The Acropolis shapes many first visits to Athens, but choosing a hotel also determines how each day begins and ends. Plaka lies below the hill, among historic lanes, tavernas and routes towards the Ancient Agora; Syntagma offers metro connections and the central square. Farther north, the Larissa station area is practical for rail arrivals or onward train travel. For travellers combining the Acropolis with the old centre, Central Hotel and Candia Hotel offer two bases with different priorities: walking from Plaka or relying on public transport.
Central Hotel Athens is at Apollonos 21 and makes it easy to walk towards Syntagma, Monastiraki and the Acropolis entrance. Its Thea Terrace rooftop bar and restaurant look out towards the monument; reviews highlight the view and location, although some guests describe compact rooms. Candia Hotel, at Theodorou Diligianni 40, is beside Larissa station and the metro, with a restaurant, breakfast and rooftop pool. Its address is less immediate for walking around Plaka, and reviews for this property are mixed on bathrooms and maintenance, alongside positive comments about breakfast and the pool.
The choice depends on your itinerary. If you have one night and want to walk between lanes and monuments without relying on timetables, Central reduces travel and puts tavernas nearby. If you arrive or depart by train, have luggage or want a pool for downtime, Candia may offset its distance from the old centre with transport access. Google Hotels separates each property’s star category from guest ratings: classification helps identify the type of accommodation, but it does not replace recent comments about room condition.
Plan for the hills: walking up to the Acropolis takes effort, and summer heat makes an early visit and a break on the way back more comfortable. Central is on Plaka’s pedestrian shopping streets; ask the hotel where a taxi can reach the entrance if you have bags. Candia lists a breakfast buffet from 06:30 and is better connected to the metro, although it is sensible to ask about the room type and bathroom condition before booking. For both properties, check rooftop and pool availability for your dates.
For exploring Athens on foot, Central’s Plaka address is the more direct choice; for combining the city with rail travel and having a pool, Candia follows a different logic. Do not compare hotels by category alone: look at recent reviews, the exact location and the route you will take each day. In a city of hills and open-air monuments, walking time matters as much as hotel facilities.
Central Hotel suits walks from Plaka; Candia connects more directly to Larissa and the metro. Compare recent reviews, not only categories.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Central Hotel is at Apollonos 21 in Plaka, the neighbourhood of lanes, shops and tavernas spreading beneath the Acropolis. Syntagma Square is a short walk away, and the archaeological site can be reached on foot through the old centre. The hotel combines city rooms with Thea Terrace, a rooftop bar a
Guest and family rooms, breakfast and an Acropolis-view terrace
Candia Hotel Athens
Theodorou Diligianni 40, 104 38 Athens, Greece
Candia Hotel is at Theodorou Diligianni 40, beside the Larissa station area and close to a metro stop. It is not in Plaka or at the Acropolis gate; its advantage is transport access and a rooftop pool and bar overlooking Athens’ rooftops. The hotel says it renovated its facilities in 2018 and offers
Rooftop pool, breakfast buffet, restaurant and nearby metro access
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of Central Hotel Athens ↗
Primary source
Central Hotel Athens · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Central Hotel Athens ↗
Primary source
Central Hotel Athens · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Candia Hotel Athens ↗
Primary source
Candia Hotel Athens · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Candia Hotel Athens ↗
Primary source
Candia Hotel Athens · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Hellenic Heritage · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Central Hotel Athens · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Candia Hotel Athens · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Valoración y reseñas de Central Hotel Athens ↗
Secondary source
Google Hotels · Accessed October 11, 2026
La ficha de Apollonos 21 muestra 3 estrellas y 4.4/5 en 1,824 reseñas; opiniones hablan de ubicación, vistas, habitaciones y ruido. Consultada el 11/10/2026.
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Valoración y comentarios de Candia Hotel Athens ↗
Secondary source
Google Hotels · Accessed October 11, 2026
La ficha de Theodorou Diligianni 40 identifica cuatro estrellas y muestra 3.6/5 en 1,928 reseñas; comentarios incluyen desayuno y piscina, además de observaciones sobre baños y habitaciones. Consultada el 11/10/2026.