Bob W Eolou Athens — Hotel in Athens

When we booked this place it was still under the old name, but they changed names between the time of our booking and when we checked in. The name change made it a little awkward to check in because apparently they sent some email, but we never got it. So they had to send the email again and then we had to check in through our phone which ended up taking a few minutes longer than it would have if we could just check in normally. I'll forgive them that technological blunder because I'm sure once they're up and running it will go more smoothly. It was pretty cool being able to use our phones and stuff to get into the rooms because your phone has everything you need like the Wi-Fi information and the code for the front door and you turn it into your room key to scan in. We even wanted to extend our stay and were able to just chat via WhatsApp to extend the stay for a few hours for just 20 euros which was perfect timing so we could shower before our flight home. Unfortunately our room key on our phone didn't work for that extended time. So we did have to go to the front desk and get a physical key for the room, but I guess that's why front desks will never go away fully. The breakfast that was included in our stay was amazing because it actually was at the restaurant which is directly connected to the hotel. We are thankful that the restaurant was connected because the code for the front door wasn't really working the whole time we were there so we kept going through the restaurant instead which was fairly convenient even though it was a little awkward and we were annoyed that the door wasn't working right. The best part about this place is probably the location though because it's right in the heart of everything and we could walk right to the Acropolis in the morning for our tour and we could walk around all of the shops and cool little flea market streets and stuff with tons of restaurants and...

This isn’t a 4-star hotel (or no longer is). It’s a 3-star hotel.

We were disappointed by Blend hotel and cannot recommend it, due to the following: Breakfast: this was the worst breakfast we’ve had by far in any hotel we stayed at, even 3-star ones. Judge by yourself in the pictures. It’s delivered in paper bags and plastic containers, leading to huge waste as the staff doesn’t recycle it (see picture of the trash bins). Only 3 choices of breakfast, and the quality was subpar - cold food without taste. The small coffee machine only does expressos. We ended up telling reception to not order our breakfast for the following days to avoid further waste and we ate out instead. Inaccurate listing: The listing on Expedia (through which we booked) mentions the following: Welcome gift (we didn’t get anything), 10% off food from restaurant on site. The onsite restaurant (Folk) was sold off to the one across the street (Aioliki, which we recommend), therefore no discount and no food options onsite. Turndown service: there is no turn down service. 24-hour business centre: The “centre” is a one-person workspace, in a non-accommodating space. No dressing gowns. The list goes on. Sewage smell coming from the bathroom drain: There was a sewage smell coming from the drain. Looking at the reviews, this isn’t a one-off, and we experienced it everyday. You have to leave your room key at the reception when leaving so you have to wait for a staff to be there when you come back. We had to wait 10 minutes one day. The WiFi is slow. The elevator is narrow, so you have to wait your turn if it is occupied and/or you have luggage. There is no luggage assistance. The mattress is thin and not very comfortable.

On the positive side: The location was great. We were within walking distance of the Acropolis and restaurants. The A/C works well.

A disappointment, and...

My stay at Bob W Eolou involved a severe safety incident, followed by disappointing and confusing customer service regarding promised compensation and billing. ​1. Critical Safety Hazard: Trapped for 3.5 Hours ​On my first night (25/10), I had a terrifying experience: I was locked in the apartment's bathroom for approximately 3.5 hours (from 9:30 PM to 1:00 AM) because the door mechanism failed and jammed shut. ​My phone was in the main room. I shouted, knocked on walls, and tried to seek help for hours, but due to the lack of on-site staff and poor sound insulation (the window also did not open), no one heard me. I was only freed when my friend, whose flight was delayed, thankfully arrived at the property. This incident is a critical safety failure and maintenance issue that puts guests at risk, especially those traveling alone. The property was completely inaccessible for immediate assistance. ​2. Retracted Compensation & Confusing Charges ​Following this traumatic event, the support team immediately offered a 15% discount for my next stay as compensation. I had a second booking already made a few days later. ​Surprise Charges: For the second stay, I was unexpectedly charged €31.33 for an "Environment and Accommodation Fee." My original Booking.com reservation clearly stated that "taxes and charges were included." The support team's explanation for this charge—which I was not subject to on my first night—was vague and unconvincing. ​Compensation Retracted: Most frustratingly, Bob W support later retracted the 15% discount offer, stating it "is only applicable to direct bookings and cannot be applied to reservations made through Booking.com." This condition was never mentioned when the offer was made. It felt like an easy way to back out of compensating me for a 3.5-hour ordeal that severely impacted my sense of security...