I did most of my traveling in my 20s, staying in hostels and following a Lonely Planet guide. Now in my 40s with a young family, I was delighted to find Cohort Koukaki provided all the fun and awesomeness from those days, but in a beautiful room with comfortable beds and at a still reasonable price. The hotel is uniquely gorgeous, with a hip lobby that captures that hostel feel, mostly because of the friendly staff. The rooms are amazing—spacious and cozy with dreamily high ceilings. Best of all is the location. Right on the edge of the touristy Plaka, you’re within 5-min walking distance of the Acropolis and some of the best dining in Athens. I wouldn’t stay anywhere else in Athens!