Electra Palace and Electra Palace Mitropoleos
The Electra Palace Group has three hotels in downtown Athens. Mr. Stravros is going to tell you about 2 of them only.
The Electra Palace Plaka
Similar to many other hotels in the city the hotel was renovated for the 2004 Olympic Games and converted from a really ugly 70s hotel to an oddly disproportioned neoclassical looking hotel. The good news is that viewed from the Acropolis it looks 1000X better than it did in the past. It is in a great neighborhood for exploring and their roof top pool is pretty fab. The bad news is that it has all the elements of what an old hotel should have but with 8 foot ceilings throughout.
Service
Spotty but ok. Front desk leaves a lot a lot be desired and some of the older staff desperately need to get the golden handshake. Other staff members are charming and the service at the 5th floor restaurant is extremely nice and attentive.
Rooms
Nicely appointed and large but they can just be a bit heavy. Ask for a high floor with a view of the Acropolis. The hotel has a really lovely garden as well with a newer wing that looks out over it.
Public Space
The lobby is generous in size and allows you to find a quiet spot to sneak away. The furnishings make it look a bit Las Vegas but ok we’re in Greece. Remember this was a 70s building so the ceiling is low. The garden area is particularly nice. The roof top pool and restaurant are a bit dated but offer stunning views of the Plaka neighborhood and the Acropolis.
Electra Palace Mitropoleos
The most recent major hotel newcomer to the capital. Originally built to house the Greek Ministry of Education the Electra Mitropoleos, named after the street it sits on, underwent a massive 2 year renovation and opened in 2016. One of the most charming things about this hotel is the lovely little Byzantine church of Ayia Dynamis that sits at the base of one corner of the building.
Perfect location for exploring and smack dab in the middle of Athens hottest neighborhood. Nicely appointed rooms. Their top floor restaurant/bar has one of the best views in the city. Handsome 10th floor bartender knew how to make Mr. Stavros a well shaken Cosmopolitan and that made him very happy.
Service
Everything’s better with a smile and for this reason the Electra Mitropoleos shines.
Rooms
Generous size and nicely appointed. They’ve done a nice job with the selection of furniture.
Public Space
Mr. Stavros like the lobby of this hotel. Check out the 10 story Alekos Fassianos sculpture and beautiful ground floor restaurant.
