A memorable boutique experience and the cutest attic room in Athens
If what a visitor of Athens requires is a romantic boutique hotel with design touches, then Sir Hotel is the right choice. If it is an authentic experience of Athenian life with a dose of old world charm that he or she asks for, then this brand-new boutique hotel is again an excellent pick! To begin with, this gem of a hotel welcomes its guests at a really exceptional location. It is housed in an amazing tiny neoclassical building, a real Athenian dollhouse that evokes the elegance of the Belle Epoque era of the city.
More specifically, Sir Athens is located on Kaplanon st., this quiet pedestrian street that also looks like a thing of the past, full of trees and neoclassical buildings, an oasis in the off-Kolonaki area, which is the posh and fashionable neighborhood of the city center. Not to mention that it is a stone’s throw away from the famous Skoufa Street, full of fancy cafes and bars. Another closely held secret of Sir Athens, is its hidden and so instagrammable attic, like the ones we usually find in Paris Marais.
But let’s take it from the beginning. It is true that Athens is experiencing a tourist boom in hospitality the past seasons, with suites, lofts, apartments and hotels popping up everywhere. A connoisseur traveler who pays attention to the accommodation and expects both a character and value for money stay is exactly who the creators of Sir Athens had in mind when they opened the hotel a year ago.
Entering an Athenian neoclassical building, you cannot but wonder about its past. Full of architectural details of other eras, Sir Athens makes you think that you are in a place rich in history. As an Athenian myself, I always appreciate it when an excellent job has been done, turning a heritage building into a wonderful small hotel with individual charm and character. There are not many such buildings left in the city so it makes me really happy to see that they are tastefully restored and given a new lease of life!
I asked Katerina Petropoulou, one of the owners, about the story behind the building. Built back in 1800, Sir Athens is a part of the historic residence of Pavlos Kountouriotis, a politician and a prominent figure of Greek history.
Staying at the Sir Attic Suite
I was lucky to enjoy the hospitality of Sir Athens as well as the vibes of its attic. The moment you go in the attic suite you go ahhh. The “Sir Attic Suite” is a fine example of sophisticated urban modernism. Its sloping roof dominates the space and the fresh, cool hues give off a sense of relaxation.
Its two bedrooms, the cozy one with the sloping roof and the master one with the impressive wallpaper behind the bed are decorated with modern furnishings that combine metal, wood and fabric.
As a hotel lover, I always adore the first moments I spend in a room. This is when I like to wander around and discover small details that spark joy! The attic in Sir Athens is full of such little pleasures! The herbs by top Greek (and personal favourite) brand Anassa, the cute logo of the hotel with the mustache on details, the cool tea mugs, the custom made trays and many others, all prove that this is a hotel that guarantees exceptional hospitality.
Interior Design at Sir Athens
It is always a challenge to renovate and decorate a classic building. My first impression was that Sir Athens is clearly a design-oriented hotel. What I particularly loved were the solid color walls. I adored the bold use of color in the suites.
The choice of this super calming rich blue in the “Sir Comfort Suite” is a brilliant trick that surely defines the decorative style of the space. In all the suites, the colored walls are combined with contemporary chic pieces 0f furniture and textured natural materials in contrasting hues. The overall effect is modern and sophisticated. This kind of thoughtful design makes the rooms welcoming and functional as well as stylish and photogenic!
Breakfast at Sir Athens
The beginning of the day in the attic suite is dreamy… You stretch out in the huge fluffy bed and within minutes you have in front of you two breakfast trays that are full of delicacies of your personal choice! You see, the visitor of Sir Athens can choose from 9 delicious menus that are inspired by Greek tradition, but also meet several nutritional needs. Greek style or vegan, gluten-free or healthy treats for kids, every breakfast proposal is made of the most nutritious and fresh ingredients and can be ordered at the hotel reception from the previous day.
During my stay, everything was on point. The service was top notch; from the housekeeping team to friendly and incredibly helpful Elena at the front desk who is always willing to offer tailor-made suggestions for every guest! Sir Athens is a boutique hotel that oozes with character and warmth, located on a spot that can make every visitor experience Athens in a way only a local does.
Explore this little gem of Athens in the gallery below
Photo Credits: Alexandros Makris