Safestay Athens Hotel

The hostel's location was great, but we wouldn't book again. Our mattress was the worst we've ever slept on and left our backs aching. We paid for a room with a view, but the sunshade blocked it completely. When we politely asked to have it taken down, they said that wasn't possible. We mentioned wanting the complaint form, and suddenly it could be done. It took only five minutes. Noise from all over the building came straight through, making sleep difficult. The toilet was tiny and a bit disgusting, and we were given just two towels, with no hand towel. The price also varied from night to night, and it was cheaper online than on site. We paid 150 euros per night.

The hostel was clean and right in the heart of Athens, on a quiet little street just 50 meters from lively Ermou street. Our private room had a balcony with a stunning Acropolis view. A refrigerator would have been a welcome addition.

I can see this place working for an urgent one-night stop, but I wouldn't suggest staying longer. The price is tempting, though I'd rather pay another 10 euros a night and sleep somewhere better. Dropping off my luggage before check-in was a bad first impression. Instead of a regular luggage room, the choices were paid lockers, payable only with coins, or leaving a bag in a room for 6 euros per bag. At first the room seemed nice and my roommates were pleasant, but later some rather odd, less pleasant characters arrived. I was glad there was a private toilet and shower in the room, then realized that if someone was using the toilet, you were stuck waiting. There were no other toilets on the floor. The room balcony looks out over the Acropolis, and the roof has a cool view too. But the place felt very strange, with none of the usual hostel atmosphere. There's no organized activity or way to mingle, so you could spend a week only meeting the people who sleep in your room. Before I arrived, I thought the negative reviews were from people whining or being spoiled because it was so cheap. Having stayed there, I understand some of their complaints.

The roof terrace is pleasant, especially the deck chairs, and my private room was smart with a small balcony, though basic as you'd expect at a hostel. The place was spotlessly clean, the location was incredible, and the price was reasonable. But it wasn't an easy place to meet people. The basement felt gloomy, there were no midweek social events, and you had to buy food or drinks to use the terrace. On the practical side, Wi-Fi never worked, even with reception trying to help. The facilities felt old and gloomy, and reception was unattended for 25 minutes when I arrived, delaying check-in. Luggage storage cost extra and required coins, and the tourist tax hadn't been clearly explained.