The Modernist Athens

In a former embassy on a leafy Kolonaki square, The Modernist Athens brings mid century character, contemporary Greek creativity and the easy atmosphere of a neighbourhood hotel to one of the capital's most sophisticated districts.

The building began life as the Canadian Embassy, and its handsome modernist architecture provides much of the hotel's identity. Long balconies wrap around the corner façade, while inside the original clarity of the structure has been interpreted through warm timber, parquet floors, tactile fabrics and a restrained palette influenced by mid century and Danish design.

There is personality here too, and it appears in details that reward a closer look rather than grand gestures. Art, books, carefully chosen objects and beautifully considered lighting soften the architectural lines, while vinyl and music form a recurring thread throughout the hotel. The result feels particularly appropriate for Kolonaki, polished and cosmopolitan but connected to the creative life of the neighbourhood around it.

Rooms & Suites

Rooms are simply named Small, Medium, Large and XLarge, an approach that neatly captures The Modernist's straightforward character. The aesthetic remains consistent throughout, with pale timber, parquet floors and clean lines accompanied by espresso machines and Marshall speakers, while selected rooms add balconies that open the interiors towards the surrounding streets and square.

The larger categories provide more generous living space, with Large Triple and Family accommodation extending the concept for guests travelling together. Turntables and a vinyl collection bring another layer of individuality to the stay, alongside the hotel's signature drinks trolley stocked with a selection of spirits.

Dining

The Modernist Café is the social heart of the ground floor, beginning the day with a carefully sourced breakfast before settling into the rhythm of coffee, drinks and informal meetings. It works as much as a neighbourhood space as a hotel one, giving the lobby a genuine sense of life throughout the day.

Upstairs, The Modernist Rooftop changes the perspective completely. Open to the Athens sky, it is a relaxed place for drinks and conversation above the city, and one of the hotel's most appealing spaces as the light begins to soften towards evening.

Experience

A 24 hour fitness centre, bicycle rental and walking and cycling experiences make it easy to build activity into a city stay. The concierge can also help unlock Athens beyond its headline landmarks, with local culture, galleries, food and neighbourhood life all forming part of the experience.

Much of the pleasure, however, comes from simply stepping outside. Kolonaki is made for wandering, with independent boutiques, cafés, restaurants and galleries threaded through streets that rise towards Lycabettus Hill. Returning afterwards to the calm geometry and residential atmosphere of The Modernist feels very much part of its appeal.

Wellness

Wellbeing is kept refreshingly straightforward, centred on the 24 hour fitness space and the freedom to shape the day around the city. Lycabettus Hill provides one of Athens' great urban walks almost from the doorstep, while the rooftop offers an altogether easier place to slow the pace once the exploring is done.

Where

The Modernist sits in Kolonaki, one of central Athens' most established residential and cultural neighbourhoods, close to Lycabettus Hill and the Museum of Cycladic Art. Syntagma and the historic centre remain easily accessible, while the immediate surroundings provide enough restaurants, galleries, cafés and shops to make Kolonaki an enjoyable part of the stay in its own right.

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