The lobby at the Athens Gate Hotel has a welcoming, contemporary feel with a sunken living room and small glass fireplace built into the wall. There are hardwood floors, soft gray sofas, and tables with guidebooks. The relaxing vibe continues in the seventh floor rooftop restaurant, where guests can dine outside or inside. The helpful staff creates a warm, friendly atmosphere.

The neighborhood of Plaka is dedicated to ancient and awe-inspiring Greek history, including the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Andrianos Gate, and National Garden -- but it's also very much a part of modern day Athens, so expect an unusual mix of bustling city streets and quiet, sacred sites. Athens Gate Hotel is within walking distance to the Acropolis Museum and directly next door to Avis and Hertz car rental offices. There are almost endless restaurants and souvenir shops within walking distance of the hotel.

A total of 99 rooms are located on the first six stories of this seven-floor hotel. Book a room on the Acropolis side of the hotel for amazing views and a quiet vibe. Past guests have complained about the noise from rooms overlooking Syngrou Avenue, and of course, the views don't compare. Renovations in 2007 brought hardwood floors, beige wallpaper, and dark wood furnishings for a contemporary feel. Black and white photographs of ancient Greek sites and flat-screen TVs hang on the walls. Queen-size beds really consist of two twin beds pushed together. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained with glass showers. Some have tall windows looking into the bedrooms from the showers (yes, there are blinds).

Free buffet style breakfast is served each morning in the rooftop restaurant, complete with uninterrupted views of Athens and the Acropolis. Lunch and dinner are available in the same restaurant a la carte. There's a small lobby bar for cocktails, but it seems unnecessary as the bar and views in the restaurant upstairs are far superior. Two desktop computers and a printer for guests to use are located in the lobby. Wi-Fi is free in public areas, but not in the guest rooms.