Alice Inn Athens - hotel review

Possibly Athens' quirkiest stay, says Kate Lough
Alice Inn Athens has views over the old neighbourhood of Plaka
Kate Lough30 October 2017

Athens is starting to be seen as a city break destination in its own right,rather than just a gateway to Greece's many islands. But whether you're planning to make a weekend of it or just passing through, Alice Inn is a delightful, fuss-free micro B&B that's full of charm and feels like a home from home. And barely more expensive than a hostel.

Where is it?

Near Syntagma Square in lovely Plaka, an old, genteel part of the city that sits under the shadow of the Acropolis and yet remains free from the hordes of tourists that inevitable swarm around Athens' ancient monuments. Once you've made your way from the airport (25 minutes) or port (20 minutes), you'll be able to explore on foot whether it's the Parthenon, the bars in Monastiraki or brunch in Koukaki.

Style:

This old Plaka townhouse has been decoratd in simply - but with plenty of whimsical Alice in Wonderland-themed touches. It's the project of Greek-Irish architect John Consolas, who named the B&B after his grandmother. It was designed with love and as guests you feel this - no time is too late too arrive and John is happy to fire back any recommendations you might ask for ahead of your trip.

On the door of the quiet street where you'll find this B&B, there's a spray-painted Alice stencil, which opens to reveal a cosy sitting room,communal kitchen where a basic breakfast is laid out and a staircase leading up or down to the five different rooms. These are individually designed and peppered with finds from the Athens flea market - worth a visit, film posters and classic novels.

Quirky details reign at Alice Inn Athens

Facilities:

Being a charming micro-B&B, Alice isn't long on facilities,but you have everything you need. A living room for reading or pouring over maps, a kitchen for making a cup of tea or aperitif, a shady courtyard garden for your morning coffee or putting the world to rights in the small hours.

The kitchen table laden with fruit

Food & drink:

Breakfast is left out for guests in the morning from 8:30-11am- creamy, thick Greek yoghurt, juicy tomatoes and chunky feta, toast and jams and eggs. We ate ours in the snu-dappled courtyard to fuel up for a day of exploring.

Harry Belafone suite's roof terrace

Which room?

We stayed in the Anthony Quinn which has a double room and an extra single - with John's signature flea market finds and a framed print of Greek film Dogtooth. A breezy window looks out onto Plaka. If you have the choice, try and book the Harry Belafonte suite - it has its own roof terrace with views over the Acropolis. The Betty Boop is also lovely, with its private access to the downstairs courtyard.

Extra-curricular

Even if your plan is to hop on an early ferry out to the islands, at least try and time your flight so you have a night in Athens. We landed at 10pm, but it's a city of night owls so you won't feel like you're late to the game. Start by walking about 10 minutes to Monastiraki - you don;t need to aim for anywhere in particular as each sidestreet is overfllowing with alfresco watering hotels. Our first stop and favourite was Rum au Baba - which does an incredible rum-based negroni. The next morning we meandered up and down the narrow roads of Anafiotika - marvelling in the fact no-one else seemed to be doing the same but with views of the Parthenon up to our left and a mix of Cycladic architecture and impressive graffiti. After a few freddos - ice coffees that you'll need if it's hot - we headed to leafy Koukaki for brunch at local hotspot Bel Ray. Try and grab one of the outside spots and settle in - it's the kind of place where a langurous brunch turns easily into cockails.

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When to go:

Athens is sweltering in the summer months. So if you're really looking to get to know it, aim for March-May or September to November and you won't be desperately seeking shade at every opportunity.

The sitting room with its flea market finds 

Best for:

Couples, friends, solo travellers - anyone - except those that need aircon.

Details

Alice Inn Athens, Tsatsou 9, Athens 105 58, Greece; aliceinnathens.com

Follow Kate on Instagram @kateloughtravel

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