AMV

Hi. Have an early morning flight out of Athens one spring day in June. Will be driving down from the Northeast the day before. Suggestions on hotel with personality and/or view near airport but NOT in Athens proper? Budget not an issue. Thanks.

Heimdall

Since you have an early morning flight, and budget is not an issue, you may as well stay at the airport Sofitel. It's very comfortable, and only a five minute walk from check-in.

brotherleelove2004

The only other hotel near the airport is about 20 minutes away by hotel shuttle, the Holiday Inn Attica Avenue.

AMV

Thanks. Anything within an hour's drive that might have a bit more personality or charm? Appreciate your advice!

Heimdall

>>Anything within an hour's drive...?<<

Yes, that would include central Athens, so you have many options.

Carolina

Rafina is pleasant if you can find a hotel there. Also, Vouliagmeni has some nice hotels.

threegigs

Since budget is not an issue, consider the Electra Palace Hotel for your last night (http://www.electrahotels.gr/electra-...ens/index.html). It's on the edge of the Plaka, walking distance to nightlife, restaurants, etc. and it has rooms overlooking the Acropolis. You have to request that specifically. We made it our location for our last night in Greece last Spring. We also had an early morning return flight. We arranged for a taxi the night before through the concierge and it was at the hotel door on time. In the early morning, with basically no traffic, we were to the airport in what seemed like a very short time - definitely under an hour, probably more like 35-40 minutes. The hotel was great - excellent service - we were glad we made that choice.

Judy

With an early morning flight, the Sofitel might be your best option. It really is a very nice property and you can walk to the airport.

AMV

Thanks. Much good food for thought. Although I didn't want budget to determine our choice, I guess I was hoping there was something North of Athens that was small and charming. We aren't looking for a megaresort or conference center.

Heimdall

Travelerjan has mentioned a b&b near the airport in some of her posts. I have looked at its website, and was very impressed with what I saw: http://www.stay-in-athens.com/index.htm

Maria_H

We chose to stay at the Sofitel. The price was offset a little by being able to hand back our hire car a day earlier which also meant we didn't need to waste time doing this on the last morning before the flight. We dropped our bags in the room, early afternoon then spent our last afternoon and evening in Athens, getting the bus back when it was time for bed. The advantage - a comfortable room only minutes from check in and a good breakfast served from 5am, making for minimum hassle on the way home.

brotherleelove2004

It's good to know TJ is on the case! The St. Thomas B&B looks like an excellent alternative to the Sofitel and Holiday Inn.

AMV

Thanks! The B&B looks interesting and I shall investigate further.