I understand if you pay $200-ish for a "5 star" hotel room, you can't expect the Ritz, and we are all complicit in this charade, but Electra Palace was very weak for a "5-star" hotel.

Pros:
1) Price
2) Breakfast - nice range of foods, was overcrowded at times, but otherwise good.
3) Location - in a nice spot in Plaka, near Acropolis and other major sites.

Cons:
1) From the second floor, the view of the Acropolis is disappointing. You can't see the main sites, but rather the wall of the Acropolis. Also, the view is to the side, meaning you have to walk out on the balcony and turn to see it. Directly across from you is not the Acropolis, but a dry cleaner and seamstress. There are rooms that directly face the Acropolis, but I think those are the more-expensive suites. I emphasize this point, b/c I'm sure many will, like me, will think the Acropolis view is an important feature. And in fact, you have to pay more for a superior room just to get this view.

2) Room. The TV was about 25 inches, the room was small, leaked when it rained, and the 20-year old hairdryer in the bathroom was cracked and taped as a repair. Photo attached. Also, water temperature in shower fluctuated significantly mid-shower - never pleasant. This is all fine in the end, but don't call yourself 5 star hotel with this.

3) Spa area - The fitness room, indoor pool and sauna are located in a single space. The pool is positioned in the middle, so that as people get out, large amounts of water spill all over the floor. Consequently, the path to the sauna and fitness room was very slippery, and I watched myself, my wife and several others slip and nearly fall. It was almost like candid camera. The hotel employee in the room also watched, and did nothing. The shower areas were moldy.

4) Wireless internet in the room for a 10 euro/day fee. Free wireless in the lobby. Just not 5-star quality.

This hotel is an average 4-star place. It's not bad, but I wouldn't stay here if you want a luxury experience.

Excellent location. In the heart of Athens. Not far from everything, Acropolis, plaka, Lykabitos, Kolonaki and Ermou (shopping street). Metro-stations are just a few minutes walk away. I was very happy with the garage, because parking a car in the heart of Athens is not so easy. The roofgarden restaurant is a nice place to have dinner. Breakfast was very good.

Perfect location with an amazing view of the Acropolis. Easy walk to all the sights, great restaurants, shopping, public transportation. Staff offer excellent customer service and the pool and exercise area were comfortable. Pool is a bit small but relaxing. Safe neighborhood. Would definitely stay there again.

My friend and I stayed in the Electra Palace Hotel October 2011 for a week. In the heart of Plaka district, this hotel is perfectly situated. The rooms were exceptionally nice. From our room we had a breathtaking view over the Acropolis. Breakfast was prepared with a lot of attention. The stay was truly delightful. In the course of that stay I asked the hotel to recommend me a driver in order to explore the city. To get a good driver in Athens is unfortunately a very difficult task. I was so fortunate to get George recommended to me who truly made this stay memorable. His English is impeccable and his driving exceptionally agreeable in the midst of the messy and aggressive Athenian traffic. He is of very calm nature making it very comfortable to have him around for several days of exploration. On top of all that, he is also very knowledgeable. I have been in love with Greece for 40 years now always consciously avoiding Athens because it can seem quite overwhelming. But George is a true insider who knows how to make you discover Athens from a whole new angle away from the tourist masses. I attempted to book the hotel again for October 2012 unfortunately it was full, but thankfully George was there to show me around Athens once again. He really made me feel comfortable returning to Athens any time and I would gladly take up his services again. Thank you very much for that unforgettable stay! I will certainly come back and try to book the Electra Palace very much in advance and explore more of Athens and the mainland with ‘my driver’ George.