My husband and I are going to Greece in late September. While in Athens for the first three nights, we'll be staying at the Omonia Grand, a new hotel on Omonia Square. The web sites make it look great but has anyone stayed there? Is Omonia Square still somewhat seedy or has it been cleaned up for the upcoming Olympics? In other words, should we take a taxi to and from the hotel at night or isi it safe to walk around the area? The last two nights in Greece we'll be back in Athens and staying at the Royal Olympic Hotel. Any word on this one? Thanks.

topping

Omonia was seedy 2 yrs ago, I can't imageine it having changed that much -- they'd have to raze the whole neighborhood.<BR><BR>Omonia is not near the normal tourist attractions - why not just stay closer to Syntagma or Plaka ?

omonia is cleaned and under remodelling.<BR>keep in mind that threre are some works ...<BR>the omonia grand is an excellent first class hotel (ask for these corner rooms)<BR>with good service and food.<BR>when in omonia you are in the middle of all action as you will have acces to the brand new subway.<BR><BR>the royal olympic needs some refurbishment...<BR><BR> for leisure travellers i suggest the : herodion hotel near the acropolis and plaka or the more expensive st geoge of lykabettus.<BR>try to avoid the hotels at syntagma sqare (lots of renovations and noise)

Thanks for the replies. We've already paid for these hotels so I don't think we can change. I'm glad that the Omonia Grand is nice, I'm a bit disappointed about the Royal Olympic, the web site made it look so good. Is it bad ?

Royal Olympic is not that bad. I've stayed there twice. The location is good, so is the pool and breakfast, however, I can't swear by the service, sometimes rude. Some rooms haven't yet been redone when I was there for the last time, in November, 2000. Their size was large enough, but furnishings weren't in their better shape. Since a remodeling work was being done by then, I figure it shall be concluded by now.<BR><BR>Have a great time in Greece.<BR><BR>S

i'm sure you will enjoy your stay in athens,in both places.<BR>there are so many places to visit in athens that you will spend the minimum time in your hotel.<BR>take advantage of the position of each hotel to visit/discover/taste different aspects of the city...<BR><BR>in omonia you will be 'exactly in the middle of where east meets west and both the orient'.<BR><BR>mix with locals,do not dress like a 'tourist' and take full advantage of sights/sounds/smells/tatse of this vibrant city<BR><BR><BR>near omonia you will have the choice among many greek and ethnic restaurants.<BR><BR>take the athinas road (leading to the acropolis and you will be in Plaka), when facing the acropolis walk on the left side of the street and make a stop at the athens fresh central farmers market and buy fruits/dried fruits/honey/cheese/olives atc,...to bring back with you and why not eat them when back to the hotel<BR><BR>for a quick lunch try these kebabs at 'bairactaris' in monastiraki(the athens flea market-during week ends)<BR><BR>in plake among other places try to find the 'kotsolis' pastry shop,...and to chill out,...the "melina cafe"(ask the way...<BR><BR>do not forget to visit the 'benaki museum' near syntagma sq. it is one of the best small museums in europe,brand new and very comprehensive with an excellent coffe shop on the roof garden.<BR>on thursday it remains open untill late in the evening <BR>a stop on Kolonaki square for a cup coffee and people watching/shopping is a must<BR><BR>for the evening ask your concierge-by the way ,the hotel's room service/ the restaurant is excellent ) to book a table for a dinner at 'aristera-dexia' greek nouvelle cuisine, mostly sea food and cretan diet, ,and excellent value for money.<BR>just behind the hotel's main entrance ,on kotopouli street there is a <BR>pastry shop selling only greek donuts with pure honey<BR>'loukoumades hanion' do not miss it ,with a cup of greek coffee.<BR><BR>the athens archeol. museum is within a walking dist. from omonia.<BR><BR>do not hesitate to use the subway and take time to visit each station wich by itself is a museum (syntagma/acropolis stations)<BR>

Thanks elef for all the suggestions. I'm going to print them out and take it with me.

Omonia Square wouldn't be my choice of location, cleaned up or not. However, we never felt unsafe while walking there even at 4:00 a.m.

I'm glad to hear that Omonia Square is safe. Since people in this forum seem to know alot about Greece, perhaps you can let me know about other hotels I've chosen. The Columbo del Porto in Chiana, the Lato in Heraklion, the Casa d'Oro in Rhodes and the El Greco in Santorini. Since we'll be spending several nights in each I'd like to know if they are nice. We still have the option of cancelling at some of these. Any comments will be appreciated. Thanks.