Novotel Athenes

The hotel has decided to economize by not providing air conditioning or hot water. The thermastats in the room did not work. There was no air conditioning in the room even during days when the temperature was over 90. The water for showers and shaving was never more than lukewarm. The hotel itself was nice, but it was in a very dirty, run down area about 15 blocks from the nearest metro stop.

I was very pleased with the interior of the Novotel Athenes. It's very modern and everything looked brand-new. Aside from the location (near Omonia, which is not a very good part of Athens anymore, and not near any tourist attractions), I was disappointed when I was given a smoking room. The room was immaculate but the cigarette smoke permeated everything, making it unpleasant for us. When I called the front desk to complain, they simply said that they didn't have any other rooms available and they did not offer any assistance in removing the odor (housekeeping had already left). Other than that, the room was pretty spacious, good lighting, gorgeous bathroom and nice toiletries and linens, and it even had a little pot to make coffee and tea right in the room. The gym was simple but had a functional elliptical trainer, towels, and a big flat panel tv. The swimming pool also looked welcoming from the rooftop, but I didn't get a chance to check it out. Breakfast is not included, and costs a whopping 15 euros (I did not partake). I think it's a shame that such a nice, modern hotel is located in such a rough part of Athens. I probably would not go back again due to the bad location. If it were located in a safer neighborhood and closer to the tourist attractions, then I would return in a heartbeat. If you are not a tourist and the neighborhood does not bother you, then I would definitely recommend this hotel. Just make sure to specify whether you want a non-smoking room in advance!