Royal Olympic Hotel

The hotel is widely celebrated for its prime central location and its breathtaking rooftop restaurant and bar, which offer unparalleled views of the Acropolis. This signature feature makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and couples seeking a romantic backdrop, as well as business travelers attending conferences due to its convenient access to key attractions and facilities. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's cleanliness and the generally helpful nature of its staff. To make the most of your stay, consider enjoying a meal or drink at the rooftop venue, especially in the evening when the ancient landmarks are illuminated, and be prepared for a blend of classic charm and areas that may feel a bit dated.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. The rooftop bar and restaurant are consistently praised for their stunning views and are a major draw. The pool area is described as nice and relaxing, providing a welcome respite, though some guests note the water can be deep and the number of sunbeds is sometimes insufficient. The fitness center is available, but some find its equipment dated and its location inconvenient, requiring a separate key. While the lobby is often admired for its opulent and visually pleasing design, the elevators are frequently mentioned as small, slow, and occasionally noisy, leading to wait times. Guests also note that Wi-Fi can be inconsistent, and there is a notable absence of in-room conveniences such as coffee and tea facilities or USB charging ports.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the hotel's commitment to cleanliness, noting that rooms are typically spotless and well-maintained. However, feedback on room comfort and condition is quite varied. Many rooms are described as dated with older furniture and decor, and some guests report issues like poor lighting, mold in bathrooms, or fluctuating water temperatures in the shower. While some find the beds comfortable, a significant number of reviews mention them as being hard or consisting of two single beds pushed together, impacting sleep quality. Noise can also be a concern, with reports of street noise and sounds from the elevators or adjacent rooms. Additionally, the bathrooms are often cited for their small size, outdated fixtures, and lack of proper ventilation.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, particularly breakfast, garners mixed reviews. Most guests appreciate the breakfast being served in the rooftop restaurant, offering spectacular views of the Acropolis. The selection is generally described as extensive, with a variety of hot and cold options, including Greek specialties. However, some guests report that the hot food can be served cold, and the overall variety, particularly of fresh fruit and juices, is sometimes seen as limited. The breakfast area can also become quite chaotic and crowded, especially during peak times, with staff struggling to keep up with demand. The rooftop restaurant also serves dinner, with many guests praising the food quality as delicious and creative, though some find the menu options limited or overpriced.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as one of its strongest assets, making it exceptionally convenient for exploring Athens. Guests consistently highlight its walking distance to major historical sites such as the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, and the Temple of Zeus. The vibrant Plaka district, with its numerous restaurants, shops, and cafes, is also just a short stroll away. The hotel's proximity to public transportation, including the metro station and hop-on-hop-off bus stops, further enhances its accessibility to other parts of the city and the airport. This prime position allows guests to immerse themselves in the city's rich history and culture without the need for extensive travel.

Staff & Service
Feedback regarding the hotel's staff and service is notably mixed. Many guests commend the bellboys and housekeeping staff for their helpfulness, attentiveness, and friendly demeanor, ensuring rooms are clean and requests are met. However, the front desk staff often receives criticism for being perceived as unfriendly, dismissive, or unaccommodating, particularly during check-in or when handling specific requests like early check-ins or late check-outs. Similarly, the wait staff in the rooftop restaurant and bar can be inconsistent, with some guests praising their professionalism and attentiveness, while others report experiences of rudeness, disinterest, or slow service, especially during busy periods. Overall, while some staff members excel, the consistency of service across all departments varies.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel, despite its grand appearance, is often described as having a dated style that could benefit from a full renovation beyond cosmetic updates. The hotel frequently hosts conferences and large tour groups, which can lead to crowded common areas, particularly at breakfast, and impact the overall guest experience. Some guests have noted a lack of a designated non-smoking area by the pool, which can be an issue for non-smokers. Additionally, certain services may incur unexpected charges, such as a fee for luggage storage overnight or for a box breakfast for early departures. In-room amenities like a hotel directory or basic stationery are also often absent.