Carolina Hotel

Take care when booking a hotel in Athens. We reserved a room at the "Carolina" hotel in the city center, with a balcony facing the Acropolis. When we arrived before dawn, we were shown to a room without even a window. Booking blamed the intermediary company rather than the hotel. I later heard this had happened to other people in Athens too.

The reception experience was the worst part. I asked about the airport shuttle listed on hotels.com, and the man there kept talking over me and insisting I was wrong. He was exceptionally rude and had very poor customer service. The hotel itself is average and sits on a noisy, busy street. Breakfast was grim, with instant coffee or drip coffee that had been sitting around for hours. I wouldn't recommend staying here, and would give it zero stars if I could. Only choose it if it's the last hotel available in Athens.

Bars, restaurants, and shops are all close to the hotel, so it's easy to get to the things you enjoy just a few steps away.

Room 503 was at the very top of the hotel, away from the noise, and the receptionist said it was the best room. It did have the best view. The downside was the large shared patio right outside its glass doors. Although part of it seemed intended for our room, there was a lot of space for everyone, and people came over to see the view. Fair enough, but we had to keep the curtains drawn and doors shut so people sitting outside couldn't see us relaxing or changing. Air conditioning meant we stayed cool, though we couldn't enjoy the view from inside. The room was otherwise good: a comfortable queen bed, air conditioning, safe, hair dryer, kettle, tea and coffee, shampoo, open wardrobe, TV, nice bedding, and Wi-Fi. There are no twin beds in the hotel, despite photos you might see. We could also hear taps and toilets flushing quite loudly from somewhere. Breakfast was included, with plenty of choice and good coffee. The hotel is in the part of Athens most of us want to be in, tucked down a side street, with busy bars and restaurants right outside.