Harry's Athens Hideaway: The BEST Apartment in Greece?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the (potentially legendary) world of Harry's Athens Hideaway: The BEST Apartment in Greece? Let's be real, that title is a bold claim. And frankly, after spending a week sussing it out, I've got a lot of thoughts. Consider this less of a polished review and more of a rambling, slightly caffeinated diary entry. Prepare for honesty, quirks, and the occasional tangent. SEO? We're throwing that in the blender along with my sanity.
First Impressions (and the Great Accessibility Conundrum)
Okay, so the big question everyone wants to know: Is this place actually accessible? And the answer is…complicated! The listing claims "Facilities for disabled guests," and that's where things start getting interesting. Accessibility is a HUGE deal for me (not a wheelchair user, but I’ve got mobility issues). The website boasts an elevator, which is obviously a massive win, but specifics? Cryptic. The reality is, I couldn't fully assess the degree of the accessibility unless I was using a wheelchair. So I'm left with educated guesses and a healthy dose of frustration at vague marketing. I NEED MORE DETAILS, HARRY!
Let's just say, if you're a wheelchair user, CALL THEM. Don't just trust the internet. Personally, I was able to navigate, but that doesn't equal the experience for everyone.
Inside the Hideaway (and My Love/Hate Relationship with Air Conditioning)
Right off the bat: Air conditioning in public areas AND in every room? YES! Pure, glorious, Athens AC. This is a non-negotiable in the summer heat. It’s a massive win. The rooms themselves? Well, the description uses words like “lavish”, “spacious”, and “breathtaking views”. My response? "Eh…" It's a well-appointed apartment, sure. Clean? Absolutely. But breathtaking…maybe if you’re easily blown away by a decent balcony and a view that’s "okay, not bad."
I opted for a room with a separate shower/bathtub, and a bathtub. Both were clean, which is an absolute must. Linens were crisp, the bed was comfy enough after a long day of exploring, and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver battling the Athenian sun. But let's talk about those slippers! The hotel offers free slippers. Which is a lovely gesture, but the quality… well, imagine the thinnest, cheapest pair of slippers you've ever encountered. They lasted about an hour before starting to disintegrate. Still, a gesture.
The Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was thankfully a Godsend. I needed to work, and the connection held up the entire time. Thank you Harry, you saved me!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Medley of Mishaps
Okay, this is where things get…fun. The restaurant situation is a mixed bag. There's a breakfast [buffet] (with Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options), and I'll give them points for effort. The buffet in restaurant was pretty standard, nothing particularly exciting. Some days it was actually really good, others… not so much. I tried the coffee/tea in restaurant, and it was decent.
The Poolside bar? Now, THAT'S worth a mention. The bar staff were excellent. The cocktails strong enough to help me forget my tax return, and the prices weren't insane. The Pool with view… that's what sold me. The sunsets over Athens from the pool were MAGICAL. It was the single experience that made the entire trip worth it.
The Breakfast takeaway service was super helpful. The hotel also had a convenience store. Which, let's face it, is a lifesaver when you're craving a late-night snack.
The Spa Dreams (and the Bitter Reality)
I’m a sucker for a good spa. The hotel has Spa, Spa/sauna. Does "Harry's Athens Hideaway" have a real spa experience? My heart sank a little. A sauna, steamroom…they exist…but it felt like something from a budget hotel, not a luxurious getaway. The Body scrub and Massage treatments were.. well, basic.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the (Generally) Reassuring Stuff
Okay, let's get practical. Daily disinfection in common areas. That’s a good sign. Rooms sanitized between stays? Tick. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Tick. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it. Anti-viral cleaning products? Probably. The hotel takes COVID safety seriously, which is a major relief. The front desk [24-hour], security [24-hour], CCTV in common areas and outside the property, fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, and safe deposit boxes all add to the feeling of safety and well-being. Daily housekeeping was a must
Services and Conveniences – The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Confusing
There are heaps of services available: Cash withdrawal, concierge, currency exchange, daily housekeeping, doorman, elevator, dry cleaning, facilities for disabled guests, food delivery, gift/souvenir shop, ironing service, laundry service, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, safety deposit boxes, and taxi service. All good!
Then there's the "Business facilities": Business facilities include audio-visual equipment for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, and Seminars. It's like they're trying to be a business hotel, but also… not?
For the Kids (and the Overworked Parents)
Babysitting service is on offer. Kids facilities are mentioned. However, there wasn’t a lot of information available.
Getting Around and The Parking Puzzle
Airport transfer is available! And car park [free of charge] is a HUGE bonus in Athens.
The Verdict: Is Harry's Athens Hideaway "The BEST?"
Look, it's a solid choice. It's not perfect, and those bold claims need a little adjusting. It's comfortable, generally clean, has some genuinely amazing features (that pool!), and is a safe bet in a city that can be overwhelming.
My Final Offer (Because You Deserve It)
ARE YOU READY FOR A GREEK ESCAPE WITH A TWIST?
I'm going to cut the fluff. If you're looking for:
- Unbeatable pool with a view and solid air conditioning: This is your JAM.
- A comfortable and conveniently located base for exploring Athens: You won't be disappointed (though research accessibility details).
- Solid Wi-Fi and decent breakfast: You're set.
- A place that takes its responsibilities to guests seriously: You're covered!
BOOK NOW and get a FREE appetizer at the Poolside Bar!
PLUS! We're offering a special discount for bookings made within the next 48 hours! Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience Athens like never before.
Click here to book your stay at Harry's Athens Hideaway – Where Athens Dreams Come True!
(Disclaimer: This offer is valid for a limited time only. Some restrictions may apply. Please verify accessibility details directly with the hotel before booking.)
I'm not exactly sure if I've done a great job creating this review, but this is my honest take. I hope you found it helpful, or at the very least, entertaining. Now go forth and conquer Athens!
Bibione Paradise: Stunning 2-Bedroom Condo Awaits! (Bel Sole)
Okay, strap in. Because this isn't your perfectly curated travel blog itinerary. This is my Athens, and it's going to get messy. We're staying at Harry's Apartment, right? Sounds promising. Let's see if it lives up to the hype… and my ridiculously high expectations.
Athens Adventure: A Slightly Unhinged Chronicle
Day 1: Arrival and the Search for Decent Coffee (and Sanity)
- 8:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Athens International Airport (ATH). The flight was fine, predictable, full of loud snorers and the eternal struggle for overhead bin space. Let's just say I’m thrilled to be on solid ground. Immediately, I’m hit with that familiar, electric buzz of a new city. But first, the baggage carousel. Pray for me.
- 9:30 AM: Finally, the luggage appears! Now, the transportation situation. I'm thinking metro. I think I can handle it. (Internal monologue: Please, please let me understand the ticket machines.) Okay, I have the ticket! Success!
- 10:30 AM: Arrive at Harry's Apartment. Hopefully, it's as charming in reality as it appears in the photos. (Fingers crossed it doesn't smell weird.) The key retrieval goes smoothly (thank goodness), and I'm in! Wait… is that a slightly off-kilter picture frame? And a tiny, suspiciously stain-shaped spot on the duvet? Okay, breathe. It's character, right? We're going with character.
- 11:00 AM: The real crisis: Coffee. I'm bordering on caffeine withdrawal. The Nespresso machine is… well, it’s there. Thank god. But the coffee pods? Oh, the horror. They're the wrong kind. This is a disaster. My first impressions of Athens: Beautiful city, questionable coffee infrastructure. This could be a major problem. I need to find a decent café… immediately.
- 12:00 PM: Coffee mission, accomplished! Found a little place around the corner. The owner, a chain-smoking goddess with the kindest eyes, made me the most delicious Freddo Espresso I've ever had. Athens: officially forgiven for the Nespresso debacle. I think I might like it here.
- 1:00 PM: Wander around the neighborhood, get lost on purpose. This is part of the process! I stumble upon a tiny little taverna with tables spilling out onto the street. The smell of grilled souvlaki is intoxicating. This is what I came for.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch. Souvlaki. Beyond delicious. My first taste of Greek deliciousness. I ate it fast, like I hadn’t eaten in days…and I kind of hadn't! The owner is charming and speaks very little English, but we communicate just fine with smiles and pointing. I LOVE Greece so far.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the apartment to have some time to chill. Maybe write a little bit. My brain is moving too fast to keep up, which is fine.
- 6:00 PM: Explore the Plaka. It’s touristy, yes. But also, it’s lovely. I get an ice cream, because why the hell not? Take a picture with the Acropolis in the background. Feel a surge of pure, unadulterated joy.
- 8:00 PM: A little overwhelmed, so I grab some wine and bread. The local shop keeper gave me a suspicious look, probably because I don't have the vocab to ask the appropriate questions.
- 9:00 PM: Crash. Jet lag is a bitch.
Day 2: Ancient Wonders and a Near-Disaster (and a REALLY GOOD GYRO)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up feeling slightly delirious. Maybe from the wine. Maybe from the jet lag. Maybe from the sheer awesomeness of being in Athens.
- 9:00 AM: Acropolis time! I've been dreaming of this. I walk up to the Acropolis and I get hit with the views. It's absolutely breathtaking. Jaw-dropping. The Parthenon looms, magnificent and…well, just there. I can't adequately describe it.
- 10:00 AM: I'm jostled by selfie sticks. The crowds are a little overwhelming. Okay, very overwhelming. But the history, the sheer weight of it all, is impossible to ignore. I wander, trying to soak it all in.
- 11:00 AM: Okay, time for the Acropolis Museum. I thought I knew a little about history, but this place is mind-blowing. So many artifacts, so much beauty. I feel a sudden urge to weep. I'm not sure why. Maybe it’s the history, the art, the knowledge, the sheer volume of stuff… the feeling of being a small part of something much larger.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch! This is where things almost went south. I had this brilliant idea to find a "locals only" place. I wandered, and wandered, and then… I got really lost. My stomach was rumbling, I was dripping with sweat, and I was convinced I'd accidentally wandered into a secret government bunker. Almost had a full-blown panic attack.
- 1:30 PM: Finally, a corner. I stumbled upon a tiny, greasy spoon that looked utterly authentic. The menu was all Greek. I pointed at something, prayed, and waited.
- 2:00 PM: Gyro. THE. BEST GYRO OF MY LIFE. Seriously. I may never eat another gyro again, because it will never live up to this memory. It was perfect. The meat, the tzatziki, the pita… pure gyrotastic bliss. I got back on track.
- 3:00 PM: Ancient Agora. This is where people used to hang out! They had markets and places to chat. Seeing the bits and bobs of life, it's a good reminder that we all worry/argue/get hungry the same way.
- 5:00 PM: Stroll, shop, soak it in.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I’m still riding high on the gyro, so I decide to dine in. I bought some olives, cheese, and bread. I feel like I fit here!
- 8:00 PM: Watch the sunset. Take a deep breath. Athens, you're something else.
Day 3: A Day Trip and a Lesson in Humility
- 7:00 AM: Wake up ridiculously early for a day trip to… Delphi. I should have budgeted more time for travel, but whatever. Let's go!
- 8:00 AM: Bus Station. I'm a total disaster when it comes to public transport, but I get on the bus!
- 12:00 PM: Delphi. The Temple of Apollo. More epic views. More stunning historical remains. This place is a real wow.
- 1:00 PM: The museum? Excellent. I spend hours studying the artifacts.
- 3:00 PM: Uh oh. Rain. Heavy rain. The ancient site, majestic and all…is also now soggy. My shoes are soaked and my hair is plastered to my head.
- 4:00 PM: Trying to find some shelter, I stumble. Flat on my face, in a muddy puddle, right in front of a group of polite, yet curious, elderly Greek women. Mortified. They helped me up, patted my arm, and said something I didn't understand, but I think it involved the word "careless." They were probably right.
- 4:30 PM: The bus back to Athens is delayed. And another bus breaks down. I want to cry.
- 9:00 PM: Back at Harry's. Exhausted, humbled, and slightly smelly of mud. I’ve learned that I am not in control, and maybe that’s for the best.
- 10:00 PM: Quick trip to a corner store to grab an orange juice. The woman behind the counter gives me a look, and that's when I remember I needed to grab dinner. At least the place has a great selection of sweets to drown my sorrows.
Day 4: Street Art, Hidden Gems, and Packing (Sobbing)
- 9:00 AM: Slow start, because, why not?
- 10:00 AM: Time to explore some street art in the neighborhood of Psirri! Brilliant colors, thought-provoking images, and a reminder that Athens is a city of constant creativity and change. I love it.
- 12:00 PM: Hidden gem: A tiny, tucked-away café with the best baklava in the world. I have to get a few for the flight back.
- 1:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Trying to find something unique and beautiful. Buy way too many things I don't need.
- **3:0
Harry's Athens Hideaway: The BEST Apartment in Greece? - Let's Get Real.
Okay, Harry's Athens Hideaway... Best in Greece? Seriously?
Honestly, it’s like the apartment *hugs* you. It’s hard to explain. It's not a showroom. You know that feeling when you walk into some staged Airbnbs and think, "Did anyone *actually* live here?" This felt different. This felt like... Harry.
And honestly, is it the "best"? Subjective. But did I have an amazing time there... Yes. God yes. More on that later, I swear. I'm just... trying to set expectations here.
What's *actually* in the apartment? Like, the practical stuff?
Oh, and there's a small library, with all sorts of books. Mostly of the worn kind, but I still like it.
About that "temperamental toaster"… Spill the tea.
What about the location? Is it safe? Close to the action?
And the best part? It's close to everything you *want* to see. Ancient Agora? Right there. Plaka? Easy stroll. Metro access is good. Taxis are plentiful. You're practically in the heart of Athens.
What's *the one thing* you remember most about the apartment?
Were there any downsides or things you didn't like?
But here's the thing: those "downsides" felt like part of the experience. They gave the place character. They made it real. They weren't dealbreakers. They were… *part of the story*.
Would you recommend Harry's Athens Hideaway? Who is it *for*?
So, go. Just, you know, bring a back-up toaster. And maybe earplugs, just to be safe. You'll thank me later!
