Zeus Essence Ramada by Wyndham Athens Hotel

The free upgrade to a sea-view room at check-in was a lovely surprise. We found the hotel quiet and cozy, and the bed and mattress were comfortable. It sits right on the Aegean shore in Mati, about 20 minutes from the airport and 45 minutes from Athens, a peaceful setting if that's what you're after. The grounds are very well kept, the staff are friendly, and breakfast has plenty of food and drinks, including omelettes you can make yourself. Our room was very clean. Some of the wooden furniture is worn, which makes sense for an older hotel, but it didn't bother us or make the room uncomfortable. We didn't have time to try the spa or pools.

The view is lovely, but the facilities were disappointing. In the room, a hot shower wasn't something you could count on. The restaurant buffet felt expensive for what was on offer, and the dishes weren't labeled, so it was hard to tell what you were choosing. Check the outdoor pool hours carefully or you might miss your chance to use it. The indoor pool may or may not be open, and costs €25 per person per day, a charge I couldn't find mentioned elsewhere.