Athinaikon Hotel

Athinaikon Hotel is a budget hotel at 89 Ethnikis Antistaseos Street on the eastern edge of central Heraklion, Crete, Greece. Ethnikis Antistaseos is a main road running east from the centre toward the airport and the ferry port area, so the hotel is well placed for travellers arriving or leaving by air or sea, and for those picking up a rental car. The old town, Lions Square, the Archaeological Museum and the Venetian harbour are reachable on foot in about fifteen to twenty-five minutes, and taxis and buses connect quickly to the centre. The property is a simple city hotel offering double rooms with breakfast, and there is no pool, spa or beach on site. The appeal is practical: indicative high-season prices for a double room run from about EUR 40 to EUR 75 per night, among the lowest in the city. The neighbourhood is mostly residential and commercial, with bakeries, cafes, supermarkets and local tavernas, rather than the tourist-oriented restaurants of the old town. Visitors who want a Cretan meal of lamb, local cheese and wine will find a wider selection around Lions Square or the old harbour, a short taxi ride away. Service is basic and owner-style, with a reception that can help with taxis and directions. The hotel suits budget travellers, overnight stays before early flights or ferries, and visitors using Heraklion as a transit point to Santorini, Athens or the rest of Crete. The Ammoudara beaches lie to the west and the beaches east of the airport are also accessible by bus or taxi. Parking arrangements should be confirmed in advance, and light sleepers may want to ask about rooms away from the busy road.