Sofitel Athens Airport by Hal Peat

When Athens decided to move its airport from the cramped but still quite close coastal location out to Spata, on the central plain of Attica, logistics dictated that not only a 21st century international airport be constructed but that the void in nearby accommodation also be addressed. Sofitel has certainly managed to fill that gap admirably with its gleaming nine floor structure right across from the arrival terminal: “Step into Calm and Serenity”, Sofitel Athens Airport’s outdoor sign proclaims to the weary traveler--and Sofitel delivers on that promise. Call it making a virtue out of a necessity, but Athens has always been something of a longtime crossroads for flights between continents, and the presence of a deluxe hotel property that serves the needs of both business and leisure traveler with equal amounts of efficiency and grace was the essential complement to the logistics posed by the new Venizelos International Airport.

Unflustered by arrivals from around the world that reach their reception desks at unearthly hours of the night and morning, the Sofitel staff combine Greek savvy and warmth with crisp French managerial style to waft new guests easily up to one of the hotel’s 332 rooms or 13 suites above. Sofitel always emphasizes the personal and immediate touch, and this new addition to its brand name is no exception. After a long journey from Miami via London, this traveler was given a knowing look by the portly concierge on duty at 6 a.m. and pointed over to the ground floor restaurant for a quick breakfast. The individual care and attention continued throughout several days that included assistance with ferry tickets to the islands, and advice on everything from restaurants in Athens to where the city’s best fast-service photo shop was located in town. Rooms and suites completely insulate guests from the bustle of outside traffic or aircraft; designed with an eye for both efficiency and luxury, they also convey the Gallic insistence on style. Minimalism with warmth might be one way to summarize it: lots of wood paneled surfaces, complementing beige and cream tones everywhere, strategic low key lighting, big fluffy bathrobes and the Roger & Gallet line of toiletries which this traveler has come to swear by. If you can get an executive suite on the seventh or eighth floor, however, the additional cost is certainly worth not only for the larger floor area but also the individual executive lounge and business area for guests on these levels. No question or request about the Greek capital, business services or travel issues are beyond the grasp of the young and enthusiastic staff on-hand round-the-clock at the executive reception.

Food and refreshment are one of Sofitel Athens Aiport’s strong points. On the ground floor is the Mesoghaia Restaurant with its Greek accents of Aegean blue walls and intimate café style tables. The cuisine here spans dishes that highlight some of the ethnic flavors and favorites of the country to other French and continental classics. The more formal Karavi Restaurant up on the ninth floor has been voted one of Athens’s best gourmet restaurant; the adjacent Karavi Bar provides a panoramic view of flights winging in from Hong Kong or Johannesburg. Speaking of distances on the ground, however, Athens and its state-of-the-art airport may be among the best connected in southern Europe. While the city center is some 27 kilometers off, Venizelos is linked by both a spanking new superhighway and a metro system that connects Athens and the surrounding areas of Attica province. If you are headed in other directions, such as the islands or the beaches, then you will find the airport is just a mere five kilometers from the chic coastal enclave of Porto Rafti, and also about 20 minutes by car or coach to the port of Rafina, from where you take off by ferry or high-speed craft for the islands..

If your visit to Athens is so brief that you find you have little time for beaches or outdoor activity, you can still fit in some fitness and pampering at the hotel’s fitness center. Occupying the uppermost floor and with panoramic views of the airport and plains stretching toward the coast and Athens, this compact but luxurious spa and exercise facility has sauna areas and an indoor heated pool After some laps in the pool or a cardio session on the treadmill, ladies can stop off for a facial or hairstyling, gentlemen can sample a facial treatment or manicure, and both can take advantage of something called the “Exclusive Jet-Lag Treatment” – very on target for an oasis still just 50 yards or so from the final stress of an airport baggage carousel.