Revision: Examination: Modern Accommodation in Athens - embedding the historic cityscape
In the heart of Athens, Greece, the NEW Hotel stands as a unique blend of history and modernity, art and hospitality. Originally the Olympic Palace Hotel, it was transformed and reopened in 2011 by Cypriot art collector and hotelier Dakis Joannou, in collaboration with Brazilian designers Humberto and Fernando Campana [1][3][5].
Located between the historic Plaka neighborhood and the upscale Kolonaki district, the hotel bridges old and new Athens. The unique feature of the NEW Hotel is its function as a large-scale art installation and immersive cultural experience, rather than just a conventional hotel [1][3][5].
The interior design is a harmonious blend of handcrafted, custom-made furniture and recycled materials, merging Greek craft with modernist design. The hotel regularly hosts art exhibitions and installations connected to Joannou’s involvement in the contemporary art world, notably his DESTE Foundation. The walls showcase works by renowned artists including Jenny Holzer and Jeff Koons, creating a vibrant environment infused with creativity [1][3][5].
Amenities include the Art Lounge rooftop restaurant, serving Greek-inspired dishes with panoramic city views, a stylish Lobby Bar, and the NEW Sense wellness club featuring a Jacuzzi, steam bath, and gym. Rooms and suites number 79, and the hotel prioritizes artistic depth alongside hospitality, attracting guests who seek cultural immersion through luxury travel [3].
The hotel offers interactive installations, such as a public telephone that voices sweet nothings, adding to the immersive art gallery-like experience [1][3][5]. Rates at the NEW Hotel start from €280 a night, based on two people sharing [2].
Beyond the hotel, Athens is rich in cultural treasures. The Museum of Cycladic Art, located in the city center, houses 3,000 artefacts from the Cycladic archipelago, ancient Greece, and Cyprus [6]. The Parthenon, a temple on the Acropolis, has survived wars and conquests and once demonstrated the city's might [4]. Today, it is filled with tourists, guides, and school children.
Climbing the Parthenon can feel like a challenging task, but the view from the top, overlooking the city and the illuminated Acropolis at night, is truly breathtaking. For a taste of Athens' past, visit the historic Plaka neighborhood, with its narrow, winding streets and traditional tavernas. For a glimpse into the city's contemporary art scene, the NEW Hotel is the place to be [1][3][5].
For those interested in hands-on artistic experiences, Yi Art offers workshops for making ceramics in Athens [7]. The Koumkan restaurant at the Semiramis, the sister hotel of the NEW Hotel, has a moody vibe and transported the author to the heady days of social clubs in London and Paris of years gone by [8].
The NEW Hotel's history, ownership by an influential art collector, and its art-driven design and programming set it apart as a unique cultural landmark in Athens [1][3][5]. Subscribe to our website to gain exclusive early access to news, opinion, and analysis from our team of financial experts about this and other fascinating cultural destinations [9].
[1] The NEW Hotel [2] Booking.com [3] The Telegraph [4] BBC [5] The Guardian [6] Museum of Cycladic Art [7] Yi Art [8] The Caterer [9] Website's Magazine
The NEW Hotel, nestled between the historic Plaka neighborhood and the upscale Kolonaki district, offers guests a unique experience that seamlessly blends art and travel, creating an immersive cultural environment within a luxurious home-and-garden setting. After exploring the Athens' museums, such as the Museum of Cycladic Art, guests can return to the hotel and unwind in their room or indulge in Greek-inspired dishes at the Art Lounge rooftop restaurant, providing a perfect combination of lifestyle and travel experiences.
