Inspired by the classic modernism movement that gripped Athens from the 1950s to 70s, as well as tipping a cap to the city’s impeccable architectural credentials, AthensWas emerges as a fresh, modern celebration of Greek design.
BERLIN – Design Hotels‘ latest addition to the Athens hospitality landscape is a throwback to the glory days of classic modernism. Opened April 2015, AthensWas takes mid-century flair and spins it with ancient Greek forms and architecture. Original and founder of acclaimed design studio Stage Design Office, Stavros Papayiannis, has created a hotel that artfully references the city’s rich timeworn past while capturing the zeitgeist of the modern day capital, all within the foothills of the iconic Acropolis.
Cool, Calm and Collected
Inspired by the classic modernism movement that gripped Athens from the 1950s to 70s, as well as tipping a cap to the city’s impeccable architectural credentials, AthensWas emerges as a fresh, modern celebration of Greek design. The glossy surfaces of locally-sourced marble and walnut dominate the cool design tone of the 21-room hotel, which is defined by large, light-filled spaces and the imaginative use of glass ‘walls’. Furniture by modern masters such as Le Corbusier, Ettore Sottsass, and Michael Graves, are dotted around guest areas, making the hotel a design destination in its own right in a city brimming with cultural hotspots.
The old-meets-new aesthetic continues in the guestrooms, which feature soft, walnut furnishings-illuminated by custom lighting by industrial designer Konstantin Grcic. The walls trace the narrative of the cradle of western civilization through prints of sculptures and artefacts from the National Archaeological Museum. Each room boasts their own private verandah and jardiniere from which to take in the otherworldly wonder of the Athenian landscape.
Modern Restaurant & Rooftop
Keeping form with the cosmopolitan flavor of the hotel, Modern Restaurant’s street-side locale is an open invitation to guests of the hotel and neighborhood passersby. Elegant and effortless, a buffed marble floor is offset by warm spice tones and natural wood. Clean lines are credited to the classic 1950 design of the Luisa chair by Italian designer Franco Albini (and produced by the renowned design firm, Cassina). Accessories by Ettore Sottsas, Mario Botta and Michael Graves dot the sleek space, punctuating the mid-century mannerisms seen throughout.
As one of Athen’s prime city gazing destinations, unbeatable views are found at the rooftop restaurant and bar on the hotel’s sixth floor. From this vantage point, drinks and dinner are served against a backdrop of the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus and the old Olympic stadium, as well as the larger cityscape. Here, culinary cues are centered in Greek tradition where the simplicity of the preparations allows the quality of the ingredients to truly shine.
Location
Tucked onto a quiet, pedestrian-friendly cobbled street of Plaka, AthensWas is an oasis of calm amid the Athenian bustle. Lying at the northeastern base of the Acropolis and set snugly next to the National Gardens, Athens’ oldest district claims its fair share of the capital’s natural and historical beauty. In addition, its cobbled streets are dotted with art galleries, museums, cafes, fine restaurants, and plenty of Ouzo taverns to quench the post-ogling thirst.
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