Athens
Aígina (Aegina)
Ákra Soúnio (Cape Sounion)
Delfoí (Delphi)
Kórinthos (Corinth)
Marathónas (Marathon)
Mikínes (Mycenae)
Náfplio
Peiraías (Piraeus)
Póros
Rafína
Spétses
ýdra (Hydra)
Solo Travellers Room rates in Athens are normally given per room, not per person. If you are travelling alone you may be asked to pay about three-quarters of the room rate for single occupancy, but this is at the discretion of the hotel and depends on availability and how busy they are.
Meet the Author! You might bump into the author of this book if you stay at the Attalos Hotel, just up from Monastiráki Square. It's my favourite place to stay in Athens, combining inexpensive, clean rooms with friendliness and convenience. Any comments about the guidebook - or the hotel - will be gratefully received. Preferably in the rooftop bar.
Not-So-Grande Bretagne When the Grande Bretagne Hotel was built in the late 19th century, it was called the 'Petit Palais' as the Greek royal family used it to house their guests when the Royal Palace was full. It did have one disadvantage, however - there was only one bathroom, in the basement. Today it is acknowledged as one of Europe's great hotels.
Room Rate Each bedroom in a Greek hotel must display a notice giving the room rate for the various periods of the year, which is approved by the Tourist Police. If you're paying less, it may be because business is slow, but if you're paying more than the notice says, you might want to query it. One possible explanation is breakfast: sometimes this is an optional extra, sometime a compulsory extra, and sometimes included in the price.
Haggling Haggling is part of Athenian life in the tourist areas, though not quite as much as in, say, the Middle East. In the Pláka you would be crazy (and the Greeks would think you so) to pay the first price you're quoted for anything, even the 'Special price today for you my friend'. Offer half, and be prepared to meet in the middle. Don't feel guilty - remember, the shopkeeper will never lose out on a deal.
It is common practice in Greece to ask to inspect a room before confirming a booking, so don't be afraid to ask. Smart receptions can mask down-at-heel rooms but, equally, a very ordinary lobby and reception area can lead to a perfectly pleasant establishment. Hotel frontages in Athens can be tiny, almost invisible, so don't always rely on first impressions.
| COUNTRY |
| Greece (Mainland) |
| REGION |
| CITIES |
| Athens
|
| Viewing |
| Top Ten |
| What To See |
| Where To ... |
| Eat & Drink |
| Stay |
| Shop |
| Take The Kids |
| Be Entertained |
| What's On When |
| Practical Matters |
| MAPS |
| World |
| Europe |
| TRAVEL BOOK |
 |