NLH Monastiraki, Athens

Pros

• The NLH Monastiraki is in a central location with views of the Acropolis and other monuments—they're also within walking distance.
• The historical building captures the old European charm with details rendered in iron, marble, and ancient stone.
• All the rooms are unique, as they follow the restored building's quirks and original plans.
• The rooftop, with a direct view of the Acropolis, is open all day to guests/

Cons

• The hotel's location means some noise issues, although the building's old windows have been replaced.
• There's no restaurant or kitchen available for hotel guests.
• The in-room decor is somewhat neutral/generic.
• The hotel doesn't have a pool or spa.

Authenticity

The NLH Monastiraki is located in an 1833 neoclassical building once home to a tailor and fabric company. The history of this building has been retained, as seen in its exposed stone walls and flourishes of marble and iron. No two rooms are alike in the NLH Monastiraki, which follows the original layout of the building rather than trying to transform it into something else. All of this makes the NLH Monastiraki feel organic and authentic: it's a place that marries old-world charm and history with modern comfort.

Location

You can't get much more central than the NLH Monastiraki. Located on Athinas Street just a few blocks before it ends at Monastiraki Square, this hotel is a 15-minute walk to the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, and Syntagma Square. Join the hustle and bustle of locals and tourists as soon as you walk out the front door. Get to the winding streets of Plaka within 10 minutes, or in the same amount of time, you can grab the metro at Monastiraki Station to head to your destination. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

This boutique hotel holds 36 rooms, which fall into 12 different categories such as cozy (which refers to the lack of view, not the size), standard double, suites, and even two-story lofts. The rooms are clean and simple in a non-descript modern hotel style, making them feel like they could be anywhere. However, some feature interesting details, such as exposed ancient stone walls that situate them more squarely in Greece. The family loft suite, premium suite, and grand loft suite are all appropriate for families and can sleep up to five people. The premium suite is an excellent option for those with limited mobility, as these rooms have been outfitted to accommodate those in wheelchairs. No room in the NLH Monastiraki is the same, and the variety of room types here means that there's something for everyone.

Amenities

The rooftop bar is open to guests and the public all day and offers an unobstructed, direct view of the Acropolis. Laptops and iPads are available on loan from the front desk. Each room features a pillow menu. The hotel has a small fitness center, and some rooms are outfitted for travelers with limited mobility.

Family-Friendliness

NLH Monastiraki isn't particularly family-friendly, though children under 12 stay for free. Cribs, highchairs, and rollaway beds are all available on request. The Family Loft Suite is ideal for those with children and can accommodate up to 4 people.

Other Highlights

A buffet breakfast is served in the hotel's lobby with fresh pastries, local cheese, cold cuts, fruit, yogurt, and various cereals. A seasonal rooftop bar, Neighbor's Upstairs, offers cocktails, plenty of seating, and exemplary views. The Lobby Bar, done up in muted tones, is located on the first floor and also serves coffee and cocktails with a nearby touchscreen vending machine for snacks.