The cradle of democracy, Greece is a centre for history and culture. But in the 21st century, the country is getting its fair share of boutique boltholes, too. In the capital, The Modernist Athens is a chic, Scandi-inspired property located in the tranquil local neighbourhood of Kolonaki and within easy striking distance of Athens’ world-class museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Plus, take a look at our guide to where and what to eat in Athens (including food tours, street food, and some of the best tavernas in town) and our story on the best things to do in Athens for a first-time visitor.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

The Modernist Athens review

The Modernist Athens facade of building
The striking facade of the building

Situated in a building that was, until 2015, the city’s Canadian Embassy, The Modernist Athens welcomes guests with a perfectly calibrated blend of modernity and timelessness – not to mention chic minimalist design given some punch with quiet luxury. Think clean, Scandinavian style with mid-century details that quietly acknowledge the building’s storied past. Wes Anderson could easily film his next movie here without having to do much set design.

Stepping through the glass doors and up the stairs, guests immediately feel a sense of calm overtake as they enter into the relaxed atmosphere and earthy tones of the lobby. On one side stands the discreet welcome desk – manned by friendly staff who efficiently handle check-ins and all manner of guest enquiries – two guest computers, and the hotel’s boutique wall stocked with branded merch. On the other is the hotel’s chic, airy dining room.

Keep an eye out for the quirky touches that are a hallmark of the property. Hidden behind the lobby – next to the lifts and facing the stairs – is a board featuring a monthly calendar of events. Some are hotel initiatives – think tastings and yoga – while others are major city festivals and fun. And, if you happen to make your way to the basement (there’s a gym, though it doesn’t offer too much by way of equipment), you may just spot a framed Canadian flag.

A personal oasis

The Modernist Athens guestroom
The rooms at the hotel are inspired by Scandinavian design

The Modernist Athens features four categories of rooms – simply labelled S, M, L, and XL. Each one is a quiet oasis designed to maximise guest comfort, while customised furniture, mood lighting, and cleverly-chosen mod-cons add plenty of personality without becoming intrusive.

My L room is generously proportioned and rendered in a style in keeping with the rest of the hotel. There are warm timber floors, sleek light fixtures, shelves filled with quirky objets d’art and books, and even a chic minibar stocked with plenty of Greek produce (including local, Modernist-branded wines).

So far, so good, but there are a few features that deserve mention. My personal favourite are the two balconies that flood the room in natural light and frame leafy street views—the Marshall speaker, great for an in-room dance party, is a close second—but the black-marble-and-bronze writing desk and the open “wardrobe” (hanging rail and drawers) are cute touches, too.

The Modernist Athens bathrooms
Sleek and sophisticated bathing awaits

The bathrooms continue the minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics with walls of white tiles and black grouting, black fixtures, a marble vanity, a cheeky mirror setup, and some high-quality, locally-produced organic amenities by Physis Laboratory.

Fancy treating yourself? Book a top-floor XL room which features a private jacuzzi on the balcony with Acropolis views.

More than a hotel

The rooms are great, sure, but The Modernist Athens gives guests plenty of reasons to stay and play.

The Modernist Athens dining area
Grab a seat and enjoy a hearty breakfast

The ground-floor dining room isn’t big—this isn’t a large hotel, after all—but feels wonderfully homey. For breakfast, sit at the communal table by the lush, green feature wall or grab a table for two for an intimate tête-à-tête, then tuck into a decadent buffet featuring subtle nods to Greek culinary traditions, along with made-to-order coffees and hot dishes.

Want a dose of Greek culture without leaving the hotel? Slip back into the dining room for happy hour, around 5pm. The Modernist Athens hosts a daily tasting of Greek wines, where guests can sample six locally-produced wines alongside a hefty grazing platter – it’s the perfect way to begin your evening.

Upstairs, the breezy rooftop terrace is a cosy spot for a morning coffee or aperitif. Yes, you can spot the Acropolis from here, so sink into one of the stylish seating setups, grab a drink from the bar that pops up here by night, and kick back to relax or shoot the breeze with your companions. No staff in sight? No problem. There’s an old-school rotary phone you can use to order whatever you need.

Many hotels these days try to brand themselves as boutique properties, simply because they have a cute design scheme. The Modernist Athens, though, is truly deserving of the title. The quirky, elegant design is, of course, a major part of this. But it’s the small, homey nature, the personable staff, and the real insider touch that makes this hotel truly boutique. Its location – in a less touristy part of town – definitely helps.

Find out more about The Modernist Athens or Book through Booking.com

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