NOT Hotel

NOT Hotel, Athens: A "No Ordinary Things" Oasis in the Heart of Gazi

NOT Hotel in Athens, a distinguished Michelin One-Key property, consistently garners exceptional praise from guests, described as a unique and enchanting escape. Its name, an acronym for "No Ordinary Things," perfectly encapsulates the hotel's commitment to delivering a truly special and memorable stay, blending historical charm with modern luxury.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for NOT Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently using terms like "exceptional," "best hotel in Athens," "oasis," and "incredible stay." It boasts high scores for cleanliness (9.8), comfort (9.8), and staff (9.9) on Booking.com, reflecting a superior guest experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are particularly captivated by the hotel's unique design and ambiance, which blends a centuries-old stone building with glamorous 1920s-inspired details. The tranquil central courtyard, adorned with olive trees, flowers, and herbs, provides a serene respite from the city's hustle. The spacious and spotless rooms, along with an inviting outdoor swimming pool and an exceptional culinary program, are frequently highlighted. The outstanding staff and personalized service are also consistently noted as major strengths.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at NOT Hotel are consistently described as massive, spacious, and feeling more like small apartments than typical hotel rooms. Each is thoughtfully designed, preserving the essence of Athenian hospitality with exposed brick or stone walls, antique writing desks, patterned throw rugs, and marble bathrooms featuring walk-in showers. Comfort is paramount, with pillowtop beds, premium and hypo-allergenic bedding, minibars, and espresso makers. Many accommodations also feature separate sitting areas and are soundproofed to ensure a peaceful stay.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at NOT Hotel is a celebrated aspect of the stay. The complimentary "Athena's Breakfast" is highly praised, offering local specialties, warm dishes, fresh pastries, and options catering to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. It features the hotel's own extra virgin olive oil, homemade jams, traditional sourdough bread, and seasonal products. Reviewers have specifically lauded the moussaka as "truly outstanding" and the kayanas (eggs) prepared to perfection. The hotel's culinary program emphasizes Hellenic ingredients and authentic recipes, supporting small, organic farms. There is also a restaurant offering brunch, lunch, and dinner, and a bar where guests can enjoy cocktails, with some even mentioning having breakfast with the Parthenon in the background. The terrace, with its open fire and views of the Acropolis, offers a unique setting for dining or drinks.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at NOT Hotel receive near-perfect ratings and are consistently described as "exceptional," "wonderful," "friendly," "helpful," and going "above and beyond." Guests frequently express that the staff "could not do enough" for them, contributing significantly to the hotel's "oasis" like atmosphere and making stays unforgettable.

6. Location & Accessibility

Located at 16 Voutadon in the artsy Gazi neighborhood, near Technopolis, the hotel is praised for being an "oasis in the city." It's a short walk from Kerameikos Metro Station, making it accessible. While some guests note that the immediate area outside the hotel walls might not be the most attractive for everyday activities, the hotel itself is a sanctuary. It's considered easily walkable to main tourist spots, including the Parthenon, the Acropolis, and the Temple of Hephaestus. Hotels.com and Expedia also mention its proximity to Syntagma Square and easy access to Plaka and Monastiraki.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally perceive NOT Hotel as offering good value, with Booking.com scoring it 9.1 for value for money. Pricing can vary significantly based on room type and season, with typical nightly rates ranging from approximately $230 to $710, according to KAYAK.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted. A few guests mentioned that the area immediately surrounding the hotel is "not particularly attractive" or "not ideal for everyday activities." There was also an isolated comment about cocktails on the menu that staff didn't know how to make and a desire for more variety in the dinner menu, perhaps a daily chef's special. One general review mentioned "issues with room control" without elaborating. However, these points are minimal in comparison to the vast positive feedback.

Sources

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12. kayak.com
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15. athenshotels24.com
16. not-hotel.com
17. expedia.com
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