Soho Hotel Athens

A Home Away From Home: My Experience at Athens Hawk Hostel Finding a balance between a high-energy social scene and a secure, restful environment can be tricky when hostelling, but Athens Hawk Hostel nails the combination perfectly. Located right in the heart of the city, it serves as an ideal base for anyone looking to explore the historic wonders of Athens without sacrificing comfort. Location: In the Heart of the Action The hostel's location is its biggest selling point. Situated in central Athens, you are within walking distance of major landmarks like Omonia Square and the vibrant Psirri neighbourhood. Accessibility: It's incredibly easy to reach from the airport via the metro. Exploration: You can walk to the Acropolis and the Plaka district in about 15–20 minutes, making it perfect for those who want to save on transport costs. Atmosphere: Friendly and Inclusive From the moment you walk in, the vibe is welcoming rather than overwhelming. The staff are genuine "locals" in spirit—always ready with a map, a restaurant recommendation, or just a friendly chat. Social Life: The rooftop area is a standout feature. It's the perfect spot to grab a drink, watch the sunset over the city, and meet fellow travelers from across the globe. Vibe: It manages to be social without being a "non-stop party hostel," making it suitable for digital nomads and solo travelers alike. The Highlight of My Stay: Stamatia at Reception While the facilities at Athens Hawk are great, what truly sets this hostel apart is the incredible hospitality, specifically from Stamatia at the front desk. From the moment I arrived, Stamatia made me feel less like a guest and more like a welcome friend. She has an amazing ability to handle the hustle and bustle of a busy central hostel with total grace and a genuine smile. Why she made my trip special: Expert Local Knowledge: She didn't just hand me a map; she took the time to point out the best local spots that aren't over-run by tourists, ensuring I had an authentic Athenian experience. Safety & Care: As a traveler in a big city, her presence made me feel incredibly safe. She was always attentive and went out of her way to make sure everyone was comfortable and looked after. Warmth & Professionalism: Whether it was a complicated check-in or a simple question about metro strikes, she handled everything with a level of professionalism and kindness that is rare to find. Stamatia is the "heart" of Athens Hawk. Her energy makes the hostel feel like a home away from home, and she is a massive asset to the team. If you're lucky enough to be checked in by her, you know you're in good hands! Safety and Security For many travelers, safety is the top priority, and Athens Hawk excels here. Secure Access: The hostel uses a modern key-card system for both the main entrance and the individual dorms. Storage: The lockers are spacious and sturdy (just bring your own padlock), providing peace of mind while you're out exploring the ruins. Peace of Mind: Even though the central area of ​​any major city can be busy, the hostel feels like a secure sanctuary the moment you step inside. Comfort and Cleanliness Forget the "grimy hostel" stereotype. The facilities here are modern and well-maintained. Dorms: The beds are surprisingly comfortable, and many pods include privacy curtains, individual power outlets, and reading lights. Bathrooms: They are cleaned frequently throughout the day, which is a massive plus for a high-occupancy hostel. Climate Control: The air conditioning works perfectly—an absolute necessity during those scorching Athenian summers! The Verdict: Whether you're a backpacker on a budget or a traveler looking for a central, high-quality stay, Athens Hawk Hostel is one of the best value-for-money options in the city. It offers the warmth of a community with the professionalism of a boutique hotel. The Highlight of My Stay: Stamatia at Reception While the facilities at Athens Hawk are great, what truly sets this hostel apart is the incredible hospitality, specifically from Stamatia at the front desk. From the moment I arrived, Stamatia made me feel less like a guest and more like a welcome friend. She has an amazing ability to handle the hustle and bustle of a busy central hostel with total grace and a genuine smile. Why she made my trip special: Expert Local Knowledge: She didn't just hand me a map; she took the time to point out the best local spots that aren't over-run by tourists, ensuring I had an authentic Athenian experience. Safety & Care: As a traveler in a big city, her presence made me feel incredibly safe. She was always attentive and went out of her way to make sure everyone was comfortable and looked after. Warmth & Professionalism: Whether it was a complicated check-in or a simple question about metro strikes, she handled everything with a level of professionalism and kindness that is rare to find. Stamatia is the "heart" of Athens Hawk. Her energy makes the hostel feel like a home away from home, and she is a massive asset to the team. If you're lucky enough to be checked in by her, you know you're in good hands!

The worst hostel experience I’ve ever had — and genuinely unsafe. The location feels extremely sketchy, the facilities are falling apart, and basic essentials were missing or dirty (no towel, stained sheets, broken lockers, paper-thin walls, and a barely working AC/heat unit). But the real issue was the staff. Near the end of my stay, a staff member became aggressively hostile over a simple room change and a keycard that wouldn’t work. He yelled at me, refused to give his name or the manager’s contact, and even balled his fists like he was preparing to hit me. It escalated to the point where I considered calling the police. While on the phone with a coworker, he repeatedly made xenophobic remarks about my nationality, assuming I wouldn’t understand. I live in Greece and know the language, and I heard him call me derogatory names including “little whore” and other dehumanizing insults about my nationality. Only when I responded in Greek did he stop. This level of aggression, discrimination, and unprofessionalism is completely unacceptable. I have stayed in many hostels around the world, and this was by far the most traumatic and unsafe experience. I strongly warn future travelers to avoid this place until the staff and management are properly investigated and replaced.

We were looking for a cheap solution near the metro for two nights in Athene. The hostel is clean, easily accessible, the area is not nice, but close to everything. Being a place for young people 😅 with a terrace equipped with disco and a very nice bar and lively with activities at night there is a lot of confusion ... it did not bother us, but it is to be counted. From the terrace you can see all of Athens and the Parthenon, really beautiful.