Words by Ben Russell
Ancient Greece meets modern style, reflecting the very soul of the city itself in this elegant property. With luxurious design laced with the rich Hellenic heritage of philosophy and mythology, Academias Hotel is the perfect place to enjoy everything capital city Athens has to offer.
Hotel
When you walk into the lobby of Academias Hotel you’re greeted by a sophisticated interior of greens, golds, brushed metals and marble, which lean into the influences of the city’s past — be it through the corrugated texture of the bar, which echoes that of the Parthenon’s columns, or the quotes from Greek philosophers that adorn the walls. The hotel is an elegant meeting of modern luxury and the richness of ancient Greek culture.
Room
The stylish furnishings continue into the 60 well appointed rooms, and whichever style you pick, you’re in for a comfortable stay. All come with king size beds with Simmons mattresses, 330 thread-count combed linen, blackout curtains, designer Italian furniture and a combination of either a rain shower or bath – or both – complete with Diptyque bath products. The jewel in the crown is The A, the hotel’s premium suite which is spread out over 66 sqm and enjoys beautiful city views.
Food and drink
Your day starts in Symposium, which is named after Plato’s most widely read work. The restaurant looks out onto Akadimias Avenue, and you can watch the world go by as you enjoy an impressive buffet and a la carte menu. Not to be missed is the range of Mediterranean dishes on offer, including delicious Spanakopita and sumptuous homemade yoghurt.
Plato’s bar sits in the hotel’s lobby and offers an impressive selection of spirits, fine wines and cocktails, as well as a bar menu of beautifully fresh dishes, making it the perfect place to grab lunch.
When the evening comes round, take the elevator to the top floor where you’ll find NYX, the hotel’s Japanese fusion gastrobar.
NYX is the Greek for night, and with its dark, dramatic interior, it is aptly named. The styling creates the perfect ambience for dinner, and provides a picture frame for what has to be one of the most spectacular and unique views you will ever see from a restaurant: the Parthenon, towering above Athens, its pillars bathed in golden light set against the dark of the night.
The food lives up to the quality of the view, and everything is exquisitely presented, using ice, leaves and bamboo as garnishes.
The menu is a sharing concept made up of small plates and larger platters, which offers the chance to try lots of different things. Standouts include the crispy salmon tartar, beef salad and ceviche.
There’s an impressive selection of wine and spirits, and there’s also the option for a Sake pairing with your dinner. If cocktails are your thing, try the Samurai Spiced, a new addition to the cocktail list and a divine combination of Patron Silver, oregano, cherry tomato and green pepper. When it comes to dessert, the decadent chilli chocolate miso is not to be missed.
To do
Orloff Spa at Pnoes Wellness Centre offers a range of spa treatments, a sauna, and a well-equipped 24-hour gym. However, you might just want to recline on a lounger or take a swim in the beautifully lit pool – all while watching a film projected onto the wall.
The hotel is situated in the stylish neighbourhood of Kolonaki, where you can stroll round the orange-tree lined streets for a spot of shopping in the fashionable boutiques, enjoy the art galleries and museums, and stop off at one of the many bustling cafés for a Greek coffee.
Of course, no trip to Athens would be complete without taking a pilgrimage to the Parthenon which dominates the Athens skyline from the top of the Acropolis. It’s best to go later in the day to avoid the heat, and take it in as the sun sets over the city. Earlier in the day is the perfect time to go to the impressive Acropolis museum, which, having been done first, will make your trip up the hill all the more enjoyable once you have the proper context.
The city itself is full of history, and it’s worth doing a walking tour to take in the areas of of Plaka and Psyrri, where you see sights including the Arch of Hadrian, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium — which was restored to host the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
At 277 metres, Lycabettus hill is the highest point in the city, but if you’ve had your fill of climbing after the Acropolis, the ascent can be made via cable car. At the top you’ll find the church of St George and a restaurant bar, as well as the most incredible panoramic views over Athens and out to the Aegean Sea beyond. You can return with the cable car, or take a slow walk down the hill on a picturesque wooded track.
In a nutshell
A luxurious oasis blending the rich history of Ancient Greece with the vibrancy of modern Athens, makes Academias Hotel the perfect place to explore the city, or simply kick back with a cocktail and see it all from the comfort of the hotel.
Factbox
Address: 38 Akadimias, Omirou Street, Athina 106 72, Greece
Phone: +30 21 0367 0000
Website: academiashotel.com
Hotel photography courtesy of Academias Hotel.
