Makrygianni / Acropolis

Philippos Hotel

★★★★★

For many travellers the ideal Athens base is Makrygianni, the residential neighbourhood just south of the Acropolis, and the Philippos Hotel is one of its best-value choices. It stands at 3 Mitseon Street, a short, quiet street just off the pedestrian Dionysiou Areopagitou promenade, roughly a hundred metres from the entrance of the Acropolis Museum and about five minutes' walk from Akropoli metro station. From the door, the South Slope entrance of the Acropolis, Plaka and the restaurants of Makrygianni and Koukaki are all within easy walking distance. The Philippos is a three-star hotel with fifty rooms, run by the same group, H&P Hospitality, as the larger Herodion hotel around the corner, which gives it a polish and consistency many small hotels lack. Rooms are simply but comfortably furnished in a clean, modern style, with the usual air conditioning, and they come in a useful range of sizes. Alongside standard doubles and twins there are triple rooms and family rooms that sleep four, with a double bed and two sofa beds, which makes the hotel a practical choice for parents with children. Breakfast is a buffet served each morning, and there is a bar and cafe for a coffee or a drink. The rooftop terrace is the place to unwind in the evening after a day of sightseeing. Service is consistently praised for being warm and helpful, with staff happy to advise on restaurants, tickets and day trips.

Who it suits: first-time visitors, couples and families who want to stay in the best neighbourhood for the Acropolis at a moderate price, without the frills of a five-star hotel. It is particularly good for anyone who plans an early start at the Acropolis, because you can walk to the South Slope entrance in minutes and be among the first through the gates. Travellers who want a pool or a big rooftop restaurant should look at the Herodion or the larger hotels of Plaka instead. Being so close to the Acropolis Museum also means you can pop back to the room for a rest between the museum and the rock, a real advantage in summer heat.

Choosing a room: standard rooms are compact, which is normal in central Athens, so families should book the family rooms or triples early, as they are limited. Ask for a higher floor for more light and less street noise. Because this is a quiet residential street, nights are generally peaceful, though summer evenings along the nearby promenade are lively. Breakfast is included in many rates; check when booking.

Practicalities and value: Akropoli metro station on Line 2 connects to Syntagma, where you can change for the airport line, and to Omonia. The pedestrian promenade around the Acropolis and Philopappos Hill starts at the end of the street. Rates rise sharply from May to October and fall in winter, when the hotel is excellent value for a city break centred on museums. The climate resilience fee is charged per room per night in addition to the room rate.