Phaedra Hotel

Nestled in a relatively quiet corner of Plaka on a street that does not even appear on most maps (just walk up Adrianou Street until you reach Agia Ekaterini church and you will find it), the one-starPhaedra Hotel offers the charm of by-gone days in its 21 rooms.

The Phaedra’s bedrooms are comfortable, clean, and adequately preserved with an open feel boosted by abundant natural light. All are equipped with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Ask for a room with a balcony to enjoy terrific people-watching and a piece of Athens life in which most Athenians take pleasure: sitting, observing, and visiting.

The bathrooms—some of which are en suite and others of which are out of the room but still private—follow suit and offer the bare basics, but in a fashion that does not leave us with a sense of lacking.

While the Phaedra doesn't have some of the modern amenities that most budget hotels in Athens now proffer (as in, Wi-Fi is free but spotty), its reasonable rates, superb location, and compassionate staff are its big selling points.