Katerina Hotel is an older hotel, and it shows. From the elevator, to the size and condition of the rooms, to the furniture in the lobby. While it made me question my decision when I checked in, after a day or two, it kind of grows on you. The area looks rundown, but to be honest, all of Athens is starting to look rundown. Its an easy 20 minute walk to the Plaka area, and even at night there are plenty of families walking along the area. About the same to the Archeological Museum. And the Metro is only around the corner.
The staff there is the reason I would stay at the Katerina again. They treat their guests like friends, asking how your day was and seeing if they can offer any help. Even the cleaning staff asked daily if there was anything additional I needed in my room.
Overall, the staff at the Katerina Hotel made the hotel.