Syntagma Square is the main square at the heart of the Greek capital. From here you can explore the sights, shopping and leisure attractions of ancient Athens. The area itself has an interesting history. The Greek Parliament sits at the top of the square and it has often been the focal point for political demonstrations. A range of hotels in or near the square provide a central location for business or leisure travelers.
Located on Syntagma Square itself, the King George II Palace was a haunt of celebrities such as Aristotle Onassis and Marilyn Monroe in the 1960s and 70s. With marble bathrooms and hand-crafted furnishings the hotel offers upmarket accommodations. A seventh floor restaurant gives excellent views of Athens' historic landmarks and you can enjoy cocktails and sushi in the lounge bar. The hotel is located near a number of leisure facilities including a jogging track, golf club and squash and tennis courts.
The Astor Hotel is located a two minute walk from Syntagma Square and is ideally located for exploring ancient Athens. The Acropolis is less than a mile away and the Temple of Olympic Zeus is also nearby. The hotel is close to the traditional Plaka neighbourhood with its byzantine churches and traditional tavernas. For business travelers, the Trade Center is within walking distance. The hotel has a restaurant offering Mediterranean and international food.
The Athos is a boutique hotel located in the Plaka area, close to Syntagma Square. It has good public transport between the airport and Piraeus port. You can use the hotel as a base to explore the nearby Acropolis and its museum, the Greek Parliament and the Panathenaic Stadium, venue of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Rooms include 22-inch flat screen plasma TVs, a mini-bar and free Internet connection. The hotel's roof garden offers Acropolis views as do many of the superior rooms.
The Pan Hotel is located in Syntagma Square, close to Parliament, Zappion and the National Park. A pedestrianized shopping area surrounds the hotel and several bars and restaurants are close by. The hotel is located near many of Athens' historic churches as well as several international embassies. The hotel is next to metro and tram stations, and within walking distance of the airport express bus station. An all-year promotion offers four nights stay for the price of three, as of December, 2010.
