REVIEW | Athenarum Portus Life & Style Hotel in Piraeus

July 2024. Steve and I are cruising on the Norwegian Getaway, a Breakaway class ship by Norwegian Cruise Line or NCL. Interestingly, our stay on board happened shortly after the Getaway paid a visit to the dry dock for some refurbishments. The route? Piraeus, which is the port of Athens in Greece; followed by Mykonos; two days in Istanbul in Turkey or Türkiye; then Kusadasi or Kuşadası for Ephesus; Rhodes; Santorini (Thira or Thera) and back to Piraeus. Oddly enough, the itinerary offered no sea days.

Our cruise started on Sunday 14 July in Piraeus (Πειραιάς in contemporary Greek, Πειραιεύς in Ancient Greek) in Attica. So we flew a day earlier and went straight from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) by metro as the regular train was massively delayed. Luckily Metroline 3 connects the airport to Piraeus directly. It takes an hour, but you don’t need to change.

Double luck, Piraeus Metro Station and Piraeus Railway Station are very close to our hotel for the night, Athenarum Portus Life & Style Hotel.

Introduction

‘Athenarum Portus‘ means ‘Port of Athens‘ in Latin and the name is fitting as it’s 50 metres away from some of the ferry piers. Our pier, E12, was located 30 minutes on foot (and without luggage). Also doable.

“The contemporary design and minimal luxury character of Athenarum Portus is highlighted through simple lines and shades as well as high quality materials and furniture. It is finished with details of metal elements and art with a discreet presence, which add a sense of luxury to the space.”

Doesn’t that sound nice?

“Both the location and the design of Athenarum Portus manage to offer you stunning images of beautiful Piraeus. Relax on your private terrace and enjoy unique moments of sunrise and sunset with colors that will enchant you. The view of the beautiful harbor and in the full of life narrows of Piraeus will reward you and you will feel enthralled by the beauty you see.”

“The Athenarum Portus Life & Style Hotel is located on Leocharos and Navarinou streets, and is just a few meters from the port and the Piraeus Metro, making its location ideal for getting around Piraeus and beyond. Although so centrally located Athenarum Portus manages to ensure the peace, relaxation and security you seek.”

Its location and very competitive price was indeed a major factor for us to book.

No facilities

Because the hotel surely caters to one-night-guests. It offers no facilities such as a gym or pool. It has a restaurant with late hours and breakfast was included in our fare.

The room

The room is relatively large and features two beds, a desk (the chair needs to be moved from the door to the desk), coffee and tea making facilities and air conditioning.

The rug on the floor is too large. It kinda blocks or the entry door, or the bathroom door.

Noteworthy are the many power outlets, including a USB-A and a USB-C port. How modern.

The bathroom

The bathroom features a shower and a toilet. The sink is located in the main room. Which is quite odd.

Shampoo and soap are by Apivita. It’s not a made-up brand for hotels, as it’s also available in retail.

Breakfast

Breakfast was a standard affair. Combining international, continental and English breakfast items with Greek favourites. Egg dishes can be ordered separately, but we didn’t.

So?

The Athenarum Portus Life & Style Hotel is fit for purpose. Clean, comfortable, stylish. Perfect for oner night. I’d miss a gym If I stayed more than one night.