Hotel Kimon

The one-star Hotel Kimon offers some of Plaka's most affordable rooms in a quiet corner of the 'hood, to boot.

The Kimon starts things off with a frisson of grandeur. Its entrance is stately, with lots of marble. As you climb the grand staircase, you might just feel (as we did) that you're entering a fancy early 20th-century townhouse, replete with framed lithographs of ship journeys and an ornate banister.

While the Kimon’s 17 rooms do not quite live up to the entryway, they are comfortable and even a little bit stylish if compact. Modern paintings on walls provide nice splashes of color, and wrought-iron bedframes are appealing. We also liked the retro round wall mirrors, which made us feel like 1950s movie stars. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, television, and free Wi-Fi. Several rooms have modest balconies, which are good for allowing guests to enjoy the prime Plaka location. (Ask ahead.)

Kimon's size is well suited for small groups. When we visited a sizeable party of spritely French pensioners was chilling out in the small lounge area.