Cecil

The two-star Cecil Hotel is another of our fave Athens hotels. Located on busy Athinas, it maintains a charming, friendly Old World feel. This mood is expressed in, among other details, the hotel's antique Otis Elevator and its red insignia-emblazoned towels.

Rather atypically, the hotel's brochure, depicting awfully dull-looking rooms, undersells itself. In actuality, the Cecil Hotel's 40 rooms are pretty great. Rich, dark hardwood floors are the norm. Toasty deep red blankets are cozy, even folksy. One headboard we saw dates back to a just-past-midcentury modernism, and even the light fixtures are well detailed. We saw another room with matching wrought-iron bed frame, desk, and mirror. Each of these pieces are notable on their own; taken together, they give the impression of a thoughtfully tended hotel. Rooms tend to be painted in subtle hues. Even the more crowded triple rooms, with single beds lined up next to each other, are full of appealing touches. All have air conditioning and televisions, and many sport great views.

Fussy prospective guests will be happy to hear that Cecil's bathrooms have all been renovated. They won't net any style prizes, but they're all spotless and fairly new. Cecil's location, not far from Monastiraki, is convenient. And the ground level bar lounge feels extremely private despite the fact that it's within earshot of the reception desk.

Breakfast is included. Free Wi-Fi is available.