Vivo Apartments

We booked seven months ahead for our Athens trip to see Metallica, choosing this place mainly because it was near the stadium. Then, just six days before we were due to arrive, the host said he couldn't accommodate us because the building had supposedly been undergoing renovations for two months. That doesn't add up, since several guests had posted very recent reviews from stays during that same period. With a major event less than a week away, finding somewhere nearby was practically impossible, and the few places left were outrageously expensive. The host was rude on the phone and offered no help or alternative at all. If the facade work had really been going on for two months, we should have been told much earlier so we could make other plans. Cancelling at the last minute like this is completely unacceptable and extremely unprofessional.

We couldn't get a proper night's sleep either night because the elevator was noisy and we could hear neighbors simply coming into their homes. The apartment is spacious and about a 15 minute walk from OAKA stadium, but there was a strong sewage smell, probably from bad pipes, and the bathroom had no ventilation. The shower leaked, and there was nowhere handy to hang towels to dry. The sockets beside the bed were broken, with wires exposed, so they seemed potentially dangerous to use. There were sockets on only one side of the bed.

The self check-in works well for me, since I often arrive late after work. They send an email with a YouTube video showing how to reach your camera and where the keys are. I’ve stayed here several times and it’s always been comfortable. The rooms are modern, a good fit if you want self-catering accommodation. There aren’t many restaurants nearby, and the closest are about 15 minutes away. Being near a hospital does mean there are stores open late. It’s about 20-30 minutes from Maroussi/Chalandry city center, five minutes from the maternity hospital in Athens, and roughly 35 minutes from the closest metro station, whether M1 or M3. Looking forward to staying again.

The kitchen has basic equipment, fine for simple meals but not much cooking. The place is simple, nice, and clean, and it’s close to major private hospitals. A direct bus into the city center is nearby, or it takes 20 to 30 minutes by taxi.