We found a non-cancellation "hot deal" for 65 Euro's per night on the Internet for this Novotel Athens, and couldn't let this offer go. People frequently complain that Novotels are identical around the globe and therefore lack the local atmosphere, but to be frank, we weren't looking for a cosy typically Greek hotel, with probably a lot of atmosphere but possibly a lot of discomfort as well. The rooms had airconditioning, the double windows kept the traffic noise outside, and the swimming pool and sun terrace at the top will probably be very pleasant in the summer. All sights, shops and interesting districts were easily reached by metro; a week-card for all public transportation only costs 10 euros.

However, the hotel information indicates Omonia square as the metro station to take, but the stop at Larissa Station was closer (7 minutes) and moreover much more convenient when walking with luggage; only one busy street to cross and just one corner to take, instead of the many busy crossings and corners when coming from Omonia. Twice per hour, the Larissa station connects to the airport by train in circa 40 minutes.

A sign at the reception desk indicated that the hotel was being refurbished, which might cause some noise. The construction sounds from the top floors were however not annoying at all. However, refurbishment of the rooms was quit welcome, as the furniture and bathroom were not as neat as in rooms in some other Novotels. The renovations would be ready by March/April 2007.

More annoying than the construction sounds were the school kids, who used their hotel rooms as both playground and disco. Furtunately, the accompanying teachers (or the hotel management?) once in a while intervened.

The extensive breakfast buffet is "American style", with scrambled eggs, bacon, etc. When checking in, the reception offered a huge discount at the high breakfast prices; 9 euro instead of 15 if you pay in advance. We didn't use the restaurant for dinner, as in a vacation, we definitely preferred the local atmosphere and local food in the inner city, instead of the probably decent but standard filet mignon and steak in the hotel restaurant.

To summarise, it was just a decent hotel with a comfortable room and great breakfast, not in a tourist district but with easy access to the sights. Next time when we are in Athens, we would take the same hotel, also without a "hot deal".