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This 120-year-old house right in the middle of Plaka is a favourite with artists and professors, who enjoy the quiet, historic location and the original frescoes in the entryway. Rooms are basic and clean, though most have ugly linoleum floors and only half have air conditioning – for which guests pay extra.

This is one of the best deals in town. For only a little more than most budget hotels, you get a stylish restaurant and lobby, and bright, comfortable rooms with room service, satellite TV, business amenities, and, if you ask, Acropolis views. Though not located in a tourist neighbourhood, it’s within an easy walk of most sights.

The Adrian offers rooms that are small, clean and serviceable, if somewhat sterile, in the heart of Plaka next to Hadrian’s Library. The rooms have small balconies and the roof garden has lovely views. The café-filled square below is a nice place to sit, but can get noisy at night.

Overlooking the Argolikos Gulf, this is a good base for exploring both the Peloponnese and the island of Spetses. Recently renovated, it now has spacious rooms with large beds and offers a full range of resort services and activities, including childcare.

Price and location (on Plateia Syntagma, directly across from the National Gardens) combine admirably. The rooms are comfortable, functional and, despite facing a noisy major road, surprisingly quiet.

The themed rooms sound kitschy, but most manage to work. The “Bridal” has a huge canopy bed draped with sheer white linen; the “At Sea” is decorated like a boat; while adventurous couples go for the “Conception”, with a round bed and mirrored ceiling. When not enjoying their rooms, guests can stroll in the pleasant garden.

The priciest of the budget options, but the hotel offers nice wooden floors, art in every room and a short walk to the Acropolis and several good restaurants. There are low monthly rates in the off season. No breakfast served.

Very exclusive seaside resort that’s popular with the Greek jet set. The complex encompasses three hotels, private beaches, leisure facilities and sea-water pools. Shuttle buses and limousines provide access to central Athens.

Well-equipped, modern and stylish, if a little lacking in character. The excellent business facilities make it popular with executives, who probably also appreciate the gym, sauna, pool and shuttle to the city centre.