O&B

7 Leokoriou st., Psirri, Athens, 10554, Greece
Fodor's Choice
O&B Athens Boutique Hotel

Why We Like It

This is the kind of hotel that is polished and stylized yet unpretentious, highly professional yet warm and friendly, centrally located near all the main sites, yet also in a more ‘edgy’ urban area that enables you to discover a different perspective of the metropolis (buzzing but not necessarily more attractive). Service is impeccable and will make your stay pleasant and hassle-free. There should be more like this in Athens, as O&B is raising the bar in affordable pampering.

Fodor's Expert Review

With slick, contemporary interiors, top-notch restaurant, clean, comfortable rooms and a good variety of facilities that include a luggage room and babysitting service upon demand, this relatively new hotel is especially ideal for younger guests yearning to explore one of the city’s liveliest nightlife spots, somewhat alternative Psirri, and its tourist-central surroundings. The service is exceptional—you get a welcome drink and Greek meze platter when you arrive. Discount packages (such as the Acropolis discount package) can help make room rates more affordable. At the other end of the spectrum is a fabulous penthouse suite, complete with its own terrace and fabulous Acropolis views. The hotel exterior might be unassuming (be careful not to miss it!) but as soon as you enter, you will not be disappointed.

Tip Beyond the Acropolis, Monastiraki and Thissio, make the most of your stay at O&B by visiting the ancient Kerameikos Cemetery (5-minute walk), filled with impressive funerary statues and tombs, where classical heroes, philosophers and politician were laid to rest.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Room

The rooms are clean, medium-sized and compact, with a level-headed yet fresh modern design (smooth dark, angular wood furnishings and white or earthy tones bedding and details). They are as rest-inducing as one would expect from a four-star hotel, with all the basic tech features, including a DVD library, as well as Egyptian cotton sheets, a pillow menu and astounding views of the Parthenon. Some of them enjoy Acropolis views so be sure to ask when booking, if this is one of your priorities.

You Should Know Sound-proofing in rooms facing the somewhat dilapidated Leokoriou street is not great - on weekend nights it can become somewhat bothersome. Some rooms also look out to unpalatable views of neighboring buildings.

Bathroom

A good bathroom is always a plus, and makes a notable difference to a comfortable stay. The O&B bathrooms, in neutral tones, some with white basin sinks, and all with a walk-in shower with glass partitions and strong water pressure definitely help make your stay more pleasurable. Add to that plush white towels, bathrobes and organic Apivita toiletries and you’ve got a winner.

Lobby

A small black reception desk a little reminiscent of an upscale spa is surrounded by comfy armchairs and attended by casual, friendly and extremely accommodating staff; the lobby reflects the low-key, unpretentious stylishness of the hotel. There is a welcoming little bar off the lobby serving drinks throughout the day, and the restaurant is also at arms' length in this rather compact ground level space.

Dining

The hotel serves a Greek breakfast (from 8am-11:30am) that includes Cretan rusks and homemade bread, halva, Kayana (scrambled eggs with tomato, oregano and feta), regional cheeses and syrupy spoon sweets, as well as an assortment of cakes, and eggs done in various ways. There is also an all-day bar restaurant at the same spot serving upscale, contemporary Greek cuisine inspired from traditional recipes, as well as international classics such as burgers and club sandwich, with a good selection of vegetarian dishes on offer.

Tip Early breakfast can be served between 7am-8am upon request. Breakfast boxes and breakfast in bed are other attractive options.

Drinking

The small but stylish bar area, located within the softly lit restaurant, serves classic liqueurs, quality Greek and foreign wines and good cocktails.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Thissio train station is along the green line (HSAP electric railway) so you can take the blue line from the Athens International Airport to Monastiraki, and then change to the green line (one stop away). There is a taxi rank at Asomaton square (2-minute walk) and if you walk to Syntagma (15 minute walk) you will find metro, bus and tram terminals. By taxi from the airport it will take around 45 minites and will cost 35-50 euros, depending on the time of day and traffic. Parking is difficult in front of the hotel as the street is fairly narrow.

Restaurants

For snacks and light meals as well as coffee and desserts, head to Athinaion Politia (10-minute walk) in Thissio which also happens to be the best people-watching spot. To match its impressive ultra-contemporary and innovative decor, K8 Point Restaurant & Cocktail Bar (5-minute walk) collaborates with acclaimed Greek chefs to serve up creative Greek and Mediterranean dishes and drinks. Going strong for many years for its class, reliably flavorsome and inventive Greek menu and good service is Kuzina (8-minute walk), also nice for rooftop cocktails. For a unique brunch and breakfast experience in Psirri head to tiny Spiti mas, which is decorated to look like a real apartment (5-minute walk).

Bars

Thissio is an area that’s mostly popular for its cafe scene, sprawled along Apostolou Pavlou pedestrianized street, but there are a few good bars like Divino Wine Case (10-minute walk), where the owner and staff are happy to help you select a Greek label most suitable for you. At The Underdog (8-minute walk) you can sample an ample choice of Greek microbrewery beers, and if you like the vibes, return the following day for a satisfying hangover breakfast. Quinta's dark grey walls emit gentle industrial vibes; come here for the creative cocktails and local beers. After moving to a 2-storey building on the same street they have also started serving food, so if too much partying gives you an appetite, know that you are in good hands (5-minute walk).

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: +30 210 3312950