Moments away from the best restaurants in Athens, the Old Royal Palace that overlooks Syntagma Square and less than 10 minutes walk from the narrow and winding streets of Plaka, near the slopes of the Acropolis, New Hotel is in pretty much, the perfect location for a long weekend in Athens.
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| The view from my room |
What’s the vibe at NEW Hotel Athens?
From the outside five-star New Hotel doesn’t look all that impressive, the seven storey building kind of blends in to the rest of downtown Athens, but once inside, the quirky design takes over. A huge reception area is decked out with interesting furniture and wall features, collaged together with pieces of wood (a theme throughout), while downstairs you'll find a workspace, old-school telephone booth, gym and small spa. I tried the steam bath and jacuzzi in the spa one rainy day, and while it's quite small it's an added little bonus from this quirky, cool hotel. The hotel was pretty calm for the duration of my stay, I didn’t see too many other guests so the vibe was pretty chilled and very friendly.
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| One of the many playful features throughout the hotel |
How are the rooms at NEW Hotel Athens?
I stayed in a superior double room with floor the ceiling windows which opened out onto a balcony that looked over the Church of Sotera Lykodemos opposite. Decorated with fun furniture, desk area and old prints of Athens covering the walls it felt modern and well designed. The room was split in two by a cool jagged edged mirror but it felt spacious and I loved the pretty brass sink which reminded me of Nobu Shoreditch hotel's bathrooms, and the rainfall shower containing Olive Era beauty products.
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| Wash area with cool brass sink |
What is there to eat and drink?
I only tried breakfast at the hotel during my stay, as it was complimentary with my booking. There was a good selection of the usual pastries, cold meats and cheese, cereals and fruits plus some traditional Greek savoury and sweet pastries or you could order hot dishes from the menu. The breakfast area on the ground floor by the reception is decorated with more art including an industrial looking electronic sign with kitsch slogans. There are mini bars in all rooms, and the hotel's roof terrace, with views over the Parthenon, serves cocktails and dinner.
Any highlights?
A small touch but much appreciated was the delicious, complementary Turkish delight by reception. Staff were super attentive and very friendly throughout my stay, offering advice and restaurant recommendations—a definite high point compared to a lot of London hotels. I also loved the travel magazines in my bedroom, especially Nomas, which I’ll be looking out for at home. The balcony was great for relaxing on each evening before dinner and every day a new tray of baklava would be waiting for me after the room had been cleaned, another small touch that made me feel so welcome.
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| Mini bar, desk area and daily free baklava |
Anything they could improve on?
I was completely happy with my stay, nothing to note.
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Rooms start at $200 (£169) a night.
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