Review: Arethusa Hotel, Athens — My Go-To Stay by Syntagma Square
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I think I’ve stayed at the Arethusa Hotel in Athens at least four times now, which probably says everything you need to know about how reliable it is.
Whenever I’m spending a night in the city—either before an island trip or after flying back into Athens—this is the hotel I end up booking without even thinking about it.
First Impressions: Learning Athens Through Arethusa
The first time I stayed here, I was still learning the layout of Athens. As many times as I had been to Greece, I had hardly spent any time in Athens itself, so I couldn’t believe how centrally located the hotel is.
Everything you might want to see or do in the city—shopping, cafes, historic neighborhoods—is basically at your doorstep.
Getting There: Easy Access by Bus, Metro, or Taxi
It’s pretty easy to get to the hotel:
- X95 bus from the airport: Get off at the Syntagma Square stop, then walk about five minutes down the hill to the hotel.
- Metro: Exit at Syntagma Station and walk less than five minutes to the hotel.
- Taxi: The most expensive option, but the most direct and easiest, especially if you’re carrying lots of luggage.
No matter how you arrive, getting to Arethusa is simple and stress-free.
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The Neighborhood: Safe, Convenient, and Vibrant
The area around the hotel feels very safe—at night, early in the morning, and obviously during the day.
Honestly, I feel safe pretty much anywhere in Greece; I definitely feel more comfortable walking around by myself here than in the U.S., which makes visiting Greece feel wonderfully free.
The hotel sits on Metropolis Street, which has tons of cafes, restaurants, and shopping options. It essentially leads right into Monastiraki, and Plaka starts just across the street.
Staying here means you’re basically already immersed in the heart of Athens.
Rooms: Comfortable and Functional
The rooms aren’t luxurious, but they have everything you need. They seem to be modernized regularly and well-maintained.
Each room comes with:
- A/C unit
- Good water pressure in the shower
- Most rooms include slippers and a robe
The bathroom is on the smaller side but functional, and the Wi-Fi is excellent.
Views vary depending on the room—some might even include a glimpse of the Acropolis, though I haven’t stayed in one of those rooms (or any with a balcony). The appeal here isn’t the view; it’s the location and solid three-star facilities.
Breakfast: Simple but Satisfying
Breakfast is included with most room bookings.
The buffet is basic: cereal, hard-boiled eggs, toast, pastries, coffee, juice, and yogurt. The breakfast hall is spacious with big windows, and I’ve never had trouble finding a seat.
It’s nothing fancy, but a nice bonus if you don’t need an elaborate breakfast.
Who This Hotel Is Best For
Arethusa Hotel works well for:
- First-time travelers
- Solo travelers
- People who aren’t on a super tight budget, but aren’t seeking luxury
It’s reliable, convenient, and exactly what you need for a short stay in Athens.
Cons
- Elevator is small
- Rooms are not luxurious
- Some rooms are on the smaller side
- Street noise if you open windows
Why I Keep Returning
- Predictability
- Friendly staff
- Clean and comfortable
- Practical for Athens layovers
Tips for Staying at Arethusa
- Request a higher floor for quieter nights
- Bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to traffic noise (true for all of Syntagma)
- Check availability early—rooms often book fast
Final Thoughts
If you want a clean, comfortable, and centrally located hotel in Athens that makes navigating the city effortless, Arethusa is hard to beat.
It’s not super fancy, but it delivers exactly what it promises—which is why I keep coming back.
