You can tell that when art collector Dakis Joannou took on the challenge of reinventing the tired Olympic Palace, he had a vision of an Athens of the future. You won’t see any stone columns in this property – throughout the New Hotel, one of the world’s Design Hotels, we found über creative features and materials – starting from the modernist building, to salvaged furniture from the old hotel now decking the walls in a bold artistic statement, to the artwork so strategically placed that you just can’t pass by without stopping to admire it.
Our rooms were stunning, the copper industrialist bathrooms merged seamlessly into plush comforts in the bedroom. The all-seeing-eyes even lit up to ensure we knew where we were. Attention to detail is unsurpassed here – from the top floor terrace and restaurant, offering stunning views of the Acropolis outside and fashionistas inside, to the sublime spa, down to the designer copper teaspoons that graced our cups of coffee. The surrounding area is also undergoing a renaissance, you’ll find great independent boutiques, small businesses and hipster bars in the backstreets around the hotel.