Hotel Review: My Last-Minute Stay at Hotel Metropolis in Athens
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When I needed a last-minute hotel in Athens, my two go-to spots — Arethusa and Pan Hotel — were completely booked. So I started searching for an alternative at the same price point (or cheaper).
That’s when I stumbled across a hotel with almost the exact same name as a very fancy hotel on the same street. I thought I’d lucked out and scored a deeply discounted room at the luxury one.
Spoiler: I had not. Should’ve known it was too good to be true!
I arrived at Syntagma Square and made the short walk down Metropolis Street with my luggage to Metropolis Hotel. The staff were lovely and immediately helped me with my bags. But when they went to check me in, they couldn’t find my reservation.
I pulled up my confirmation email… and realized I was at the wrong hotel. They were super kind about it and pointed me just down the road to the correct one: Hotel Metropolis. Same name — just reversed. You can see how I got confused!
I finally made it to the right hotel, and again, the staff were warm, friendly, and helpful (not shocking — Greeks are almost always kind and welcoming). The front desk was a bit cramped, but check-in was smooth.
One of the staff carried my luggage up the stairs to the elevator — an old-style Greek lift with no interior door and barely enough room for one person plus a suitcase. Pretty normal for Greece, and totally fine since I was traveling solo.
Location: Why I Always Stay Here
I chose to stay on Metropolis Street because it’s the area I almost always stay in when visiting Athens. I know my way around, it’s central, and it genuinely feels safe.
Honestly, most places in Greece feel relatively safe — especially coming from the States, where being a single solo traveler can sometimes feel risky.
Both Plaka and Monastiraki are neighborhoods I would happily recommend to other travelers. They’re lively, walkable, and full of shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Of course, like anywhere in the world, it’s important to use common sense, avoid questionable situations, and stay aware of your surroundings — but overall, this area is one of the safest and most convenient places to base yourself in Athens.
The Room: Small, Clean, and Comfortable
My room was small and plain, but definitely clean and functional.
It had a full-size bed, a desk/vanity, a bathroom, and — most importantly — a mini fridge for leftovers and cold water (essential in the Athens heat). The Wi-Fi was reliable, the A/C worked really well, and the shower had solid water pressure.
The room faced a restaurant, so there was a bit of noise, but the curtains helped block most of it, and the steady hum of the A/C drowned out the rest. I slept really well.
They also provided slippers, which was a nice touch for the marble floors.
A Quick Athens Moment
After settling in, I met up with one of my best friends who lives in Athens now — we met when we were twelve while I was living with my great Aunt on the other side of the country.
We wandered around, shopped a bit, and grabbed dinner together. It was the perfect mini reunion before leaving Greece.
Checking Out + Getting to the Airport
The next morning, I checked out early and headed to the airport. Since I was on a budget, I walked with my luggage to the nearby metro station to take the train.
Not the easiest thing on cobblestone streets, but totally doable.
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Would I Stay Here Again?
Yes — I would. It’s not my first choice, because Arethusa and Pan Hotels are a little bigger and a bit nicer, but if those are booked, I would absolutely stay at Hotel Metropolis again. And this time, I won’t mix up the hotel names (hopefully).
Overall, it’s a friendly, safe, central, budget-friendly option in the heart of Athens.
