MonAsty Hotel Thessaloniki review: this property in northern Greece exudes a cosmopolitan elegance
An award-winning, designer stay.
Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is known for its youthful energy and relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. Combining a rich heritage with a thriving arts scene and eclectic cuisine, the de facto capital of northern Greece offers an intimate, authentic Greek experience. We think the sophisticated MonAsty Hotel is an ideal base for your next visit to “Greece’s Cultural Capital.” Its prime location, just metres from the city centre at Aristotelous Square and a five-minute stroll from Thessaloniki’s nearby waterfront esplanade puts the city’s attractions on your doorstep.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
MonAsty Hotel Thessaloniki review
The award-winning design
Opened in 2022, the five-star 100-room MonAsty’s subtle and playful design touches echo the rich 1,000-year history of the Byzantine Empire. The name “Mon” from monastery and “Asty”, meaning city, reflect this tapestry.
DelBlu Architetti were responsible for the hotel’s overall design, while the interior was handled by Not A Number Architects in collaboration with D2C2 Architects & Engineers. MonAsty’s architecture and interior design have been recognised with national and international awards.
Subtle use of natural and artificial lighting in the lobby and common spaces and austere materiality reference the mystic atmosphere of the numerous Christian orthodox temples still evident in the city. Darker neutral shades from Byzantine iconography inform the interior’s colour palette. Additionally, design elements such as alcove-shaped banquette seating and domed ceilings are carefully combined. In contrast, materials that celebrate craftsmanship, such as weathered leather, woven rattans, brushed wood, and smeared mortars, create a rich tactile experience.
Greek painter and muralist Fikos Antonios is responsible for the two commissioned and wall-filling contemporary Byzantine paintings in Samite Gastro Bar. This artistic manifestation continues in an especially created series of Samite silk scarves. Woven Samite silk was revered by Byzantine emperors and their court and these locally created MonAsty scarves are framed and decorate the hotel’s common areas, rooms, and suites.
Rooms
Given its central location, MonAsty is perfect for business or leisure travellers. Rooms and suites ranging from 22 to 48 sq-m feature modern-day facilities like free WIFI, an espresso coffee machine and glorious bathroom amenities from Phytomer, a world-renowned French organic and eco-conscious marine skincare and cosmetics producer.
Our Twin Room also had a usable work space, comfortable lounge seating, and a spacious balcony with glimpses of Vasileos Irakleiou Street below. Traditional monastic design elements like the arches plus art detail from the Samite silk scarf art collection added warmth and unique character to the space.
Food and drink
The property boasts two outlets on the street-lobby level. Samite Gastro Bar is a vibrant all-day bar, café, and lounge and boasts a “secret” garden for a quiet escape from the bustling city just outside. Delectable breakfast, excellent morning coffee, brunch, light lunch, sophisticated cocktails, and comforting meals are all available. The Greek-cuisine-influenced breakfast really set us up for the day.
With its direct street frontage, Botargo opens evenings offering a Byzantine heritage-inspired culinary journey through monastic recipes, techniques, and well-kept secrets that promote well-being and longevity. Botargo is about seasonal fresh local ingredients and surprising combinations, creating Greek cuisine with a twist. A four-course Chef’s Journey and additional wine pairing are available along with the a la carte menu.
Open to all, the rooftop bar ENNEA presents views of the Thermaic Gulf on one side and Ano Poli or Thessaloniki’s Upper or Old Town on the other. With its upscale boho-chic design and relaxed indoor and outdoor ambience, this all-day into the late evening destination pairs coffee and light bites till afternoon and an exceptional wine and cocktail list with a delicate collection of tapas-style snacks for the evening. The La Spezia cocktail was my favourite, bringing together Italian bergamot liqueur, French bitters, elderflower, jasmine and Aegean tonic in a particularly refreshing combination.
What else
Though independently owned and operated, MonAsty is also a Marriott’s Autograph Collection member. A fully equipped, spacious, state-of-the-art fitness centre illuminated by natural light is available 24/7. An intimate pool adjoining the ENNEA rooftop bar also boasts fantastic sea views. The beautiful MonAsty silk scarves featured throughout the hotel are also available for sale, making them an ideal memento for travellers.
Whether drawn by Thessaloniki’s history, culture or vibrant energy, the centrally located MonAsty Hotel offers a thematically pleasing and luxurious haven when visiting this dynamic city.
Learn more about MonAsty Hotel, Thessaloniki, Autograph Collection or Book through Booking.com
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