The Stanley

The hotel is highly regarded for its rooftop pool, bar, and restaurant, which offer stunning views of the Acropolis and the city, creating a memorable experience for guests. Its convenient location directly next to a metro station makes it an excellent choice for sightseers and tourists looking to explore Athens easily. Couples particularly appreciate the romantic ambiance of the rooftop dining, while families find the hotel accommodating, though some note potential crowding. The hotel is also notably wheelchair accessible, providing a comfortable stay for guests with mobility needs. To maximize your visit, consider booking a room on a higher floor for enhanced views and be prepared for potential waits for elevators during peak times.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts a popular rooftop pool that provides breathtaking city views, though some guests found the water to be cold despite being advertised as heated, and it can become quite crowded, especially with large groups. A well-equipped fitness center and a sauna are available for guest use, contributing to a relaxing stay. While the Wi-Fi is generally reliable, the elevators are a frequent point of concern, often described as slow, small, and prone to being out of service, leading to significant wait times. The hotel is praised for its comprehensive wheelchair accessibility, featuring wide doors and accessible common areas throughout. Many rooms include a mini-bar often stocked with complimentary water, and some mention the convenience of ice machines.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's cleanliness, noting that rooms are spotless and well-maintained with daily housekeeping. Room size receives mixed feedback; some find them spacious and adequate, particularly suites or family rooms, while others describe standard rooms as small or cramped. The beds are generally reported as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, bathrooms are a common point of contention, frequently described as very small, tiny, or cramped, with narrow showers that can be difficult to maneuver in. Some guests experienced issues with poor toilet function or minor leaks. Noise levels are a significant concern for many, with complaints about poor soundproofing allowing noise from corridors, adjacent rooms, and street traffic to permeate. Air conditioning functionality is mixed, with some rooms being uncomfortably warm due to seasonal controls.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience is a highlight for many, served in the rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the Acropolis. Most guests praise the plentiful and varied selection of hot and cold options, though some found the food quality to be average or cold. However, the breakfast area can become very busy and crowded, leading to long queues for coffee machines and occasional shortages of popular items. The rooftop restaurant, known as Sweet Basil or Cloud 9, receives widespread acclaim for its delicious food, exceptional service, and pleasant atmosphere, especially during sunset. The bar on the rooftop offers good cocktails, but some guests noted that prices are on the higher side and service can be slow.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage, situated directly next to the Metaxourgeio metro station, providing easy access to popular attractions like Syntagma Square and the Acropolis within minutes. A hop-on/hop-off bus stop is also conveniently located right outside. While the hotel itself is well-connected, the immediate surrounding area is frequently described as run-down, dirty, and somewhat sketchy, with visible signs of poverty, which made some guests feel uncomfortable walking around, particularly at night. Despite this, many guests found the area acceptable during the day. Parking is available, often through valet service. A popular 24-hour bakery is located very close by, offering convenient food options.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight their attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient, though some experienced delays during peak times. Housekeeping is commended for its efficiency and for maintaining clean rooms daily. Staff in the rooftop restaurant and bar are particularly noted for their exceptional service and welcoming demeanor. Overall, the staff's commitment to providing excellent service is a recurring theme in guest reviews, contributing significantly to a positive experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel frequently hosts large tour groups and cruise ship guests, which can lead to crowding in common areas, particularly the pool and breakfast facilities. There have been reports of ongoing construction or renovation works within the hotel, which some guests found to be noisy and disruptive, especially in the mornings. This construction has also contributed to issues with elevator availability, with some being out of service, exacerbating the problem of slow and small lifts. Some guests noted a city tax or destination fee payable upon check-in. Complimentary items such as bottled water are often provided in rooms.