Brand new hotel in Thessaloniki, MonAsty Autograph Collection by Marriott International, showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage
MonAsty Autograph Collection by Marriott International, the first luxury hotel of the international flag, managed by SWOT Hospitality, in the center of the city with 100 rooms and suites, five of which include an outdoor jacuzzi, offers its guests sophisticated hospitality inspired by the city’s Byzantine heritage. Among the most important hotel openings of 2022 and with a prime location next to the famous Aristotelous Square and just seconds from the Thermaic Gulf, the hotel’s unique design coupled with the high standard of services provided makes it the place to be when visiting the city. MonAsty offers a unique experience that combines the city’s history as a cultural center with its present cosmopolitan elegance and vibe.
Open to guests and visitors alike, the Botargo restaurant and Samite gastro bar on the ground floor of the hotel raise the bar of both the culinary and entertainment scene, while in the summer, guests can enjoy a swim in the pool and the 360-view from the rooftop bar Ennea. In addition, a range of options is available for business meetings and social events which include private dining, conference spaces and meeting rooms, allowing for a personalized experience. A fully-equipped gym illuminated by natural light is also located on-premises, offering all guests moments of wellness and a chance to unwind.
Interior Design at MonAsty
Paying homage to the city’s extensive heritage, the hotel’s interior design is adorned with old-world charm with a modern edge through unique elements of monastic design, mosaic artwork, as well as earthy hues of burnt orange and stone. The 100 guestrooms inspire guests with Byzantine character, arched doorways that nod to the city’s rich historic architecture and the use of an elegant eclectic range of art installations created by local artisans. D2c2 Architects & engineers and DelBlu Architetti are responsible for the hotel’s architectural design while the interior was handled by Not A Number Architects in collaboration with D2C2 Architects & engineers. The distinguished Eleftheria Deco undertook lighting throughout.
Art at MonAsty
MonAsty embraces art and collaborates with local and international artists to promote the city’s heritage, inspired by the Byzantine era.
The paintings by a modern painter-hagiographer
Fikos Antonios is the creator of the two paintings that are placed in the area of Samite Gastro Bar.
Fikos is the first modern painter-hagiographer in the world, who “marries” Byzantine with modern art and created “Modern Byzantine Art”. Using new graffiti techniques, he manages to converse with the tradition that reaches back to Byzantium, creating such an impressive aesthetic effect with his art that both it and his name have traveled and become known from Europe to Mexico, through festivals, personal exhibitions, and project commissions.
The Samite silk scarves collection
Samite was the favorite silk of the Byzantine emperors and their court. MonAsty in collaboration with local designers, inspired by the designs of ancient discoveries, created a series of silk scarves to revive the city’s ancient heritage. The silk scarves are produced in Soufli, Greece, and are decorated in common areas within the hotel, as well as all rooms and suites. All the designs are also available for sale. See them all here
Gastronomy and Entertainment at MonAsty
The Botargo Restaurant pays homage to dishes favored by Byzantine emperors and monks. A mix of Greek urban and monastic recipes with a twist, combined with the finest local ingredients from Mount Athos and the Aegean Sea, offers guests extraordinary culinary experiences. The menu is also accompanied by a wine list of exceptional local wines, some of which are in limited circulation. Fusion bites can also be enjoyed at Samite, the hotel’s all-day gastro bar. This stylish all-day lounge offers the hottest mixology trends, artisan coffee, as well as a fine selection of wines and liqueurs. As the sun goes down exclusive DJ sets and live performances kick off guests’ evenings. In the summer months, Ennea rooftop bar takes over, hosting a variety of special events to be enjoyed with a 360-view spanning from the Castles to the Thermaic Gulf. The restaurants’ menus were inspired by the renowned chef Giorgos Sylianoudakis and curated by chef Konstantinos Boviatsis, while the Samite gastro bar and its event calendar are managed by the Apallou Group Team.
More photos by me in the gallery below:
See also:
On Residence Hotel is breathing new life into the centre of Thessaloniki