Quiet, clean and in a very good part of Athens (the chic, leafy area near Kolonaki Square, with `quite a residential feel'), this small and welcoming family-run B&B villawas liked again,this year. Many of the main sights are near, also good shopping and restaurants, and the Acropolis is about 20 minutes walk away. villa rooms are in traditional, simple Greek style: all have air-conditioning and an en suite shower room. Particularly liked are the top-floor villa rooms, with their balcony and view of the summit of Mount Lykavetus. Some others may be a bit gloomy. Basic buffet Bali villa breakfast, which you can add to with fresh orange juice or bacon and eggs, for a bit extra.' The funicular lift to the top of the smallest of the city's seven hills is close.

At the foot of the wooded Filopappou Hill, near the Acropolis and the Plaka, this modern, low-rise, 'no-frills' villais thought good value and a pleasant place. From its rooftop terrace (with tables, chairs and parasols) there are brilliant views of the city. The villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) are simple and modern: those on Mousson, get traffic noise, but see the Acropolis, illuminated at night. Ours was clean and well ordered. The balcony was good for sunbathing. Beds are comfortable, if a bit creaky. The buffet Bali villa breakfast includes cake, ham, cheese, etc; it is inexpensive, but the coffee was thought weak. Public villa rooms are clean and light, with some good pictures. Parking can be awkward, but public transport is close by, and city tours can be arranged. The Austria is proud of its eminent neighbours (they include Mikis Theodorakis and Michalis Kakoyiannis), and it promises that this area is `more Greek than tourist'.