Acropolis House

This 19-room budget property in the heart of Plaka offers authentic Athens charm.

Pros: Old-world vibe. Private bathrooms. Breakfast included. Great Plaka location.

Cons: Simple amenities. Steep staircases and no elevator.

Review

The family-run Acropolis House is conveniently located in the center of Plaka, the oldest and most charming of Athens' neighborhoods. And if you want to feel like you are staying in Plaka in 1890, then the 19-room Acropolis House is the spot.

The century-old walls are covered in their original, fading-yet-still-colorful paint and antique-looking floral wallpaper. Depending on your disposition and sense of imagination, this either gives them the enchanting appeal of 19th-century Athens or an uncanny resemblance to staying at Grandma's house.

The beds are dark wood, and the lamps a retro brown. A vanity table with an enormous mirror may round out your room's offerings, bringing you directly to the scene of a film set at the turn of the 20th century. But rooms do have all the features modern travelers enjoy, including televisions, air conditioning and fridges in some rooms.

The en suite bathrooms, in contrast to the bedrooms, have shower curtains with little sharks and other cartoonish characters on them. They are small and functional, not places in which you will want to relax.

There is no elevator and the stairs are steep, so be prepared to climb. Greek law prevents historical landmarks being modified in any way, so the family running the hotel cannot add an elevator to the building.

Wi-Fi is available for free, and breakfast is included.