Best Western Hotel Zinon

The Zinon Best Western is one of three Best Western properties in Athens, and the most budget-friendly of the group to boot. The lower prices come with a compromise: Though the 55-room Zinon is centrally located, near Omonia Square, the area around the hotel gets a bit seedy at night.

With its air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and helpful staff, this is a fine place for fussy travelers who want the Best Western seal of approval. Not much sets the rooms apart from other local budget-to-midrange hotels aside from the flat-panel televisions, a rarity in Athens.

Still, we quite liked the Zinon's minimalist style. We found the décor's neutral tones and the near-complete absence of ornamentation appealing. Aside from lighting fixtures, the aforementioned televisions, and the odd bit of decorative art, walls are bare. The Zinon's bathrooms are another story, however. We loved the trendy sinks. Perched on marble and chrome stands, they call to mind a much pricier category of hotel.

The lobby is a piece of plain, austere, and marbled 1980s joy. In the near future, we wouldn't be surprised to see planeloads of fashionistas enjoying this lobby for its soon-to-be-cool retro charms.

Breakfast is included.