Esse Athens

Esse Athens, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise from guests for its exceptional service, prime location, and well-designed accommodations. It stands out as a luxurious and inspired boutique hotel in the heart of Athens.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Esse Athens garners an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, with many guests rating it as "Exceptional" or "Wonderful." The general consensus highlights a truly enjoyable and memorable stay, with numerous visitors expressing their intention to return. Review scores frequently exceed 9.0 across various platforms, with staff and location often scoring 9.7 and 9.8 respectively.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Esse Athens for several outstanding features:

• Exceptional Service & Staff: The staff is frequently described as "amazing," "very helpful," "friendly," "gracious," and "sincere," often going above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay.
• Prime Location: Its central position in Plaka, between the Acropolis and the Metropolitan Cathedral, is a major draw. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of major attractions like the Acropolis, Monastiraki Square, Ermou Street, and Syntagma Square.
• Stylish Design & Modern Facilities: The property is new, well-designed, and modern, offering clean and comfortable facilities with free WiFi.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Esse Athens are consistently described as nice, clean, newly renovated, and beautifully designed. Guests frequently comment on the comfort of the rooms and beds, though one review mentioned hard beds. Bathrooms are often highlighted as "very nice" and large, with amazing showers and complimentary toiletries. Some suites feature private decks with jacuzzis and stunning clear views of the Acropolis, while others offer city or street views. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, work desks, and coffee/tea makers. Blackout curtains are also noted for providing excellent rest.

4. Dining Experience

A "highly-rated breakfast" is included with stays at Esse Athens, often scoring 9.4 in guest reviews. It is typically served next door in a space described by some as feeling like "a little restaurant" or "Church Park". While generally considered "excellent" and "delicious" with good options, some guests have described it as "very good" but "not superb," mentioning it might not always be made-to-order and could feel a bit temporary. Buffet and à la carte options are available. The staff is willing to provide packaged breakfast for early departures.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Esse Athens consistently receives stellar reviews, with staff often scoring 9.7. Guests commend the team for being friendly, helpful, welcoming, dedicated, and going "above and beyond" to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Specific mentions of staff members like Mrs. Fay at the reception highlight personalized and exceptional hospitality.

6. Location & Accessibility

Esse Athens boasts a "perfect" and "incredible" central location in the Plaka district, offering easy access to Athens' most significant landmarks. It is situated 1,650 feet (approximately 550 yards) from the city center.

• Nearby Attractions: The Acropolis is a mere 5-minute walk away, Ermou Street (shopping area) is also a 5-minute walk, and Monastiraki Square is about 500 meters (1640 feet) or a 6-minute walk. Syntagma Square is within a 10-minute walk, and the Parthenon is a 14-minute walk.
• Transportation: Monastiraki Station is a 6-minute walk, and Akropoli Station is an 8-minute walk, providing easy access to public transport.
• Airport: Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is approximately 32 km (20 miles) from the hotel.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific pricing varies by dates and hotel policy, a 1-night stay for two adults was recently found starting from approximately $126.21, excluding taxes and fees. Guests generally find the hotel to offer "good value" for its services and location, with a "value for money" score of 9.0. The inclusion of free WiFi and a complimentary full breakfast adds to the perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor recurring issues have been noted by guests:

• Breakfast Area: Some guests found the breakfast area "not superb" or described it as a "bit temporary looking 'restaurant' space next door."
• Bed Hardness: One guest mentioned the beds were "very hard."
• Construction Noise: Occasionally, guests reported noise due to ongoing construction next to the hotel.
• Room Views/Outdoor Space: While many rooms offer stunning views, some rooms might have a view onto a "white wall" or lack an outside area to sit.
• Parking: The hotel does not offer parking.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. esseathens.com
3. booking.com
4. expedia.com
5. booking.com
6. hotels.com
7. esseathens.com
8. booking.com