Athens Syntagma

“John's Place” Guest House, Patrou 5 (☎210 32 29 719), For a trip back to another era, stay in this parquet-floored, steep-staired yet somehow homey hotel. “John” seems to have forgotten all modern amenities when founding this hotel that lacks internet, television, elevator, and credit card capabilities. However, A/C is available in each fresh-linened room, and the white embroidered drapes let in a pleasing amount of afternoon sunlight. High ceilings and Tiffany blue walls add charm to each floor's common space. Make sure to lock valuables in the room's safe; it has been said that the woman at the front desk seems to be fond of her afternoon naps. From Syntagma square, walk down Mitropoleos 4 blocks; Patrou is on the left. Does not take credit cards. Has air conditioning.
Hotel Kimon, Apollonos 27 (☎210 331 4658; www.kimonhotelathens.com), Long and quiet hallways, a fire extinguisher on every landing, and an attentive man behind the desk make this is a well-tended hotel. Cantaloupe-colored walls and prismatic glass windows on the stairway landings add some pizzazz to the otherwise cramped space—including some rooms with balconies just large enough to cram two people—expertly magnified by full-length mirrors at the entrance. Not the cheapest hotel, Kimon might be saved by the diligence of its staff. Takes credit cards. Has internet. Has air conditioning.
Hotel Metropolis, Mitropoleos 46 (☎210 32 17 871; www.hotelmetropolis.gr), Tiny seems to be the operative word here. Overpriced and not quite up to snuff, Metropolis' bathroom doors are chipped at the bottom and its balconies are miniscule. A few rooms have a nice view of the Acropolis, but you pay for it with smaller rooms offering little walking space. Takes credit cards.
Hotel Amazon, Mitropoleos 19 and Pentelis Street (☎210 32 34 002; wwww.amazonhotel.gr">www.amazonhotel.gr">wwww.amazonhotel.gr), A classy hotel for a decent price, Hotel Amazon is equipped with marble entrance stairs, two elevators, and guests of the blond-hair-big-bag-big-sunglasses variety. Its bathrooms come with soap and shampoo, a rare amenity in the hostel world. Though not a steal, the two elevators and fresh scent of the rooms make it worth the splurge for glamour. Takes credit cards. Has internet. Has air conditioning.