Getting to the Palmyra Beech is easy from Athens city centre by tram, although it's quite a long journey. Connections from the airport are by bus and also fairly lengthy.
The hotel itself is situated just 200m inland from the tram stop and has the feel of a traditional resort hotel. Although it's on the coast, the view from the hotel is obscured, so it's not worth paying for a 'side sea view' room. The only beach near the hotel is a fairly modest section alongside a quiet main road, so you're better off using of one Glyfada's many pay beaches as found in the guidebooks.
Hotel reception staff were friendly and helpful. The hotel room was very spacious, although rather tired and in need of modernisation. It was reminiscent of the hotels I visited on package holidays to resort destinations in the 1980 / 90s.
The small, 14" portable TV in the room featured a small selection of international channels and the room had a balcony overlooking a leafy side-street.
Breakfast in the hotel was as tired as the room. The food seemed to emerge at the first sitting and remain on display for as long as breakfast lasted. As a result, everything had a distinctly limp or stale appearance by about 9:30am.
As an unexpected bonus, the beach near the hotel has its own mini outdoor concert venue and we were treated to a series of evening music and theatre performances during our stay in September.
Glyfada itself is a decent-sized town and boasts plenty of trendy bars and restaurants catering for all tastes. The beaches aren't as prestigious as the Greek islands. Many are man-made mini-resorts with a modest admission charge, although this does get you a sunbed and decent facilities, including changing cabins and showers.
If you're looking for things to do other than soak up the sun and party then it would be worth hiring a car. There are other towns within driving distance of Glyfada and, of course, you could take the tram into Athens city centre (approx. 45 - 60mins) or down to Piraeus, from where you can take a trip to the islands.
- Hotel Palmyra Beach
- Palmyra Beach
- Palmyra Beach Athens
