Makrygianni / Acropolis

Herodion Hotel

★★★★★

The Herodion is the hotel that savvy first-timers book when they want to be as close to the Acropolis as possible without paying luxury prices. It stands on Rovertou Galli Street in Makrygianni, the quiet, residential district on the south side of the Acropolis, just behind the Acropolis Museum and moments from the pedestrian Dionysiou Areopagitou promenade. Its name echoes the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, whose arches rise on the slope just above, and it has been run by the same family for more than four decades and is part of their small HP hotels group, and that continuity shows in the warm, attentive service and the regulars who return year after year. Its ninety rooms are comfortable and contemporary, with a range of categories from compact doubles to larger rooms, and the higher categories have views toward the Acropolis. The highlight is the roof garden, where the Parthenon fills the view across the rooftops, with outdoor hydromassage tubs and space to sit with a drink at sunset; it is the kind of place that makes a hotel memorable. On the ground floor, the Atrium bar and restaurant and the Gargaretta bistro cover breakfast through dinner, and the hotel also runs an Acropolis-view dining option. The location is exceptional: the Acropolis Museum is a two-minute walk, the South Slope entrance to the Acropolis a few minutes more, Plaka ten minutes, and Acropoli metro station, with direct trains to Syntagma, Monastiraki and the airport via a change, is just around the corner. Koukaki's cafes and tavernas are on the doorstep.

Why it works so well: in Athens, the single biggest upgrade you can give a trip is to stay within walking distance of the Acropolis, so that you can take the first slot of the morning, retreat in the heat and come back out in the evening. The Herodion does exactly that at a four-star price, with the bonus of a roof garden that rivals far more expensive hotels. Makrygianni is calmer than Plaka and has a neighbourhood feel, with local bakeries, small supermarkets and cafes where Athenians actually live. It is an ideal base for couples, families and first-timers alike.

Choosing a room: standard rooms are comfortable but relatively compact, as in most central Athens hotels; superior rooms and those with Acropolis views are worth the upgrade if you plan to spend time in the room. Ask for a higher floor for more light and less street noise. Breakfast is a generous buffet, and the staff are well informed about Acropolis tickets, time slots and guides, so ask for help planning your visit.

Price and value: rates are mid-range for central Athens, higher in summer and noticeably cheaper in the winter months, when the roof garden still offers clear-sky views and the Acropolis is quieter. A four-star climate resilience fee applies per room per night, at the higher rate from April to October. For location, service and that roof, it is one of the best-value hotels in Athens.