O&B Athens Boutique Hotel

Intimate, quietly modern hotel near the Acropolis with upscale restaurant and wonderful staff

O&B stands for 'ochre and brown', which is, as a colour pairing, may sound a little, well, boring. But at this smart Athens hotel they are partnered with true flair, and set off by a colourful location on the edge of the Plaka's flea market district. From a rather unassuming side-street entrance, you enter a calm, low-lit lobby dotted with striped chairs, colourful pouffes and a welcoming vase of tiger lilies at reception. To the back is the sky-lit bar/restaurant; a petite lift takes you up to the 10 rooms and single suite. Silvery-gold curtains part to views of the Observatory, and brown lacquered headboards grace the double beds.

A short stroll through funky flea markets and busy bistros and you're at the base of the Acropolis and the Parthenon; O&B’s friendly staff will be happy to guide you to other sights. Don’t be deterred by the unglam aspect of the Psiri neighbourhood – it’s safe if not spic and span. And you’re coming home to a beacon of clean and cool. Expect a glass of champagne and fresh fruit to be waiting.

Highs

• Small, stylish hotel near the must-see sights of Athens – a boutique hotel in a boho neighbourhood
• Brilliant staff - courteous, warm and friendly
• Overflowing breakfasts, fresh to order
• Compact but well-designed rooms
• Nice technical touches like wi-fi in every room and private telephone number with voicemail

Lows

• The rooms, refurbished in 2010, look a bit bland and could do with some splashes of colour
• The surrounding area is a bit run-down (but not dangerous)
• Some rooms have no view at all and look onto the street or side alley