Arrival/Check-in: It’s impossible to walk into the InterContinental Athenaeum Athens without stopping dead in your tracks. The life-size Blue Man sculpture somersaulting in the middle of a square bench in the lobby will do that to a person. Striking artwork is on display throughout the hotel and is worth checking out. The lobby was busy, but check-in was speedy. Before heading to my room, I stopped in the Club InterContinental lounge for a quick bite and a cup of coffee. (28/30)

Guest Quarters: The property has some of the most spacious guestrooms in all of Athens. I was on one of the property’s recently remodeled deluxe floors. The décor was hip yet warm, with rich colors and sleek, modern furnishings. Be on the lookout for unique design elements — I was particularly taken by a lamp that looked like it was fashioned from bubbles. The hallway was decorated in a similar fashion as the room; the continuity of the style throughout the floor was a nice touch. While I did not have a room with a view of the Acropolis, I did have wall-length windows that allowed light into the room. Under the windows were a sitting area and a work area with a reasonably sized desk. Internet is available for a fee. The TV was housed in a movable wooden structure which could be turned to face the bed or the desk. The king-sized bed was comfortable with a dresser opposite. The bathroom, closets and minibar were equally spacious and well stocked. (27/30)

Services/Amenities: It was what was going on throughout the hotel that really sparked my interest. The property is massive, with more than 30 spaces to host meetings or events and 500-plus guestrooms. One of the nights of my stay, there was a huge awards reception for the shipping industry. The hotel was abuzz, but the lobby and guest areas were not crowded and were quiet nonetheless. During my stay, I enjoyed dinner at Premiere, the property’s signature restaurant and winner of the Golden Chef’s Hat gourmet award every year since 2006. The food overshadowed the stunning view of the Acropolis at night, available from any seat in the restaurant. Cafezoe was a good choice for a late lunch, with a generous buffet selection. I also had a signature cocktail at the ultra-hip Tobar. In addition to plenty of dining and event options, the hotel has a full-service spa, a fitness center, shops, an outdoor pool and a business center. (37/40)

The Experience: In general, I’m a fan of InterContinental hotels. The Athens InterContinental was no exception, with efficient service, comfortable accommodations and plenty of amenities. Its convenient location is also a plus. The quirky art throughout gives the hotel an unpretentious personality.

Total Score: 92/100

InterContinental Athenaeum Athens

Syngrou Ave. 89-93
Athens 11745, Greece
tel 30 210 9206000
InterContinental Athenaeum Athens