The Modernist Athens slated to open in Autumn

The Modernist Athens has revealed it will open its doors in Autumn this year, marking the second property in entrepreneur Kostis Karatzas’ hospitality brand after The Modernist Thessaloniki.

The hotel is situated in the former Canadian embassy in Kolonaki, in a building that commingles the minimalism of post-war 1950s architecture with the nowness of sleek yet subtle spaces. With clean, symmetrical lines that stay true to the brand’s design philosophy, the property’s exterior stands out amidst the vibrant cityscape.

Maintaining the playful juxtapositions of art deco elements, mid-century detailing and Danish design that are found in its sister Thessaloniki hotel, the hotel’s high-quality offerings are grounded by the interior and exterior’s well-honed, cool character. The result is a relaxed environment that welcomes guests from the moment they set foot in the lobby.

Guests are greeted by sharp contrasts in colour and shape, which anchor them back in the present day. The raw assertiveness of the marble, plaster, bronze and black glass within the lobby juxtaposes the softer, more refined nature of the oak wood floors, leather headboards and artful mid-century-inspired furnishings found inside the rooms.

Collaborating architects FORMrelated made use of an eclectic mix of local and international interior design brands, whilst employing custom builds such as embossed veneer panels and bronze details to articulate the second addition to the Modernist brand.

Comprising 38 rooms spread across six floors, each is designed to be modern, offering an uncomplicated aesthetic that is elevated by custom lighting and made-to-measure furniture. Room sizes are split into four categories – S, M, L, XL – making it easy for guests to pick the most suitable option for their needs.

On the ground floor, a breakfast buffet transforms into an all-day café bar, in which plywood and marble blend together to create a warm atmosphere. Meanwhile, a rooftop garden, outfitted with verdant greens, offers guests views of the Acropolis.

“The Modernist is about contemporary hospitality that inspires curiosity and authentic experiences,” comments Karatzas. “Ethics and aesthetics course through everything we do, as an invisible thread that connects us with the world. Following the opening of our first property in Thessaloniki two years ago, Athens was a natural step for us, and this is only the beginning for our brand.”