will no doubt be very tired from jet lag and lack of sleep. We are staying at the Electra Palace Hotel, near Syntagma Square. I know that taking the Metro into town is much less expensive than taking a cab, but I am concerned about crowds and maneuvering luggage onto, within and off the train. Given the state in which we're likely to arrive (despite flying in business class), would we be better advised to take a taxi? Or is the Metro jet-lagged-luggage-encumbered-tourist-friendly? Also, what about the bus?

My cab ride from Athens airport to the Intercontinental Hotel was 33E. 34E for the return. My companions and I were too tired to take the Metro. I think that if you can afford to stay at the Elektra Palace (which is in an ideal location, IMO), you can afford the cab ride.

Treat youselves - save the sweat and take a taxi!!!
Time is precious!

I think it would be difficult to use the Metro with the large amount of luggage you are taking. Get a taxi. We found them plentiful and inexpensive.

Taking a taxi from the airport to your hotel is certainly much easier and more convenient, but you'll pay for the privelege and you'll be stuck in rush hour traffic on the way into the city. There will be charges for your bags on top of the taxi fare. The taxis are supposed to be metered, but BE SURE to get a price from the driver for the trip including baggage. Expect to pay somewhere around 35-40 euro.

But getting a seat and finding space to store your bags (there are convenient luggage racks) on the Metro at the airport is easy, it's not crowded there at the beginning of the route. The cars get more crowded as they get closer to Syntagma, but you'll have your seat and it won't be an issue. One-way Airport Metro tickets for two people=10 Euro, 15 euro for 3 people. And you won't have to deal with the rush hour, you'll be at Syntagma in 45 minutes. Wait until most people have left your car at Syntagma before getting off and you'll have avoided the biggest part of the hassle. Once you're on the platform it's easy to get up to the exit doors. Once you're outside in the Square itself it's about a 15 minute walk to your hotel, so if you're up to it you can do so without much effort. Or you can take a taxi from Syntagma. Catch one from in front of the Grand Bretagne (to the right as you exit the Metro) and the ride will be quick and easy since it'll just be a few blocks away with no loops or backtracking necessary. From the other side of the square it's a bit more time-consuming (one-way street in the wrong direction) and the possibility for ripoffs is greater. You can also walk through the Square down to Filillenon Street and take a taxi heading to your left (with your back is to the Square). Have a look at a good map so you know where you need to go.

http://www.athensguide.com/map/athens.htm

After getting into a taxi in front of the GB the taxi will turn left onto Filellinon Street, go through a stoplight and then forward for 3-4 blocks, then should be able to turn right directly onto Nikodimou Street, and from that turn your hotel is only about 2 short blocks down.