Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQs page is designed to provide you with quick answers to common questions about your stay at Athena Hotel. Whether you're inquiring about booking details, amenities, check-in and check-out times, parking options, or local attractions, you'll find helpful information to make your experience as seamless as possible. We aim to address any concerns you may have before or during your stay, ensuring that you have all the information you need for a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

What is the difference between the non-refundable and standard rate on your website?

Non-Refundable - No refunds any time after booking - Full Payment will be taken for non-refundable reservations. Standard Rate - Can cancel free of charge 3 days prior to arrival. Please contact us via email to cancel your reservation. The amount of the first night stay will be pre-authorized, and full payment is due on arrival. The pre-authorized amount will only be charged in case of no-show or late cancellation.
Does payment need to be taken in advance or can I pay directly at the property?

Non-Refundable - All payments are taken in advance at the time of booking. Standard Rate - Full payment is due on arrival. Please contact the reception if you would like to make payments in advance.
What should I do if my card was declined when trying to take payment?

If your card is declined or we are unable to process payment or pre-authorize your reservation, the hotel will contact you directly with instructions on how to confirm your booking. Please be cautious of scams and fraudulent emails. Always contact the hotel directly using the reservations number listed on our official website to ensure all communications are legitimate. Never provide confidential booking information unless you have confirmed with our reservations department that the message is from us.
Do I need to pay any additional taxes/fees on arrival at the property?

No additional taxes or fees are due upon arrival at the property.
When can I get an invoice for my stay?

If you are paying upon arrival, we can issue your invoice at any time during your stay, either as a printed copy or via email. If you have pre-paid, please contact our reception, and we will email the invoice to you.
Is parking available at the property?

Please contact our reception if you wish to book parking. If parking is booked in advance, we will arrange a car parking space for you upon arrival. While we will do our best to provide a space in our own parking area, please note that if no spaces are available, we will make alternative arrangements nearby to ensure your vehicle is accommodated. The cost for parking is £20 per day and keys are to be deposited with reception.
Do you provide taxi/shuttle services?

While we do not provide a free shuttle service, we are happy to arrange a quote with a local taxi firm for airport pick-up or drop-off. Please contact reception if you would like a quotation.
Can you provide directions to the hotel via train?

The closest station to the hotel is Paddington Station, accessible via the Underground (Bakerloo, Hammersmith & City, Circle lines), the Elizabeth Line, and National Rail. It is a 5-minute walk from Paddington to the hotel. Other nearby Underground stations include Edgware Road and Lancaster Gate, both a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Can you provide directions to the hotel from the airport?

Heathrow Airport: Take the Elizabeth Line or the Heathrow Express directly to Paddington. Gatwick Airport: Take the Gatwick Express or Southern Rail to Victoria Station, then transfer to the Circle Line to Paddington. Luton Airport: Take the Luton Airport Shuttle to Luton Airport Parkway Station, then the Thameslink train to St Pancras International. From there, take the Circle Line to Paddington. Stansted Airport: Take the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street Station, then transfer to the Circle Line to Paddington. London City Airport: Take the DLR to Bank Station, then transfer to the Central Line to Lancaster Gate, a 10-minute walk to Paddington.
Are there any local supermarkets nearby?

There are many local supermarkets and grocery stores within a 5-minute walking distance to the hotel.
I want to book for a large group, how can I do this?

For large groups where you need multiple rooms of the same room type, please contact the reception by email with your booking request. For smaller group bookings, you are able to book online; if you require any assistance, please contact our reception.
I have a special request about my stay, how can I add this onto my booking?

For any special requests or specific requirements, please contact our reception team so we can advise you on the feasibility. While we always strive to accommodate all special requests, we cannot guarantee that every request will be fulfilled.
Do you have interconnecting rooms?

We do not have interconnecting rooms; however, we offer family rooms which sleep up to 5 people.
Am I able to guarantee a specific room prior to arrival?

All rooms are allocated on the day of arrival. If you have any special requests or preferences, please contact us in advance so we can do our best to accommodate your needs.
What amenities do you have in the room?

All rooms are equipped with the following amenities: a kettle with tea and coffee facilities, a hairdryer, shampoo, soap, a safety deposit box, free high-speed Wi-Fi, a television, and a telephone.
Do you provide free Wi-Fi?

Yes, all rooms have free high-speed Wi-Fi.
Do the hotel rooms have air conditioning?

Unfortunately, we do not have air-conditioning in the rooms; however, we are more than happy to provide you with a fan upon request.
Do the hotel rooms have heating?

Yes, all rooms have a radiator for heating the room.
Do you have a fridge in the room?

We do not provide mini-fridges in the rooms.
Do you provide travel adaptors?

Please ensure you bring your own UK style plug adaptor for your stay. There are local shops which sell these if you forget to bring one with you.
Do you provide an iron?

Iron and ironing boards are available upon request at reception.
Are baby cots provided?

If you require a baby cot for your stay, please contact our reception in advance so we can ensure a baby cot is placed in your room.
Do you have a laundry service?

The hotel does not provide in-house laundry service; however, there is a local laundrette within a 5-minute walking distance from the hotel.
Is there an area in the hotel where I am able to work?

Our dining room can be used as a comfortable place to do any work outside of breakfast service hours.
Is there a lift?

We have a lift for access to the higher floors; however, please note that some areas of the hotel are not accessible by lift. If your room is not accessible by the lift, our staff will be happy to assist you by carrying your luggage to and from your room.
Do you have a concierge service?

Our experienced concierge team at the reception is happy to assist you with booking tours, making reservations, and providing travel advice for your time in London. Please feel free to ask any questions, whether before or during your stay.
What is the hotel smoking and electronic cigarette policy?

The hotel enforces a strict non-smoking policy, including the use of e-cigarettes. Smoking is only permitted outside the property. Smoking in the room may result in a fine and could lead to being asked to check out if the rules are not adhered to.
Is early check-in available?

Our check-in time is 2 PM. If a room is available upon arrival, of course you can check in early. If not, we are happy to store your luggage until your room is ready.
Is late check-out available?

Our check-out time is 11 AM. If you require a slightly later check-out or would like to extend your stay, please speak with reception on the day of check-out, and we will check availability. We are also happy to store your luggage free of charge for the remainder of the day.
Is daily housekeeping provided?

Housekeeping is provided daily and includes towel changing, rubbish collection, bathroom cleaning, bed making, replenishment of the tea/coffee station, and bed linen changes for long stays or upon request. If you do not wish to have housekeeping or prefer it on specific days only, please inform our reception during your stay.
Can you store luggage before check-in/after check-out?

Yes, we offer luggage storage free of charge on the day of check-in and the day of check-out.
Can you store luggage for extended periods of time prior to check-in or after check-out?

Yes, any luggage stored outside the check-in/check-out day can be stored with us at a charge of £5 per bag per day.
How can I modify or cancel my reservation under the standard rate plan?

Please contact our reservations department via email or telephone.
Am I able to make changes or cancel my booking under the non-refundable rate plan?

Unfortunately, no refunds are able to be provided if you decide to cancel your reservations or shorten your stay under the non-refundable rate plan.
Am I able to add on extra nights to my reservation?

Yes, please check our availability and book online to extend your stay. Contact our reception team via phone or email in advance so we can provide a continuous stay for your room.
I haven’t received a booking confirmation, what should I do?

Please contact our reservations department via email or telephone.