The Cloister at Sea Island is a historic, five-star luxury resort built to evoke a cross between a Mediterranean estate and an English manor. It’s part of a large, grandiose property directly on the water’s edge consisting of three parts: a hotel centered around a network of golf courses, a central complex that houses a spa and gym, and a cluster of semi-private units that can take on various configurations. Frequented by politicians and celebrities, the hotel offers an all-encompassing experience in the Golden Isles, and it’s possible to not need to leave the complex during one’s stay.
The Cloister at Sea Island is a historic, five-star luxury resort built to evoke a cross between a Mediterranean estate and an English manor. It’s part of a large, grandiose property directly on the water’s edge consisting of three parts: a hotel centered around a network of golf courses, a central complex that houses a spa and gym, and a cluster of semi-private units that can take on various configurations. Frequented by politicians and celebrities, the hotel offers an all-encompassing experience in the Golden Isles, and it’s possible to not need to leave the complex during one’s stay.
In a convenient location for sightseeing, the upscale Herodion Hotel is located within a 10-minute walk of the Acropolis and Parthenon. The hotel has a free breakfast buffet, a pretty atrium bar, a restaurant that specializes in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, and rooftop terraces with amazing views of the Acropolis. There are also two terrace hot tubs and a rooftop restaurant/bar that's open in the summer. The 90 rooms are on the small side, and bathrooms have shower/tub combinations with hand showers. Guests looking for a hotel with a pool should check out Divani Acropolis Palace Hotel, a luxury hotel in a similar price range with a pretty outdoor pool area.
In a convenient location for sightseeing, the upscale Herodion Hotel is located within a 10-minute walk of the Acropolis and Parthenon. The hotel has a free breakfast buffet, a pretty atrium bar, a restaurant that specializes in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, and rooftop terraces with amazing views of the Acropolis. There are also two terrace hot tubs and a rooftop restaurant/bar that's open in the summer. The 90 rooms are on the small side, and bathrooms have shower/tub combinations with hand showers. Guests looking for a hotel with a pool should check out Divani Acropolis Palace Hotel, a luxury hotel in a similar price range with a pretty outdoor pool area.
The retro-style Thunderbird Inn is a fun, throwback idea that doesn't quite meet the standards of budget hotels in this day and age. Though the decor and free treats are appreciated, they can't make up for the small, outdated, noisy rooms that are greatly in need of an overhaul. The hotel location is within easy walking distance to Savannah's Historical District, but the area directly outside of the hotel grounds can be a bit dicey at night. Cheap parking and budget rates might draw the most frugal of travelers, but the lower costs probably aren't worth the sacrifices guests must make to stay there.
The retro-style Thunderbird Inn is a fun, throwback idea that doesn't quite meet the standards of budget hotels in this day and age. Though the decor and free treats are appreciated, they can't make up for the small, outdated, noisy rooms that are greatly in need of an overhaul. The hotel location is within easy walking distance to Savannah's Historical District, but the area directly outside of the hotel grounds can be a bit dicey at night. Cheap parking and budget rates might draw the most frugal of travelers, but the lower costs probably aren't worth the sacrifices guests must make to stay there.
The 264-room Royal Olympic Hotel is a classically designed luxury hotel set amid Athens' historic treasures. Across the street from the Temple of Zeus and a 12-minute walk to the Acropolis, the hotel is at the center of historic Athens. The entire property is decorated grandly -- with lots of bronze details, Greek art and mosaics, and blue-carpeted hallways -- but the Executive and Deluxe Rooms could use a little more space and light. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a rooftop garden restaurant and bar, and free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property. An on-site Wellness Center is in the works, but has not opened as of December 2016. Right now guests can book spa treatments through a local partnership.
The 264-room Royal Olympic Hotel is a classically designed luxury hotel set amid Athens' historic treasures. Across the street from the Temple of Zeus and a 12-minute walk to the Acropolis, the hotel is at the center of historic Athens. The entire property is decorated grandly -- with lots of bronze details, Greek art and mosaics, and blue-carpeted hallways -- but the Executive and Deluxe Rooms could use a little more space and light. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a rooftop garden restaurant and bar, and free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property. An on-site Wellness Center is in the works, but has not opened as of December 2016. Right now guests can book spa treatments through a local partnership.
The 441-room Ritz-Carlton Atlanta is one of the most luxurious hotel choices downtown, and offers big rooms with plenty of natural light, as well as modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. The warm, Art-Deco-inspired room decor is luxurious, if lacking some wow factor, but bathrooms are on the smaller side and most have shower/tub combos (no separate tubs). The property does deliver the top-of-the-line service travelers expect from the Ritz brand, as well as impressive features -- a sleek lobby, a trendy bar, and a fine dining restaurant.
The 441-room Ritz-Carlton Atlanta is one of the most luxurious hotel choices downtown, and offers big rooms with plenty of natural light, as well as modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. The warm, Art-Deco-inspired room decor is luxurious, if lacking some wow factor, but bathrooms are on the smaller side and most have shower/tub combos (no separate tubs). The property does deliver the top-of-the-line service travelers expect from the Ritz brand, as well as impressive features -- a sleek lobby, a trendy bar, and a fine dining restaurant.
The Westin Buckhead is a fairly typical upper-level chain hotel suitable for business or pleasure travelers. The whole place is a bit dated, but appearances aside, it ticks all the boxes a large four-pearl hotel should -- with a few unexpected extras, including free car service within two miles. The heated indoor pool is lovely, though it is adjacent to a rather sad and empty sunbathing deck. The club lounge has a reputation for being one of the best in the chain, and it is spacious and more modern looking than the rest of the hotel. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious but bland. For the average guest, the Westin Buckhead is an adequate, not-so-extraordinary chain hotel.
The Westin Buckhead is a fairly typical upper-level chain hotel suitable for business or pleasure travelers. The whole place is a bit dated, but appearances aside, it ticks all the boxes a large four-pearl hotel should -- with a few unexpected extras, including free car service within two miles. The heated indoor pool is lovely, though it is adjacent to a rather sad and empty sunbathing deck. The club lounge has a reputation for being one of the best in the chain, and it is spacious and more modern looking than the rest of the hotel. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious but bland. For the average guest, the Westin Buckhead is an adequate, not-so-extraordinary chain hotel.
Electra Palace Hotel Athens is a beautiful luxury property with 150 rooms in the neighborhood of Plaka. The grounds and facilities are gorgeous, featuring an outdoor garden with manicured lawns and a pavilion where guests can enjoy the free breakfast. The rooftop restaurant, pool, and surrounding deck offer stunning views of the Acropolis. The hotel has a spa with a large indoor pool and hot tub as well as a fitness center. Rooms offer classic decor with crown molding, wooden floors, and area rugs. Guests looking for more modern accommodations may want to check out the less expensive New Hotel Athens, which is nearby.
Electra Palace Hotel Athens is a beautiful luxury property with 150 rooms in the neighborhood of Plaka. The grounds and facilities are gorgeous, featuring an outdoor garden with manicured lawns and a pavilion where guests can enjoy the free breakfast. The rooftop restaurant, pool, and surrounding deck offer stunning views of the Acropolis. The hotel has a spa with a large indoor pool and hot tub as well as a fitness center. Rooms offer classic decor with crown molding, wooden floors, and area rugs. Guests looking for more modern accommodations may want to check out the less expensive New Hotel Athens, which is nearby.
The 389-room Stanley Hotel is within walking distance of a fresh fish and meat market and right next to a metro station for convenient access to historic sites. This mid-range property is clean and comfortable, with some upgrades to keep it fresh -- hallways and blocks of rooms, primarily -- but other areas still need an update. A variety of room options are available, all with mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs, but not all with kettles. A refreshing pool in the rooftop garden and two decent restaurants -- one serving a free breakfast buffet -- make this a suitable pick for business or sightseeing in Athens. For a hotel with more panache, check out A is for Athens, offering stylish rooms within walking distance of the Acropolis.
The 389-room Stanley Hotel is within walking distance of a fresh fish and meat market and right next to a metro station for convenient access to historic sites. This mid-range property is clean and comfortable, with some upgrades to keep it fresh -- hallways and blocks of rooms, primarily -- but other areas still need an update. A variety of room options are available, all with mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs, but not all with kettles. A refreshing pool in the rooftop garden and two decent restaurants -- one serving a free breakfast buffet -- make this a suitable pick for business or sightseeing in Athens. For a hotel with more panache, check out A is for Athens, offering stylish rooms within walking distance of the Acropolis.
The family-owned Ocean Plaza Beach Resort is located across from a sandy beach on Tybee Island, about 30 minutes west of downtown Savannah. The crown jewel of the hotel is its Dolphin Reef Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar, featuring panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Rooms are about what one would expect from a budget property on the beach, with dated tropical comforters and mini-fridges, but some have great ocean views. The 210-room property is similarly priced to other value hotels in the area.
The family-owned Ocean Plaza Beach Resort is located across from a sandy beach on Tybee Island, about 30 minutes west of downtown Savannah. The crown jewel of the hotel is its Dolphin Reef Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar, featuring panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Rooms are about what one would expect from a budget property on the beach, with dated tropical comforters and mini-fridges, but some have great ocean views. The 210-room property is similarly priced to other value hotels in the area.
InnAthens is a mid-range boutique hotel set in the back secret garden of a restaurant in central Athens, a four-minute walk to Syntagma Square. The location is ideal for exploring the city by foot, as there are several dining, shopping, city attractions, and public transport options within walking distance. The entire hotel features a contemporary design with minimalist, artsy interiors. This includes the 20 guest rooms, which each feature individual decor and amenities like flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. The two main highlights here include the central atrium with lovely plants and seating areas to relax in, as well as the free Greek buffet and a la carte breakfast. As an alternative, travelers can also consider Plaka Hotel, with similar features (including rooftop bar) for lower rates; though it's not nearly as modern.
InnAthens is a mid-range boutique hotel set in the back secret garden of a restaurant in central Athens, a four-minute walk to Syntagma Square. The location is ideal for exploring the city by foot, as there are several dining, shopping, city attractions, and public transport options within walking distance. The entire hotel features a contemporary design with minimalist, artsy interiors. This includes the 20 guest rooms, which each feature individual decor and amenities like flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. The two main highlights here include the central atrium with lovely plants and seating areas to relax in, as well as the free Greek buffet and a la carte breakfast. As an alternative, travelers can also consider Plaka Hotel, with similar features (including rooftop bar) for lower rates; though it's not nearly as modern.