Cecil Hotel

CECIL HOTEL
I stayed at the Cecil Hotel for two nights in October 2011 for personal reasons. I was travelling alone so I booked a single room. Cecil has 40 rooms and you can choose between a single, a double/twin or a triple room.

I arrived at the hotel around 9:00 pm. The concierge at the front desk welcomed me very warmly. Although I had booked a single room he offered me the opportunity to choose between three available twin rooms. I chose the one more to my liking, which was on the second floor. Also the price was negotiable and I got a discount of 5 Euros from the original 55 Euros price for every night, breakfast included. One thing I remember vividly is that the concierge was opening the elevator door for me every time I wanted to get in, which elevator by the way was very beautiful and classic. I didn’t like the fact that there was nothing to drink or eat at that hour in the hotel so I had to go outside to buy a bottle of water.

My room was clean but very simple. The television was very old and some channels didn’t have good signal. The bed was not so comfortable, but I guess for two nights was bearable. The bathroom was very small and the sink tiny. There were samples of shampoos and soap but there wasn’t a hair dryer so I couldn’t wash my hair. My view was awful and the small balcony was occupied by the air conditions’ box. There was free wireless internet and I was lucky to have a signal in my room. I would advise you to choose a room as closer to the lobby, because many people from other rooms didn’t have a signal in their rooms and had to use the computer on the first floor.

The breakfast was mediocre. It had very basic stuff and not so fresh, but the staff in the kitchen was smiling all the time, so I guess is a good thing to start your day with a smile.

In my opinion the best thing about this hotel is its location. It is a short walking distance away from Psiri and Plaka and next to the metro station of Monastiraki, which can get you almost everywhere. Also is a 15 minute walk to Acropolis and other historical monuments. Because of its central location is very close to a lot of great restaurants, tavernas and bars, so you don’t have to worry about taking a taxi.
The only negative is that “Athinas street” is very close to Omonoia, which is a very disreputable area especially by night. However inside the hotel I felt very safe, even though I was a young girl alone.

Overall, the best things about this hotel are its location and the helpful staff. Although the concierge called me twice when I had to leave the room and it was only 12:05. Anyway the hotel needs for sure a redecoration because it is very old inside but I guess for its price and location is a good choice after all, if you are looking for an affordable and decent way to enjoy your stay in Athens.