Newly expanded and reimagined by the famed Italian interior designer Paola Navone, Fresh Hotel makes its grand re-entrance
Facing the historic Athinas Street, the hotel couldn’t be more centrally located. Not merely a roadway but a narrative stretching only a kilometer long, Athinas Street is a historic boulevard of Athens teeming with architectural wonders both avant-garde and historic. It’s a street that links districts and cultures, and now, with Fresh Hotel‘s latest expansion, it ties together eras too.
A Tale of Two Buildings
When Fresh Hotel first opened in 2004, it was a modernist architecture model characterized by concrete and glass. Fast forward to 2019, Ada Yfanti began an ambitious project to marry this existing modernist structure with a neighboring neoclassical building. The result? An extraordinary fusion that allows the hotel to straddle two worlds. Imagine walking through double-height archways meticulously restored to their neoclassical splendor, only to find them segue seamlessly into a glass box extension that speaks a modernist dialect.
The Magic Inside: Paola Navone’s Design Language
Internally, the hotel showcases Paola Navone’s striking design philosophy. Her approach for Fresh Hotel was to integrate modernist, neoclassical, and folkloric elements in a mesmerizing blend. Step into the lobby and your eyes might first be drawn to modernist-inspired sofas and chairs, only to be caught by the neoclassical allure of marble tables and sculptural double-arm wall sconces.
Continuing Navone’s penchant for playful innovation, public spaces and guestrooms are adorned with Buffet de Granny lamps made from recycled glass and charming installations of hand-painted ceramic plates. Even the ceramic and marble tiles that ornament the rooms are Navone’s own designs.
A Palette that Pops
The visual feast continues with a palette that sings in vibrant blues and a tapestry of graphic patterns. Every room is a canvas, where upholstery, handmade kourelou rugs, and wallpaper become the bold strokes of Navone’s artistic expression. Stripes meet checkers, polka dots flirt with abstract forms, and six of the 15 new rooms even offer an intimate view of the Acropolis right from your balcony—some complete with outdoor showers.
Celebrating Contradictions
What truly sets Fresh Hotel apart is its commitment to celebrating the inherent contradictions of Athens itself. The city is a swirling blend of social, economic, and cultural contrasts. At Fresh Hotel, these contrasts aren’t just acknowledged—they’re celebrated. Here, modernism coexists with neoclassicism, nostalgia complements avant-garde, and the result is a space that feels both refined and whimsical.
If you’re looking for a hotel experience that reflects the heart of Athens, from its ancient roots to its modern aspirations, look no further than Fresh Hotel. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s a microcosm of Athens’ ever-evolving spirit.
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TheHotelTrotter.com is curated by greek journalist and fanatic hotel lover Eleni Stasinopoulou. With the eye of a fashion and lifestyle editor, Eleni hopes to inspire all connoisseurs of traveling, focusing on stylish hotel moments around the globe.
