An elegant late 1920’s residence becomes the home of this Athens’ boutique hotel

Shila Athens blends secluded cosy luxury with the lively buzz of the city center!

Located in a quiet pedestrian street, in the fashionable neighbourhood of Kolonaki, a late 1920s residence in the heart of Athens, brings new meaning and inspiration to the concept of the boutique hotel. Shila Athens’ specific context evokes a sense of secluded luxury and refuge from the exciting buzz of Athenian inner-city life.

Combining traditional elements and the contemporary – and reminiscent of a hotel particulier – this neoclassical house comprises six distinctively designed suites. Each room is unique in character and theme, and yet with a unifying element of simplicity and comfort. The idea is for visitors to immediately feel indulged and at home, and yet at the same time, to experience an otherworldly realm of elegance and sensuality. Athens’ new boutique hotel offers the ultimate curated experience in culinary, art, design, and indulgent self-care.

Shila Athens aims to be more an experience rather than just a hotel. It features a lush courtyard, a tranquil rooftop garden, lounging areas and reading nooks, ideally suited for gatherings and private events. Stepping inside the library lounge, surrounded by authentic rustic walls, vintage fixings, original 1920s mosaic floors, and an eclectic piano, you are immediately transported elsewhere. Curated art and books add to Shila’s enigmatic ambiance, evoking the feel of a collector’s home.

One of the hotel’s highlights is the rooftop garden. With lush plants, comfy sofa beds and a gorgeous wood table to work, enjoy a drink, or host a private dinner, this urban oasis is food for the soul.

Designwise, the hotel is sophisticated, relaxed, with vintage accents. The use of raw materials, such as marble and stone, combined with metal structures, locally milled wood and vintage fabrics evoke a timeless aesthetic. The rare selection of furniture was sourced from a Greek family-run wood-making enterprise dating back to the 1920s till the turn of the century. The family also worked with a beautiful line of vintage fabrics from different parts of the world. The legacy of these materials forms the basis of Shila’s interiors, contributing to its beautiful and mysterious atmosphere.

An artsy touch 

Shila’s team has strong ties to both the local and international art & design scenes, and across the year works of art are curated for guests to enjoy throughout the hotel space. Each suite features its own collection of artworks and the lounge and library areas play host to private exhibitions. The contemporary art scene in Athens is thriving and was reported on by The Financial Times, Athens: an art capital arises, which Shila is proud to be featured in. The current collection that is displayed in the hotel includes work, whose disciplines include painting, photography and ceramics. All works are for sale and international shipping can be organised.

Exclusive amenities

With Greece’s abundance of natural materials, produce and well-preserved local crafts, the team was compelled to showcase passionate producers and local artisans. As Shila continues to build connections with entrepreneurs, with whom she shares like-minded values, she will continue to pursue the finest in culinary, art, design and generous self-care. This currently includes the natural bath products exclusively made for the hotel (in collaboration with AEGLI PREMIUM ORGANICS), the bespoke robes made from Greek linen to the raw ingredients of the home-made delicacies (KIMOLOS HONEY, KLEOPATRA’S PANTRY) and the excellent single-origin coffee beans (ANANA). Shila has placed deep thought and soul into every detail.

Taking into account the changes in the way we travel following the pandemic, Shila is very attuned to visitors’ sensitivities and needs in this regard. It strictly follows international hygiene guidelines and hospitality protocol.

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