Athens4

If you want a quiet, central budget hotel, look no further than Athens4, five minutes walk away from Monastiraki station.

It has a young, back-to-basics vibe – no restaurant or spa here – and suits those who want to immerse themselves in the surrounding nightlife. Perhaps surprisingly, it also attracts families because of its large suites and its pet-friendly policy. 

This compact hotel is built on the site of an erstwhile cloth factory and the interior decor nods to its history, with vibrant patterned wallpaper.

A colour palette of sunshine yellows, creams and light blues make the rooms appear brighter and larger.