We stayed at the Hermes Hotel for five nights in February 2012. The location is excellent - we could walk comfortably to all the major sights and museums and there are lots of restaurants of all types nearby. On the day we arrived there was a general strike so we had to get a taxi from the airport, which cost a fixed 35 euros. Going back we took the metro from Syntagma Square which is about 10 minutes walk from the hotel and cost around 8 euros (single journey).
The breakfast was very good value with a range of hot and cold food and set us up for the day. There were a couple of very minor niggles - heat in the room came from the aircon unit which was efficient but left the room smelling of stale smoke when running - I think the filter needed cleaning. And the shower fixing was broken so you could only use the (otherwise good) shower at waist height. Nothing worth making a fuss about however. The beds were comfortable, there was CNN and BBC World on the TV and there was wi-fi to the rooms (although not free - 2 euros for an hour, which wasn't bad). No tea and coffee making facilities in the room - take a travel kettle if your early morning cup of tea is important for you - but you can get free tea and coffee downstairs during the day. There is a fridge and a safe in the room. The room was well cleaned every day.
The reception staff were always friendly and helpful. We happened to be in Athens during the riots, which were very close, but we felt safe enough inside (apart from the tear gas in the hotel lobby but I think this was a rather unique occurrence that is unlikely to be repeated!).
- Hermes Hotel Athens
