We'll be in Athens for 3 or 4 nights in mid-May. I've looked at some of the recommendations on this board, and also looked some at Trip Advisor. Here's what we're looking for:
1) Something well located - easy to walk to the major sites.
2) An easy breakfast - either it's included, or it has a kitchenette (enough so we can make coffee and keep yogurt in the fridge).
3) Nice, but not over the top - in France and Italy we try to stay under $200 (that's dollars) a night. In some places we pay more (Venice) and in little towns we can find nice places for much less. But I like the average to be under $200. I've noticed some folks talking about bargaining in this tough economic times, and I'm prepared to give that a try.
4) Amenities - AC required, and a quiet room required as well, I'm not a great sleeper. Ensuite of course.

Any good recommendations?

I have a few other questions, but they're other topics all their own, so I'll post them separately.

Thanks, as always,
Alice

The most conveniently located hotels are in the Monastiraki and Plaka area. Check the Pan, Arethusa, Metropolis, Amazon, Acropolis View, Attalos, Cecil, Magna Grecia, Elektra, Adrian and Hermes.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Athens Gate. Renovated in 2007, very nice rooms with excellent views of the Parthenon from the roof top bar/restaurant. Very good hot/cold breakfast buffet included in room. Do ask for a room on the back side if you're a light sleeper (they're also less expensive).

It's across the street from Temple of Ancient Zeus; 3 min walk from Ackropoli metro station, 3 min to one of Acropolis' main entrance and 5 min to main part of Plaka

Hi

I've stayed at both the Cecil and the Attalos. Both offer good value for your money and are in an excellent location. Whilst the Cecil is housed in a beautiful neo classical building the Attalos has a lovely rooftop terrace with a bar serving fair priced drinks. Very nice at night with the Acropolis lit up. Both provide breakfast. Ask for a room off the main street if you're a light sleeper.

Thanks very much, I'm going to check out ALL of these. brotherleelove2004, you are an EXPERT!

Alice

Bll has a good list there, to add to that is Airotel Parthenon (in a quiet street), Cypria & Achilleas (side streets very close to Syntagma), Plaka hotel, Central (next door to Hermes) Phidias, Phaedra, Byron & Athos.
I stay in Athens about 4 times a year, I'm sure I'll think of others, but that's a few more for you to look at!

Well, I clearly have my work cut out for me, I'll set up my spreadsheet TONIGHT.

Alice

You can get a really good rate on the Airotel Parthenon, if you do the no-cancellation choice from their website. You can get a decent room for well below $100 per night.

It has been awhile but we have stayed at The Plaka Hotel. Ask for a room at the back-you have a nice view of the Acropolis. I have reccomended to friends and they have enjoyed. It is so nice to stay in the Plaka because there is not much traffic & you can walk anywhere. Enjoy.Chris

Okay, I've done some homework. There is availability at the following hotels - Athens Gate, Magna Grecia, Achilleas, Cypria, Airotel Parthenon, Art Hotel, and the Cecil. I'm still awaiting responses from some others.

No availability at the Plaka, Hermes and Central.

What do you think?

Also, I have generally booked directly with the hotel via email/fax, but it appears that I can get better "Internet Rates" by booking online. Can I do the latter, and THEN email about the particular room etc.?

Thanks,
Alice

You can try.......why not?

Did you see if the suite was available at the Amazon Hotel? I initially tried to get that during our honeymoon, but it was unavailable. Looks like a nice option and I've heard some good comments about it before.

We were also considering the Athens Gate, but decided against it at the last minute. While we were in Athens, we passed by it on the way to Temple of Zeus and just keep in mind that the front of that hotel is on a VERY busy street.

We ended up staying at the Elektra Palace which was very convenient.

We stayed at the reasonably priced Hotel Cypria last year. We liked being close to Syntagma Square where we arrived from and departed to the airport via the airport express bus. We were able to roll our luggage to the hotel (about 3 blocks). We walked to all the major sites including the Plaka, the Acropolis and more. (We are seasoned walkers) The hotel has a nice selection at the buffet breakfast, the front desk staff was helpful, the room was air conditioned and comfortable (not posh). The only down-side is perhaps the fact they do have tour groups in and out, but on our floor there was no noise and we always found a table in the breakfast room, so for us it was not a problem.

Good recommendations from all . If you are first timer I will go with Electra Ermou st, the best American breakfast in Athens and the hotel has a fantastic crew. Best location to everything.
AC works all the time.I believe under $200. You can take the airport bus and subway about a long block. Some of the room are not very large but very comfortable.