The Modernist Athens, Athens

Pros

• The staff at the Modernist are warm, passionate, and invested in their guests and the hotel itself. They know Athens well and want guests to experience the city from a local perspective.
• The rooftop views of the Acropolis and sea are spectacular, and the rooftop itself is a peaceful place to lounge, enjoy a drink, or hang out with friends.
• The hotel's location is both central and local, as it's part of the residential neighborhood of Kolonaki.
• Music lovers will be thrilled to find Marshall speakers in every room, and those looking for a throwback can book an XL room, which includes a record player and records.
• The Modernist's core value is inclusivity, as seen in the wheelchair lift that helps people get up the lobby steps and menus available in Braille. The hotel is popular with LGBTQI+ guests.

Cons

• There's limited storage in rooms: they have exposed clothing racks, but there's no nowhere to hide your suitcase.
• The Small category of rooms doesn't include balconies, so those looking for some outdoor space would be best off booking a Medium, Large, or XL room.
• Location of the hotel is just outside of walking distance to main attractions, but it's a 5-7 minutes taxi ride.

Additional Notes

The philosophy is "be local," and perhaps more than that, it's "be passionate"—which Pol, his staff, and the guests all are. The hotel brings the ancient Greek idea of philoxenia or hospitality into the 21st century by helping guests experience the city in an immersive way that’s suited to their tastes. 

Authenticity

There are touches all throughout the hotel that situate it in Greece, but this isn't a place that has pictures of the Acropolis on the wall. Rather, it features cocktail concepts created by The Clumsies (rated the best bar in the world multiple times), coffee beans ground by beloved Greek brand Taf, and even a Spotify playlist made by an Athenian DJ.

When I asked the manager, Pol, who the "Modernist guest" is, he answered, "someone who wants special treatment—not the fancy kind, but the true kind." Ultimately, the Modernist is for travelers who are looking for an authentic Athenian experience in a luxurious and well-curated space. 

Location

Located in the residential neighborhood of Kolonaki, The Modernist is next to Rizari Park. It's a five-minute walk to the Evanggelismos Metro, which can bring you into the center and tourist sites within 5-10 minutes. Those looking to walk can get to Syntagma in 20 minutes, the Acropolis in 30 minutes, and Monastiraki in 30 minutes. Kolonaki is a family neighborhood, filled with old Athenian families and prominent figures, which is to say it's quiet and clean with a variety of coffee shops and restaurants. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 38 rooms of the Modernist are divided by size rather than the traditional hotel categories of standard, deluxe, superior, and so on. The hotel is open to everyone (single travelers, couples, families, and friends). Larger rooms like the XL can sleep up to six people. The XL rooms also include amenities like Jacuzzis on the balcony with views of the Acropolis and record players for those who want to relax to some old-school tunes. Family room options include either two king-sized beds or a king and a twin for those traveling with kids. The rooms all include amenities like specially made coffee for The Modernist, cocktail mixes courtesy of the world-famous bar The Clumsies, and high-end chocolate bars. Some rooms include wheelchair-fitted bathrooms.

Amenities

The Modernist Athens has a rooftop terrace on the seventh floor with wonderful views across Athens extending from the Lycabettus to the Acropolis. Guests can order drinks using a retro telephone on the terrace. Other amenities include a small gym and a boutique. Some rooms are outfitted for wheelchair users. The Modernist is pet-friendly. 

Family-Friendliness

Kids are welcome at this hotel, and the Modernist Athens offers children welcome packs with colored pencils. The hotel is stroller-friendly and the breakfast buffet includes a variety of items that appeal to kids. I saw plenty of  happy families there.

Other Highlights

A buffet breakfast is served daily in the hotel's Modernist Café. Café also serves a light all-day menu featuring salads, sandwiches, local wines, and specialty cocktails. Cocktail delivery is available to the rooftop terrace—via the retro phone at the top of the stairs—a perfect place to catch the sunset.