Omonia / Larissa Station

Novotel Athenes

★★★★★

The Novotel Athenes is not the most glamorous hotel in the city, but it solves several problems that families and drivers often face in Athens. It is a large, four-star hotel at 4 Michail Voda Street, north-west of Omonia, with 196 rooms, indoor parking, a choice of restaurants and, above all, a rooftop with a pool, something few mid-priced central hotels can offer. For families who want space, a swim and predictable chain standards at a sensible price, it is a strong option. The rooftop is the highlight. In season, the pool deck offers 360-degree views across Athens, from Lycabettus Hill to the Acropolis, and the Clair de Lune rooftop bar-restaurant and pool bar serve drinks and meals with the view. Both the pool and the rooftop services are seasonal and close for the colder months, so check dates if a swim matters to you. Downstairs, the NOVAgora restaurant is the main restaurant and Le Bar is open all day. Rooms follow Novotel's practical style, with family rooms that sleep up to four, and some higher-category rooms with views toward the Acropolis. The hotel runs a free shuttle bus to Stadiou Street near Syntagma Square, and the nearest metro station is about five minutes' walk away, so getting to the sights is straightforward even though the hotel is outside the historic core. Indoor parking is a big plus if you are renting a car for day trips to Delphi, Cape Sounion or the Peloponnese.

Who it suits: families with children who want a pool and room to spread out, travellers with a rental car who need secure parking, and groups who value a predictable international brand. Novotel also has a long-standing family-friendly policy across its hotels, so ask about children's options when booking. It suits less well those who want to step straight out into Plaka, or who prefer boutique character.

Honest drawbacks: the neighbourhood around Michail Voda Street, between Omonia and Larissa station, is a working, somewhat gritty part of the city rather than a charming one, and some guests find it uninviting at night, so many prefer to use the shuttle or the metro and taxis after dark. Some recent reviews mention dated details in certain rooms, such as worn carpets, so it is worth requesting a renovated or higher-floor room. In return, prices are generally lower than for comparable facilities closer to Syntagma.

Making the most of it: plan your sightseeing days around the shuttle and the metro, then come back for a swim and sunset drinks on the roof in summer. With the indoor car park, the Novotel is a convenient base for self-drive day trips, as you can leave the city quickly via the main roads north and west. The climate resilience fee is charged per room per night on top of the rate, and breakfast is often available as an add-on.