The Stanley

This hotel appeals to all types of travelers for its convenient location and comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Those in need of a quiet environment should be sure to request one of the 2017-updated, soundproofed rooms as it is a busy area, even at night. The tall white building with rows of windowed balconies fits perfectly in an area full of office buildings and other hotels. But at night, the building glows with colored lights on each balcony, setting it apart from the crowd. The street out front is busy, and while upper-floor rooms have a nice view of the city, those on lower floors look out on a tired city street. Though guests feel comfortable inside the hotel, the surrounding area is not a great spot to walk at night. A standout here is a roof terrace with a pool, ample restaurant seating, and panoramic views of the city.

Stanley Hotel is conveniently located in the center of Athens, Greece. All the conveniences of the city are nearby -- good restaurants, shops, and a metro station right next door. It is a 14-minute walk to the Athens Central Fish and Meat Market, a large indoor market with fresh food and restaurants. The location is convenient to many sites, especially as it's a nine-minute metro ride to Syntagma Square, from which the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Zeus, and the National Gardens are within a seven-minute walk. Athens International Airport is a 35-minute drive from the hotel, or a 75-minute ride on the metro.

Many room options are available, from standard, two-person rooms with a double bed, to two-bedroom suites with a king-size master and a second bedroom, each with a separate bathroom. In between, Family Rooms suit four people, and junior suites are spacious rooms for two with a large whirlpool bathtub. In peak tourist season, guests in Superior Rooms and suites have access to an exclusive lounge that provides its own breakfast buffet.
Some rooms were updated in 2017 with a lovely modern look, mostly in cool gray tones. The design and furniture choices are basic, but appealing for the price. All rooms have balconies -- some with a nice view of the city -- but they aren't furnished. All rooms have a 32-inch flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, safe, and iron. Upgraded rooms have higher-quality furnishings and linens, a few free drinks in the fridge, larger TVs, kettles with free tea and coffee, and robes and slippers. Some are soundproofed to keep out the city noise. Rooms that have not been renovated are dated, but still clean and adequate. Bathrooms were not included in the renovation, and show their age with dated color schemes and minor wear and tear. Most rooms have bathtubs with handheld showerheads. Hairdryers are provided and free toiletries include soap, shampoo, and shower gel.

The highlight of this hotel is the rooftop garden with its panoramic view of the city, including a peek at the Acropolis on a distant mountaintop. A small pool is open seasonally and has plenty of free loungers. The restaurant also serves drinks from the bar for poolside refreshment. The space is pleasant and well-tended, but in need of a refresh, which is planning to happen in 2018.
Two restaurants offer a choice in dining, plus there’s a tasty free breakfast buffet with a nice variety of choices. Ikaros Restaurant is a casual spot serving buffet-style Greek and Mediterranean dishes. Virtus is on the ninth-floor garden terrace and offers Mediterranean and international dishes, with some ingredients coming straight from the hotel’s organic garden.
A fitness center has a few machines for cardio and weight training, plus a sauna and space for massages. Two conference rooms and a business center are on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout the building, with varying reports as to signal strength.