Every once in a while, you find that special place that meets the impossible set of criteria that makes families exceedingly happy. We found that place within the hustle of downtown Athens, but in an oasis away from the hustle.
THE AEOLIAN
Location: In the concrete ugliness (truth be told) of most of Athens’ center, historical Plaka is an alcove of charm. And within Plaka, the Aeolian’s position is unmatched. A skip across the street, the Roman Agora fills your living room windows, while bedrooms face a leafy green square with a view towards the Acropolis.
If you’re familiar with downtown Athens, you’ll know just how special this spot is. Not only for its graphic surroundings. It’s also strategically close to everything a family might need. All within a five-minute walk are: an AB supermarket, Starbucks (or Third Place if you’re serious about coffee), Ermou shopping street, Monastiraki train station and taxi stand (opposite Moustakas toy shop), and on the bit of Adrianou pedestrian street opposite the Stoa of Attalos, a line of taverns and cafes have a view of an ancient park that’s lovely for a walk. The Acropolis Museum is also a 12-minute walk away.
When you have little feet to herd around, this spot is everything.
Sleeps: Six (Three-bedrooms)
Two, generously-sized three-bedroom apartment units have double beds enveloped in crisp white linen. And two bathrooms in each apartment mean efficient family bath times. Cots are available on request.
Vibe: With herringbone parquet floors bathed in light streaming in from French windows, there’s a feeling of lightness in the open-plan space. Velvety soft mid-century style furniture lend a stylish warmth to modern interiors, while a sleek kitchen and gleaming marble toilets highlight the update to the sage-green neoclassical townhouse. Move the glass vase ornament aside and it’s spacious enough for the kids to play balloon volleyball in the living room. Need a verandah? Pick the penthouse unit.
Notable Amenities: Netflix, a washing machine (laundry pods, a drying rack and iron included), air-conditioning (critical in summer and not always a standard in Greece), and a fully-equipped kitchen for easy breakfasts, endless snacks, and quick meals. We find that it’s easier to feed kids at home, so dinner orders from efood.gr were frequent. There’s no parking lot allocation, but we don’t advise driving around town anyways.
The Service: Attentive and responsive.
Price: From about €200 per night in winter.
The Neighbourhood (within a five-minute walk):
