BIRD is delighted to announce its new partnership with Monument Hotel Athens, one of the Greek capital’s newest urban haunts. The hotel, which opened in April 2023, is housed in a listed neoclassical mansion filled with history and curiosities in the heart of the Psyrri neighbourhood. With only nine bedrooms, Monument has been designed to feel like a private residence for those in the know, offering a tailored hospitality experience and gateway to the city’s thriving cultural scene.
Historical architecture & contemporary design
The historic Greek structure, classified by the Ministry of Culture as a “piece of art” and “modern monument”, was originally built in 1881 by the celebrated German-born architect, Ernst Ziller, who was behind over 500 buildings across Greece including the Presidential Mansion and National Archaeological Museum. Visionary owner Grigoris Tolkas and local architecture studio MPlusM, gently restored the building into a contemporary hotel whilst preserving its original features and grandeur. Following meticulous restoration, the prestigious mansion that had been abandoned for years, has been reborn and preserved for future generations.
With the aim to conserve the historic property, Tolkas worked closely with a team of architects and master restorers to ensure the delicate restoration of the frescoes, gypsum decorative details, carved marble balconies and grand winding staircase. In turn, the chic interiors complement their historical setting, embodying Athenian glamour by blending modern, vintage, and bespoke touches throughout. Each of the hotel’s nine bedrooms have been individually designed, characterised by intricate ceiling murals, soft limewashed walls, bespoke architectural details, handcrafted beds and furnishings from Scandinavian designers including Gubi and Woud. Ranging from bijou doubles to standout suites such as Muse with an impressive veranda overlooking Agios Dimitrios Church and Nidus with a sweeping terrace and private rooftop jacuzzi with uninterrupted views of the Acropolis.
Wellness escape
Hidden in the heart of the hotel, guests can find a private wellness centre on the lower ground floor, featuring a treatment room available for bespoke face and body treatments ranging from hot stone, deep tissue, and Swedish massages to rejuvenating hydration facials, using locally sourced almond oil infused with Greek natural essential oils. Guests also have complimentary access to the spa’s sauna and hammam. Minimalist in design, the space provides a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city that lies above.
Greek gastronomy
While there’s no on-site restaurant, social spaces have been designed throughout to foster a sense of community and spark conversation. Guests are encouraged to enjoy breakfast each morning in the elegant dining area where they can choose from an impressive menu spotlighting locally-sourced produce including cheeses from the Greek islands, homemade jams from Northern Greece, pure honey from Evia, fresh bread and pastries from the local bakery, along with delicacies such as Rizogalo (traditional Greek rice pudding).
Monument’s location provides guests with access to Athens’ thriving culinary scene with a wave of new eateries in the buzzy Psyrri neighbourhood. From new-age tavernas serving high-quality fare, to newly launched bistros and fine dining restaurants bringing an exciting edge to Greek home cooking. Some of the city’s leading bars can also be found in the district, includingtwo of the world’s 50 best bars, beloved by international guests and locals alike.
Unrivalled access
Tucked away in the fabric of the ancient city and centrally located in the vibrant district of Psyrri, guests of Monument are treated to many of Athens’ most notable finds on their doorstep. In the shadow of the Acropolis, Monument provides the perfect base to experience the city’s cultural revival with the rise of its independent art scene, concept bookstores, artisanal crafts, and one-off boutiques.
Monument offers each individual guest a hyper-personalised approach with a dedicated 24-hour concierge service, providing special behind-the-scenes access to the city, designed to encourage deeper insights into the local culture, crafts and tradition. From ‘The Monumental Tour’, a curated experience uncovering the city’s best-kept secrets through the eyes of a local, to private history walks that transport guests through the ages.
