Even now, not all of these treasures are on line. You may actually have to phone them.
The Plaka area has a concentration of older, small hotels and pensions, some in former mansions built in Neo-classical style. Walking the winding streets is entertainment in itself; at night the Plaka is jumping --and may be noisy if a popular nightspot is just outside your hotel.
The Hotel Plaka is in the heart of the Plaka and was a popular budget choice. A renovation in 2001 has turned it into more of a boutique hotel, but its location and size still make it worth considering, even at higher prices. Get rates now
The Kouros, also in the Plaka at Kodrou 11, is in one of the former Plaka-area mansions. Now it offers a mere 10 rooms, all with balconies and ambiance. It can be reached at 210 323 8461 (from within Greece - add your international dialing code and 30 when dialing from outside Greece).
Another budget bet is the 19-room Acropolis House Pension, located at Koudrou 6-8. The building dates from the 19th century and features surprisingly big rooms, with balconies. Prices vary but run around Euro 55 (about $60). The telephone number is 210 322 2344, Fax 210 323 3143. Not all rooms have ensuite bath; expect to pay a few dollars extra for those that do.
A similarly-named but different hotel is also centrally located in the Plaka - the Acropolis View, which has been recently renovated. Get rates now
Remember that Piraeus, the main port of Athens, is considered to be a separate city, so many Athens hotel listings will skip places in Piraeus. If you need someplace to stay before or after taking a ferry, consider the inexpensive, friendly Hotel Ionion which is also within two minute's walk of the train station, the Metro station, and the airport bus stops.
Hotel Ratings
The hotel rating systems in use for years in Greece can be misleading. There are six classifications, starting with L (Luxury) and then going in alphabetical order from A to E. The E classification, generally used only by budget-conscious Greeks or down-on-their-luck travelers, has been upgraded almost out of existence as these establishments fight for the more lucrative tourist dollar.
Please note that these ratings don't necessarily reflect comfort, cleanliness, or anything else, except in the most general terms. The ratings just show additional amenities, which may or may not be important to you.
The most charming "D" class hotel will never "move up" to being a "C" or a "B" unless they add a larger lobby. One of the big hurdles between being a "C" hotel and a "B" hotel is simply how extensive a breakfast they serve.
I was once told that Americans and Asian tourists are usually happiest at "L", "AA", "A", and "B" classifications, though they pay for the privilege and will miss out on some terrific "C" hotels. British and European tourists will often be happy even if the bath is down the hall, and so can enjoy the "B", "C" and even "D" classifications, saving money all the way. Upscale travelers from any area will generally stick to the "L", "AA" and "A" class establishments. Backpackers, students, and artists will thrive in the "D"s and even "E"s.
A similar system exists for apartments, running from "A" class, which is nicely equipped, to "C" class, including just the bare minimum. Which, in Greece, may be plenty.
Although not official, it seems that the rating system is kinder to hotels on the smaller islands, where the choice may be slim. So a "C" in Athens may have some definite advantages over a "C" on a remote island.
