My wife and I and another couple stayed four nights in mid May at Dionysia’s home in the Plaka. The spacious, single-family home is on two and one-half levels. Its location offers a great base from which to visit Athen’s historic sites and museums. All are within walking distance, near public transportation, or reached by brief cab rides.

After navigating crowds of tourists and bumper-to-bumper vehicle traffic, we enjoyed the home’s oasis-like environment. The quiet neighborhood is steps away from shopping and several good restaurants/cafes (check out Daphne’s Restaurant for a creative takes on traditional Greek cuisine). Views, particularly after sunset, of the Acropolis and city from the home’s two roof terraces are wonderful.

Everyone in our party is a seasoned traveler, having stayed in b-n-b facilities across North America. As a result, our expectations and those of other U.S. residents may differ from what European travelers expect. Notably, we had planned to prepare full American breakfasts; however, the kitchen is galley-size with virtually no counter space and a very small electric stove whose burners are slow to respond. An electric teakettle and toaster oven would be welcomed additions.

Also guests sleeping on the first floor must pass through the kitchen to an extremely small bathroom; space for the bathtub, equipped with a handheld shower, is very limited. The first-floor bedroom lacks closet and shelf storage, which required the couple to use the spacious closets in the second floor bedroom. Still, a mother and father with children might find this sleeping/storage arrangement suitable, especially with the bed on the third-floor loft.

Dionysia’s communications from accepting our reservation through checking in after our return to the States were excellent. She also graciously arranged for a taxi to meet us at the seaport. The house offers great value in a city where hotels are expensive. We would highly recommend At the Foot of Acropolis with caveats regarding the kitchen and the first-floor bath facilities.