I stayed at Melia Athens Hotel in ATHENS

In my travels, I've not really spent a whole lot on hotels and transportation when it comes to personal costs. I'd rather spend money on shopping. I am a personal shopper after all, and it a pity to see all that awful lot of money go into one night's fee for a hotel which I probably will return at late hours. But if you can, make the place where you stay part of your travelling experience. And I certainly found a great experience at Melia Athens :)

Melia is a Spanish chain of hotels which now has locations worldwide. They've got one also in Kuala Lumpur, which I am not familiar with. The Melia Hotels bear their slogan for their guests that "You are the Journey." At Melia Athens, this introduction was made my room's widescreen TV, and I loved it. I'm sharing it here with you.

My decision to stay at Melia Athens Hotel was spurred by a number of factors. I knew I wasn't going to 'rough' it at budget places in Athens. Safety was on top of the list because at the time of my visit - the media was playing out the Greek elections and addressing the euro crisis at alarming frequencies with anxious undertones; eg. of how Greece was thought of exiting the eurozone, of demonstrations at the Syntagma Square, etc. I was very perturbed about my visit since I will be travelling alone. It must be said and put in perspective, that most of the news that was played out were sensationalized and hyped up.

In my hotel search (and believe you me, I searched quite a number), I sent out email enquiries about how to get around, on general safety and the services offered. Melia was the first to respond, and continuously responded within 1-2 days of every one of my emails even though the mails were received by different staff members. They were also very helpful. For example, when I informed them that I will not book the Athens tour with their partner tour company - they suggested other options from external Athens tour agencies for me to choose and compare. How professionally done! I discovered later their slogan "At Melia, you are the journey." What a precise description of their passion for their guests. Bravo.

Shot of the hotel building front.

This was my room, very spacious, clean sheets and a spotless bathroom. A small premium to pay for peace of mind. Like all other business hotels in Athens, the starting rate is normally 80-100 euros per night (roughly 400 MYR). Knowing I had a budget to work with, Melia's staff helpfully pointed out their promotional online rate of 66.50 euros per night (around 265 MYR) because I kept asking for their "best price" (embarassingly). I was very impressed and it's a hallmark of their wonderful service. For this rate, you will enjoy free wifi at their bar and lobby, free sauna sessions at their spa & jacuzzi in your own room's bathtub. I was already satisfied with the free wifi.

Melia Athens is not located near the Syntagma Square (centre of city). If you are taking the metro from the Athens International Airport, get off at Syntagma Metro stop and change lines for a final metro stop at Paneptissimo metro stop. From here, it is a 10 min walk to the hotel. The map provided by Melia Athens (seen here) also came with clear, walking directions to the hotel. I have to mention here that being a first-timer, I chose not to chance getting lost in the grafitti-ed streets of Athens, it's probably safe but I decided to take the failproof method of booking the taxis via Melia's reception for my arrival and departure. This is more expensive. A taxi ride from the airport to the hotel is 45 euros, whereas if you take the metro it will cost you 8 euros. It would be a different story had I stayed longer in Athens.

I liked the hotel lobby space, cozy with wifi so I can make my daily Facebook postings.

The icing on the cake for me was when Stella, Melia's hotel manager greeted me in person on the day I checked in & personally welcomed me for a drink at Melia's rooftop Sky Lounge. Stella took time to speak to each of her new guests, and I appreciated this very much.

Melia's rooftop Sky Lounge gives a beautiful evening view of the Acropolis all lighted up. I made a mental note to come back here with hubby dearest.

Together with Melia Athens Hotel's manager on duty, the lovely Ms.Stella. We were standing against the beautiful backdrop of the lighted Acropolis from a distance. I felt glad that I made this detour from Hamburg, and even more glad that I chose Melia Athens to do it with :) BRAVO MELIA ATHENS staff members! I wish you all the very best for the future, as you are a testimony of the strength, resilience and the beauty of the people of Greece. I really hope to see you all again.