Hotel Review: Mona Athens, Raw Luxury and Delicate Details

Hotel Review Mona Athens

Tucked into a gritty alley in the downtown Athens neighbourhood of Psyrri, sits Mona Athens boutique hotel: a sanctuary for the senses just moments away from buzzing Monastiraki Square. 

The lowdown

Housed in a building from the 1950s that has been preserved with great love and creativity, Mona Athens is the ideal spot for those who seek a unique stay and want to be among the bustle of downtown Athens. 

Details

The delicate details throughout Mona Athens are in contrast to the underground feel of its street-level surrounds. The plush yet industrial touches you see in the rooms and common spaces are custom, hand-made, or recycled from found materials and made by the hotel’s design studio House of Shila. Many of the items on display are also available for purchase. 

Rooms

The hotel has 20 rooms of different sizes that each embody a raw sense of luxury in their own way. The openness of the rooms reflects the hotel’s philosophy of surrender and freedom. The bath area in particular, which includes a large bathtub, has an open design with sheer draping (heavy velvet curtains make for room separators when privacy is needed). Boasting comforts like raw cotton sheets and ultra-comfortable low, natural mattresses treated with olive oil, there’s also fresh coffee beans, loose-leaf tea and a minibar filled with gourmet Greek products making guests feel right at home. Room types include the Intimate, Velvet, Floret, Amour, Penthouse and Mona suites, sleeping 2-4 people.

Food + Drinks

The breakfast room on the ground level is a peaceful communal space that resembles an industrial living room surrounded by exquisite design pieces. The Levantine-inspired breakfast includes savoury and sweet options, such as eggs, a selection of mouthwatering spreads served with sourdough bread, yogurt bowl and pancakes. Your morning coffee and choice of food can also be enjoyed in the comfort of the rooms or on the rooftop. Also good to note, room service is available throughout the day.

Extras touches

When Mona’s rooftop isn’t playing host to art and book launches or supper club events, it makes for a stylish spot to unwind while serving yourself from the Honest Bar which runs on an honour system. A selection of hand-picked natural wines is a highlight. 

Mona’s reception and concierge services are accessed via a tablet placed in each room. Here, you can also find information about additional services that can be arranged for guests like personal training sessions, massage treatments and laundry services. 

What’s close-by

Almost everything! Being a few minutes walk from Monastiraki Square means that you’ll be moments from the Monastiraki Flea Market, the historical district of Plaka and walking distance to the Acropolis, along with great bars, cafes and restaurants just a stone’s throw away. Also worth mentioning is the close proximity to the metro line that takes you to both the Airport and Piraeus port. 

Highlight of stay

While there’s no shortage of accommodation options in downtown Athens, it’s the cool, considered details that make Mona Athens stand out from the pack.  

Perfect for

Trendy couples and 30 to 40-something travellers who want to indulge in a feeling of sensuality and comfort while in the heart of downtown Athens.

Accommodation type: Boutique hotel 

Location: Kakourgodikiou 4, Athens

Athens’ New Boutique Hotel For Foodies Opens Up

If you are heading to the Greek capital and looking for a luxury boutique hotel that pairs stand-out accommodation with award-winning fine dining, check out xenodoxeio Milos, which just opened its door in downtown Athens.

Offering fantastic, inventive dishes for breakfast lunch and dinner (made from locally sourced produce) lovers of gastronomy will be delighted with this new hotel that offers a culinary experience that is sure to hit the spot.

Located in downtown Athens, opposite the Old Parliament House- an area rich in history, culture, art and cuisine- xenodoxeio Milos offers a great base to explore the centre of the Greek capital and its surrounding neighbourhoods.

With 43 stunning rooms and suites boasting contemporary design, minimalistic art and sophisticated décor, each room is complemented by a series of handpicked personalised amenities. Featuring high ceilings, marble bathrooms, wooden floors, velvet soft furnishing, and spacious outdoor sunny terraces, guests are made to feel welcome from the moment they arrive. There are also private event spaces available, as well as rooftop yoga and pilates classes, and a gym on site. 

Offering some of the world’s finest Mediterranean dishes from acclaimed founder and chef executive Costas Spiliadis (who has opened Milos restaurants in seven locations around the world including New York, London and Las Vegas) is ready to serve guests at his new spot that’s designed to please all the senses. 

“Our purpose is uncompromised respect- to our guests and to the ingredients we create our dishes with. We select the finest fresh raw materials and cook them with minimum interference to preserve their impeccable natural taste. Our distinguished farmers and fishermen are carefully chosen by our founder, Chef Costas Spiliadis, whose quest for quality and perfection remains unchanged and renowned,” says management.

“The menu provides a world-celebrated take on Mediterranean cuisine. Our passion for seafood is evident in every dish and our love for purity can be traced in even the finest details. Be prepared to rediscover well-known dishes cooked like never before and to establish your new favourites. Our team of distinguished chefs always explore new ways to delight you,” they added.

xenodoxeio Milos 

7 Best New Boutique Hotels in Athens 

Uninterrupted views of the Acropolis, rooftop bars, elegant designs and stylish decor… the city is now full of boutique hotels so lovely that you’ll definitely want to stay for longer than a few days. And with so many new ones to choose from, here we round up 7 of our favourite! 

The Marblous Athens

Having recently opened its doors, Marblous is located in the heart of the city, close to Athens’ most vibrant neighbourhoods. Housed in a classic 1938 building, the design and decor are timeless and minimalist with blushing marble tiles and a pastel colour palette. Boasting a rooftop suite with views of the city and a charming breakfast bistro on the ground floor, it’s the ideal place to explore the lively city at your doorstep.

A: Voulis 24, Athens

Gem Society 

Right in the heart of Athens’ Historic Triangle, The Gem Society opened in June 2020, in an immaculately restored mint-green building. Simple, modern and spacious, this is the ideal base for culture enthusiasts, history buffs and anyone who wants to feel right at home. There’s also a cool bistro serving up all-day brunch, and the decadent spa features a stone-built hammam, a custom-built Cycladic inspired jacuzzi and private treatment rooms where you can unwind. 

A: Aristidou 3, Athina

Athens 1890 Boutique Hotel & Spa

Located in the centre of the Greek capital (only 300 m from Monastiraki) Athens 1890 opened its doors in September 2020, in a 19th-century textile store on Athinaidos Street. Spilling over six floors, there are 14 spacious rooms in total, some of which include a hot tub. There’s also a large open food hall on the ground floor; and a fully equipped spa. The mansion combines old-world charm with its elaborate facade, impressive wooden staircase, hand-painted ceilings and unique decor. Only steps away from the Acropolis hill and next to Ermou St– it’s an ideal starting point to explore Athens. 

A: Saint Eirini square, Athinaidos 10, Athina 

The Dilan 

Located 300 metres from Acropolis Museum, The Dilan features 11 suites and apartments set in a renovated 1930s building in the heart of ancient Acropolis. Having opened in October 2020, the spacious private suites and apartments have a distinctive style that features exposed stone walls and concrete columns. From the moment you step inside, you feel right at home and some rooms include a fully equipped kitchen- ideal for visitors seeking longer stays. Close to well-known attractions, it’s set 600 metres from Herodes Atticus, 600 metres from the Temple of Zeus and 600 metres from the Parthenon.

A: Falirou 33, Athina 

The Modernist 

Located in Kolonaki, and housed in the former Canadian Embassy, The Modernist is just metres from some of the Greek capital’s best boutiques, restaurants, bars; and Lycabettus Hill and the Museum of Cycladic Art are just 600 metres away. The rooms come in S, M, L and XL, and feature customised furniture, mood lighting and seamless comforts, the hotel, which also has a restaurant and concept store on-site, combines casual, contemporary luxury with mid-century detailing and minimalist Danish design.

A: Ioannou Gennadiou 4, Athina 

Asomaton

A century-old building in central Athens has been transformed into a boutique hotel, Asomaton opened its doors in August 2020. The building made from wood and stone was a horse carriage wheel repair shop in the early 1900s and its historical essence blends in beautifully with its new contemporary design. Here you will find an indoor swimming pool and spa to relax, plus a rooftop terrace where guests are served breakfast and evening drinks. It’s located very close to the Acropolis with amazing views from the terrace and New York-based Greek artist Philip Tsiaras hosts his pop-artworks onsite.

A: 10 Asomaton St, Athina 

Oniro City 

This is another boutique hotel that recently opened in Kolonaki. Poised along a leafy, tree-lined street in Athens’ fashionable neighbourhood, Oniro City has been designed and furnished with impeccable style, cool contemporary lines, warm, earthy tones and layered textures, that give it a warm and inviting feel. From a gourmet breakfast to evening dining, the hotel restaurant is a great place to eat and from here you are only footsteps away from other great spots for food and shopping

A: Omirou 56, Athina 

Athens Capital Hotel – MGallery

Opening its doors in mid- 2020, MGallery brings an understated level of finesse to this cosmopolitan and vibrant city. The hotel is located at Syntagma Square and features 177 guest rooms, which include 18 suites and an impressive Presidential Suite with spectacular views of Lycabettus Hill. The design is modern and decor walnut hues and sea-blue accents are highlighted with contemporary furnishings. Galerie Café, the hotel’s lobby bar is a great spot for guests to enjoy a cocktail before heading to MFlavors, the hotel’s in-house restaurant.

A: 4 Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue and 2 Kriezotou St, Syntagma Square, Athina 

Cover image: The Modernist

Shila: Athens’ Striking Boutique Hotel

If you are searching for an extra special place to stay in the heart of Athens, this striking mid-century 1920s residence that has been converted into a boutique hotel is ideal as it transports you to another world with its charming decor and eclectic style.  

Insights Greece - Shila: Athens' Striking Boutique Hotel

Shila is an ethereal late 1920s property located in the heart of the Greek capital and brings new meaning and inspiration to the concept of a boutique hotel. This is a place where you feel indulged and carefree, and at the same time, are able to experience an otherworldly realm of elegance and sensuality. 

Location
Situated in the ultra-chic Kolonaki neighbourhood, you are only moments away from Syntagma, Monastiraki and some of the Greek capital’s best museums, cafes, boutique stores, restaurants and bars. 

Style & Character 

Sophisticated, mid-century vibe mixing, ethereal, romantic, vintage and antique furnishings in the classiest way. Each corner of this hotel has been expertly curated with stunning pieces of artwork and furniture. The property is filled with life and soul and truly feels lived in. Internal features take from the original architectural elements of the building. 

Room Types

Cleverly combining elements of the bygone and the contemporary – this neoclassical house comprises of six distinctively designed suites, each unique in character, with a unifying element of simplicity and inviting charm. There are six rooms sleeping between 2 – 4 people, each differing and curated to create the ultimate romantic escape within the city. Art plays a big part within the hotel and each suite features its own collection as well as the lounge and library areas, which often host private exhibitions.

Insights Greece - Shila: Athens' Striking Boutique Hotel

Facilities

The hotel features a lush courtyard, tranquil rooftop, lounging areas, and reading nooks, ideally suited for social gatherings, art exhibitions and private events. The sumptuous lounge and library area feature rustic walls, vintage fixtures, original 1920s mosaic floors, and an eclectic piano. 

Ideal for… Couples and friends looking for a perfectly tranquil escape within a busy city.

Food & Drinks

Complimentary breakfast provided daily

Espresso machine with fresh beans 

Artisan products in mini bar

Extras are available upon request

Insights Greece - Shila: Athens' Striking Boutique Hotel

Services

  • Concierge 
  • Wifi iPad & Netflix
  • Custom-made towels & sheets
  • Daily breakfast driver
  • Car rental
  • Laundry / dry cleaning
  • Car parking
  • Private hire of the entire property
  • Event hire of rooftop and library lounge

Shila