LexPassenger and I are making a "status run" LEX-ATH in early November. I'd originally planned to use Hilton points for our hotel, but since I hadn't been paying sufficient attention, I'd missed the fact that the hotel is closed for renovations until 2003. Sooo... we currently have 3 nights booked at the Marriott, but need another hotel the 1st night we're in. We'd appreciate recommendations for a first night hotel. We're in at about $140 a night at the Marriott (double nights now), and would prefer to pay no more than that, and less if possible.

We were in Athens in '99, and have done much of the obvious sightseeing there (although another day at the National Archaeological Museum does tempt me), but we've done virtually no travelling elsewhere in Greece (a day trip to Aegina, which we very much enjoyed, is all). It's tempting to look farther afield. We are not interested in bus tours (and anyway wouldn't need FT advice to book those). LexPax lived in Italy and has driven as far East and South in Europe as Croatia, but we're not too sure about renting a car. Hiring a private driver might be ok if we got the right driver, but that looks a bit expensive, and I'm not too thrilled about being shepherded to someone's uncle's taverna just because it's someone's uncles, if you get my drift...

I've had a lifelong interest in Minoan/Mycenaean archaeology, so there are some obvious sites that call, but we're open to all suggestions, and could cancel the nights in Athens except the last one.

Oh, and billythekid is also thinking of making a run about the same time. We may meet up with him if he goes. If anyone else wants to join us for dinner or touring, that would be cool. (We hate to miss the PiP, but just couldn't work that out.)



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