Noble Suites, Athens

Pros

• The hotel is extremely close to the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus Roman theater.
• The accommodating and hospitable staff is available 24/7.
• The top-floor suite features a massive balcony and direct views of the Acropolis.
• Despite its central location, the surrounding neighborhood of Koukaki is very peaceful and quiet: it's a residential area, not one filled with bars and clubs.

Cons

• This is more of an upscale guest house than a traditional hotel, which could be a downside for some.
• Due to the layout of the Noble Suites' historic building, there aren't common areas like a restaurant or bar. 

Authenticity

If the Acropolis is the image that comes to mind when you think of Greece, then you don't get much more authentically Greek than the Noble Suites, which is about a two-minute walk from the Acropolis. The neoclassical-style hotel is situated in an old family home built in 1901. Marble details, intricate Turkish and Persian rugs, patterned hardwood and marble floors, spacious rooms, and Acropolis views make you feel like royalty—or, more accurately, a (Greek) god or goddess. 

Location

The Noble Suites is a block from the Areopagitou, the pedestrian path that circles the Acropolis. The Areopagitou begins in Plaka just before the Acropolis Museum and winds halfway around the Acropolis before ending in Monastiraki. More specifically, the hotel is located directly below the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a second-century Roman amphitheater under the Acropolis, where you can watch concerts and performances during the summer as part of the Epidaurus Festival.

For those looking to take public transportation, the Noble Suites is just over five minutes on foot to the Acropolis metro station, 10 minutes to the Syggrou-Fix metro, and a little over 15 minutes to Syntagma Square and its metro. If you'd rather explore on foot, sites like the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Library, and the Roman Agora are all accessible in under 15 minutes.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Guest rooms are stately with hardwood floors and beautiful crown molding details. Some of the rooms feature private balconies, while others, like the Junior Suite, do not, as it's on the semi-ground level. Guests in that room and others without balconies can use the garden to take their coffee or relax outside. The Signature Suite with Acropolis view offers the biggest balcony option at 500 square feet (50 sq m), from which you can peacefully gaze at the Acropolis as much or as little as you'd like. Family room options are available in the form of connecting rooms or larger spaces that can sleep more people. Bathrooms include standing showers, while some rooms, like the Signature Suite, also include a bathtub. Marianna, the manager of the Noble Suites, describes it as a "small Grande Bretagne," which is one of Athens' most famous 5-star hotels. In fact, the rooms at the Noble Suites do feel like they could belong to a luxury hotel thanks to high ceilings, plush furniture, and the occasional fireplace.

Amenities

Amenities The hotel doesn't have amenities like a restaurant, bar, pool, spa, or fitness center. But the common garden area is a great place to relax and enjoy breakfast or a cup of coffee. There's a piano in the marble-lined entryway; guests are invited to play.

Family-Friendliness

Noble Athens is relatively family-friendly. Children 12 and under stay for free, while those over the age of 12 are charged as adults. The Friends and Family Room can fit up to six individuals. The hotel is stroller-accessible.

Other Highlights

The Noble Suites is more like a fancy house than a traditional hotel, as there aren't common spaces other than the garden next to the reception. That's part of its charm, though, as you feel like you're in a beautiful home. Breakfast is delivered to rooms every day, featuring fresh pastries, hot coffee, fruit, and more. Welcome drinks are also served on arrival, and there's 24-hour room service.