What
A design-focused luxury hotel in the heart of vibrant Athens, the New Hotel is a symbol of progress in the exciting capital city of Greece. The renowned brother duo — Humberto and Fernando Campana — of Brazil are the design brains behind this striking property, filled with exciting interior design elements (created by local art pupils) including repurposed furniture and a fresh use of texture, as well as contemporary art by Laurie Anderson and Jenny Holzer. The seven-floor, 79-room boutique hotel is home to an unforgettable rooftop bar with views stretching across all of Athens and a window swathed restaurant with a seriously satisfying breakfast, including addictive still-warm-from-the-oven croissants.
Where
New Hotel is located in the historic Plaka neighborhood of Athens, smack in the center of the sprawling city. Shopping, restaurants, and attractions are all within easy walking distance of the front door, including Syntagma (Constitution) Square. The best room in the hotel is undoubtedly the penthouse suite — the only room on the seventh floor. One standout feature of the suite is the colossal terrace, with a dining area in addition to lounge chairs, looking out at Athens’ most striking feature: the Acropolis perched on top of its rock. At night, lights illuminate this landmark — and guests of the New Hotel’s penthouse have the best vantage point in all of Athens to admire the vista.
When
Depending on your travel style, there are different ideal times to pay a visit to Athens. The summer is often considered the high season, with many tourists flocking to the city before or after trips to the Greek Islands — but this time of year can be crowded and very hot. To avoid the crowds and the climbing temperatures, plan a trip to Greece in the spring months (April through mid-June) or during the fall (September and October). Another factor to keep in mind are the different holiday seasons — Easter, for example, is a big holiday in Greece. If you want to participate in the festivities (or prefer to avoid them), plan accordingly.
Why
On top of superior service and true comfort, the New Hotel also has a sustainable philosophy and dedication to sense of place. This hotel — formerly the Olympic Palace Hotel — is distinct to Greece, with rooms featuring postcards from 1950s Athens and the instantly recognizable Greek evil eye motif. In addition to the special design, the rooftop bar is reason enough to book a room, serving signature drinks such as the Cucumber Saketini (sake, vodka, fresh cucumber) or the Aloe Vera (Citron vodka, melon liqueur, fresh lime juice, soda). There are many wonderful restaurants and bars in Athens, but we don’t blame you if you find yourself stepping into the elevator to start each evening with a drink right in the hotel. A young, energetic approach to hospitality has impressed and drawn upscale international travelers, and it’s easy to understand why.
Photos Courtesy of The New Hotel
