Hotel Collection

The Modernist

Athens, Greece

Why it Made Our List Kolonaki instead of the tourist centre, Scandinavian minimalism in a former embassy, and a team that’s clearly obsessed with getting the details right. The Modernist is a different kind of hotel, and we mean that as a compliment.

At a Glance

A 1950s corner building in Kolonaki, formerly the Canadian Embassy, redesigned by FORMrelated with mid-century lines, Scandinavian restraint and contemporary Greek craft. The palette is dark and deliberate: anthracite timber, black marble, brass. Custom furniture throughout, local art on the walls, and a vinyl collection you can actually play.

Rooms run from compact S categories to top-floor XL suites with private hot tubs and panoramic terraces. There’s a size for every kind of stay.
Kolonaki is residential, leafy, and largely off the tourist circuit. Lycabettus Hill is at the doorstep, the National Gallery a short walk. Syntagma Square is close when you want it, but the neighbourhood has its own rhythm.

The rooftop bar serves cocktails developed with Nikos Bakoulis of LINE, and the Acropolis view from up there is hard to argue with. Mornings start with a solid breakfast and TAF coffee. By late afternoon, there’s a complimentary Greek wine tasting in the dining room. Staff are warm, well informed and genuinely proud of the place.

Our Take: The smart base for anyone who wants Athens beyond the Acropolis postcard. Design, comfort and a neighbourhood that rewards curiosity.

Rooms We Love

L Room

Two balconies, generous living space, leafy street views and good natural light. The sweet spot between the compact lower categories and the splurge of the XL.

XL Room

Located on the top floor. Private terrace with outdoor hot tub and 180-degree views from Lycabettus to the sea. Record player and vinyl, complimentary spirits trolley, along with a Polaroid camera.

Family Suite

An interconnected S and L room with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and enough space for everyone to breathe. Kids receive a Bauhaus colouring book and popcorn machine

Dining

Modernist Cafe
Ground-floor all-day dining with a Mediterranean-Greek menu. Nourishing bowls, salads, light plates. Ingredients sourced in part from Ergon, coffee from a custom TAF Roasters blend. Breakfast is a highlight, buffet with made-to-order options.

Breakfast: 7:00-10:30
All-day menu: 11:30-23:30

Rooftop Bar 1818
Panoramic city views with the Acropolis front and centre. Cocktail programme by Nikos Bakoulis (co-founder of LINE). Order via the retro telephone on the terrace.

Open until 23:30

Daily Wine Tasting
Complimentary for guests, around 5:00 PM in the dining room. Six Greek wines with a grazing platter. A good way to start the evening.