347002 5 Location 581728 We joined a 16 day's tour to Greece and Turkey from May 27th to June 11th 2005. In total we stayed four nights at Titania Hotel at Athens in 3 different rooms because of 3 different stops. Value: I rated it 5 stars for Value because the cost of hotels was included in our travel package. We were pleasantly surprised that it was a beautiful hotel with a grand foyer where a talented pianist played wonderful music at a grand piano. The breakfast which was included, had lots of varieties and even with free coffee!! In Greece, coffee is usually an "extra". Service:1)There were two to three employees working at the same time at Reception Desk so that the line-up to check in and out would not take too long 2) The concierge was efficient with the huge number of luggage from the different groups of tourists from different tour buses. We had the option of just picking up our own luggage or ask someone to deliver them later 3) We could also leave our luggage with the Concierge if it was not time to check in yet so that we could tour the town for a few hours 4) The Concierge could arrange a taxi for us at a standard rate e.g. A taxi from hotel to PLAKA shopping area would be 5 Euros. It would cost MORE if it was priced according to the metre. One expects to pay 10 to 15 Euros for the return journey. So I walked back 5) The staff at reception was most willing to help with directions (free map), money exchange, stamps and mail and with internet access at their computer centre (10 Euros per hour's use). Rooms: We had three different experiences since we stayed at three different rooms. 1) The first room #842 would be just ONE star. It was a small room on the 4th floor where there were two twin beds, NOT beside each other but at opposite ends to each other (Feet to Feet arrangement - see Photo). They were on a raised platform and I nearly fell several times, especially at night getting out of bed. The view from the window was completely blocked by an ugly concrete wall within "touching" distance. I felt being "imprisoned". 2) On our return from 4 days' coach tour, I complained and would like another room. The receptionist kindly apologized and offered us a nice suite on the 9th floor with two bedrooms and 4 twin beds in total with lots of closet space. The view from the window was a bit better. I rate this room as 4 stars! 3) On our return from the 7 days' cruise, we were at Titania Hotel again. This time we got an average room. Location: Titania is Centrally located. There are shops, restaurants, banks and places of interests just around the corner, like the Archaelogical Museum, the National Library and the Academy of Arts. It's within walking distance to the subway station ( about 10 minutes), the Plaka shopping area (about 25 minutes or 5 Euros by taxi) and even the Acropolis!! Well I did not walk to the Acropolis because by the time I reached there, I would not be able to climb up and down over 300 steps!! Amenities: The hotel itself has a small store for souvenirs and daily necessities (with 30-off flyers at Reception).The computer centre near front foyer is very convenient but at 10 Euros per hour. High speed internet access is available in the hotel room too for a charge of 25 Euros daily, quoted by the receptionist. I don't understand why I was only charged ten Euors for one-day use. I would not argue that . In every room, there were a blow dryer, a fridge and a safe, but I missed the hot water kettle to make tea or coffee. There is NO swimming pool in this hotel. Some Tips: 1)Do NOT visit the cities during Saturdays and Sundays because everything is closed... shops, banks, offices, museums and places of interest. There is siesta time too in the afternoon when shops are closed daily for a few hours. The only place that is opened on weekends and to late late hours is the PLAKA where the bargains are. 2)Watch carefully before crossing the streets, even when there is a green light for you!! I witnessed an accident. Good Luck and Enjoy Athens! 2005-06-15T17:34:46-07:00 578813953 2005-07-01T17:00:00-07:00 0 16 179252 519252 347002 0 0.0 2005-06-15T17:00:00-07:00 Published Pleasantly Surprised 0.0 2005-09-01T08:56:28-07:00 3425 0