While the Phaedra doesn't have some of the modern amenities that most budget hotels in Athens now proffer, its reasonable rates, superb location, and compassionate staff are its big selling points.

The cash-only Hotel Adonis is situated on one of the quietest pedestrian streets in Plaka, one of Athens' oldest and quaintest neighborhoods.

Art Gallery Hotel is a great option for travelers seeking a quiet place just off the tourist path.

Tempi Hotel's affordable rates, bare-bones rooms, and friendly staff combine to make it both a great deal and a welcoming budget guesthouse.

Cecil Hotel, one of our fave Athens hotels, maintains a charming, friendly Old World feel.

Hotel Kimon's comfortable, even stylish rooms are some of the most affordable in heavily touristed Plaka.

The Achilleas's 36 comfortable rooms are more business class than basic. Beds are comfortable, though there are no stylistic thrills here.

Metropolis's extremely clean rooms have beige walls, run-of-the-mill beds, wardrobes, bedspreads, and desks, all of which serve their utilitarian purposes without bothering themselves with style.

This family-run hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Plaka, the oldest and most charming of Athens' neighborhoods.

Hotel Arion, which opened in time for the 2004 Olympics, perfectly expresses the affordable Athenian boutique hotel impulse.

The Orion vibe is very relaxed. If you're a European university kid in Athens for a few nights, this is a great place to crash.

The Student and Travellers Inn's bright rooms are clean and comfortable, decked out in vibrant yellow and blue.

Hotel Attalos is a good tourist value. A relaxed throwback to the 1970s, it's less shiny than it is dependable.

We appreciated the Carolina's old-fashioned cage elevator, reminiscent of the late 19th century. And loved the roof terrace, which made us feel like we were on top of the world.

Hotel Arethusa has the dated, exciting atmosphere of a hotel where much intrigue went down during Athens's turbulent 1960s and 1970s.

This 93-room hotel occupies two adjacent buildings. One houses single and double rooms, and the other houses the triple rooms and junior suites.

Located down a little alleyway in the relaxed 'hood of Koukaki, Marble House provides an exceptionally quiet budget bed.

The Zinon Best Western is one of three Best Western properties in Athens, and the most budget-friendly of the group to boot.

The hotel's 50 rooms are very plain, yet there's something restrained and even elegant about these rooms, in a simple, institutional 1970s aesthetic way.