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Greek hotel prices vary according to the hotel rating and are overseen by the government. The hotel rating system can be misleading as there are six classifications, starting with L (Luxury) and then going in alphabetical order from A to E, but the ratings don't necessarily reflect comfort or cleanliness but rather what amenities are available. For example many tourists don’t mind a communal bathroom if the room costs much less, so will be content with B, C or even D-rated hotels. Backpackers, students, and the like will be content with D or even E-rated accommodation.

Time of year, location, and the quality of the establishment all effect prices. If you’re planning a long stay, or if you’re in the low season, you can try bargaining for a better rate. While cheaper than other European capitals hotels in Athens are not cheap and there is less fluctuation between high and low season rates than in tourist areas such as on the islands. Bed and breakfast accommodation is also available in Greece, although it isn’t usually budget accommodation, for this aim for a hostel.

Note that although connected to Athens, Piraeus (the main port) is considered a separate city so many Athens hotel listings will not list lodging options in Piraeus. If you need somewhere to stay in Piraeus consider the friendly, conveniently-located and inexpensive Hotel Ionion.

Here are some recommended hotels, hotel listings and databases. The databases usually display past guests’ opinions on the hotels too.

• Hotel Plaka – reasonably priced boutique hotel
• Hotel Kouros, Kodrou 11, Plaka neighbourhood; small charming hotel, all rooms have balconies, tel.: 210 323 8461
• Adams Hotel – very comfortable, well situated and reasonably-priced
• The Acropolis View Hotel (recently renovated)
• Hotel Austria - centrally-located, caters for German and English-speaking guests, online booking facility
• Hotel Cecil - Well located in the Monastiraki area (within walking distance of the Acropolis, shops and restaurants
• http://www.venere.com
• http://www.holiday-in-athens.com/
• http://www.booking.com/city/gr/athens.en.html
• http://www.hotels.co.uk/
• http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/

The Plaka neighbourhood of Athens has many youth hostels. There’s also a camp site in Varkiza. The Acropolis House Pension, located at Koudrou 6-8, is also a good choice if you’re operating on a tight budget; tel.: 210 322 2344, Fax 210 323 3143.

Here are some useful websites listing hostel and budget accommodation:

• http://www.hostelworld.com/hostels/Athens
• http://www.hostels.com/gr
• http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/greece/athens/
• http://www.hostelathens.com/
• http://www.europeanhostels.com/hostels/greece/athens/