Kefalari Suites

An elegant 3-storey corner building in the leafy Athenian suburb of Kifissia, housing 13 top-notch suites

Newsflash … visiting Athens need not be grimy, noisy and hot …

Most visitors to Athens stay one night in an uninspiring downtown hotel, tick off the Acropolis, and then get out again. But the elegant Kefalari in the leafy northern suburbs is proof that it's possible to enjoy your stay in Athens, to uncover some delightful surprises, and to end up wishing you’d stayed longer.

Until the 1950s, Kefalari used to be in the countryside: this elegant 3-storey building was the country quarters for wealthy Athenians. Now greater Athens has engulfed these suburbs, but the atmosphere is still far less grimy and far more genteel. Being near the end of the city train line means you can get into the centre - or to Piraeus - easily (and cheaply!). So day trips to the Acropolis, Kaisariani monastery, Marathon beach or Aegina island are perfectly feasible. And so, afterwards, is a cold white wine sitting in the rooftop Jacuzzi.

Highs

• The spacious rooms with their sitting areas and themed décor
• The many tavernas and boutiques in the neighbourhood
• The ease of access to airport, the city centre, Piraeus port, Rafina port and the rest of Attica
• The efficient staff

Lows

• High prices put it on a par with other European capitals
• None of the major sites are on your doorstep
• Tricky parking if you have a car
• Noise until the early hours from some suites, in spite of double glazing