Kaningos 21 Hotel - Athens, Greece     

Three women stayed three nights here precruise. The hotel was just recently redone and it shows. Now, the rooms are small by US standards but our two rooms were spotless and well maintained by housekeeping. The shower was a hand-held sprayer, no shower curtain but a fixed glass half-door, and took a little getting used to, but once mastered was fine. The breakfast on the mezzanine level was terrific - a good combo of cold and hot items. The yogurt was our favorite - the consistency of sour cream, and drizzled with honey it was the most delicious thing I have had in a long time. Now be aware that the two elevators are tiny - three people with no suitcases or one or two with a bag - so plan accordingly. The location for us was perfect - less than a 10 minute walk to the National Archeological Museum and the starting point for the 5 euro #400 hop-on hop-off bus, the best deal in town. 5 minutes in the other direction to Omonia Square and the Metro, less than a euro a ride and brand new. The front desk was very accomodating with tourist information and helpful hints. After being burned by a taxi driver's inflated price, they called a cab for us when needed and made sure that the meter was on and the fare was appropriate, so we never had to worry again. We wandered all around the hotel's neighborhood, actually walked to the Central Market to see the local folks buying their fresh meat, fish, produce for the day -- and never felt unsafe. Lots of little shops, restaurants, cafes, etc. closeby. We enjoyed our stay here very much.

Kaningos 21 is a really nice hotel, it doesn't look like much from the outside but inside is really nice. The reception guy was really nice and helpful and gave us some good travelling tips to get to the major sites so don't be shy in asking for their option and advice. Busy street so traffic is noisy but it helps to keep your windows shut. Breakfast was good but food/ hot drinks more warm the hot. You have access everything you need or want if you walk around. I found a 'Spar Supermarket' 2 mins walk from the hotel. It cost ?40 to get to the hotel by Taxi from the airport and took about 40/50 mins. I would suggest you take the Metro and save money and time as we did when returning to the airport. The Metro is just outside the airport. Ask 'ticket information' how to get to Omonia station. There is one tube change from the Blue line to the Red line. It takes 20 mins and will ONLY COST YOU ?5. You save ?35. The Hotel is a 5 mins walk from Omonia station. Most of the major sites are in walking distance but if time is short either jump on the metro, 24 hour pass will cost you ?3 and you can hop on and off or use a public site seeing tour bus which will cost you ?5 for a 24 hour pass. (BUS 400 ask hotel reception for directions to the Bus Stop which is 5 mins walk) tour could take 70 mins round trip. The major sites are cheap to enter so good value for money and kids under 18 get in free for many of the attractions. All in all a very good trip.