Athens is the capital of Greece and the ruins of the country’s Ancient civilisation are prominent in the city which makes it even more interesting. The Acropolis, a hilltop fortress crowned with historic structures like the colonnaded Parthenon temple dating from the fifth century BC and the Caryatids, are some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
Sculptures, vases, jewellery, and other artefacts are preservered at the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art. Athens is one of the most enchanting cities in the world, famous for its impressive gastronomy, its fantastic art collections and picturesque streets. Whether you decide to spend a few days in the city or quickly travel to the islands, staying in Athens always makes for a wonderful stay. It’s en vogue these days, with artists and filmmakers setting up their studios. Documenta, the prestigious exhibition, was set up in Athens in 2017 boosting a long-lasting appetite for art.
Which hotel boasts the most spectacular view over the Acropolis though? Without doubt it is the prestigious St. George Lycabettus Hotel. With Athens’ most impressive terrace, there’s no better place to stay than at St. George Lycabettus’. Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in the heart of Athens and this is exactly where the hotel is located. Each year, thousands of visitors and Athenians climb up to the top to enjoy the views. With a 40-minute drive from the airport, access is easy and the surroundings fascinating.
There’s so much to explore and enjoy around the hotel. Take a few stairs down, and the path will take you to the cool Nikkei Floresta / Cueva fusion restaurant. Nearby, the open-air Cinema Dexameni features a great programme of films and its adjacent bar is also very nice and open late. With luxury and design boutiques nearby – from fashion to interior design – this is perfect!
What’s the story of the Hotel and its inspiration? Three generations of the Mantzavelaki family left their mark on the area across the 20th century. One of them was Michalis Mantzavelakis who loved the area and decided to buy plots of land. Fast forward, and the top floor apartment of the current hotel’s building was his house. In 1974, he decided to convert the property into a luxury hotel. It has been managed by the same Greek family since then. 50 years on and the hotel prides itself for its loyal staff and returning guests.
Tonia Vassilopoulou, Owner, Marketing Director of St. George Lycabettus, and descendant of the Mantzavelakis family, talks to Art is Alive: “The hotel’s original architect back then was Dimitris Gotzamanis. However throughout the years, we hired an in-house architectural team led by Mrs Maria Papatriantafillou, who undertook regular renovations throughout the property as well as that of our partner hotel Paradise Art Hotel located on the island of Andros and other locations including in the Cycladic islands, the Athens Riviera, and abroad in Europe, in Paris and the Alps.”
Upon arrival, the building feels impressive, well-lit, and the grandeur of the architecture is definitely a ‘wow factor’. “We have collaborated with several interior designers over the years. Our most recent collaboration has been with Carlos Mota who transformed the Vertigo Rooftop pool on the 7th floor which we unveiled on the hotel’s 50th anniversary party.” Mota is one of today’s leading Brazilian architects who has ventured into interior design and other creative projects.
The top terrace is truly amazing with a gorgeous pool, lounging areas and a bar serving delicious cocktails. Yellow and white-striped parasols and chaises-longues give the space an elegant French Riviera flair. The views over the city including the Panathenaic Stadium are stunning. It’s no surprise to see the board featuring all the celebrities who have stayed at the hotel, many French including Catherine Deveneuve, Juliette Binoche and Anna Mouglalis. “Many celebrities from the music and film industry stay and have stayed at the hotel. Just to mention a few: Daniel Day Lewis, Willem Dafoe, Emanuelle Béart, Rossy di Palma, Nick Cave, the Pet Shop Boys, björk, Jeremy Irons, Paolo Coelho and more…” Mrs Vassilopoulou continues about the impressive list of super VIPs. Singer and visual artist björk had been invited by Dimitris Papaioannou to perform at the memorable 2004 Olympic Ceremony.
Visual arts are definitely at the heart of St. George Lycabettus. Paintings are dotted around the corridors and the rooms of the hotel, making for interesting discoveries of local and international artists. The SG Art gallery, located on the below ground floor, is one of the newest additions to the hotel, with temporary exhibitions open to all, guests of the hotels and visitors alike. “The ambition of the gallery is to present curated exhibitions by both well-established and emerging artists and raise awareness of contemporary art and design, particularly from the burgeoning local art scene. The SG Art Gallery features significant visual arts shows, and supports new interactive artistic projects, fashion events, screenings and gastronomy dinners all year round.”
The premises of St. George Lycabettus Hotel honour history: “We have designed our floors as an art tour under multiple themes: Contemporary Greek artists on the 5th floor, Byzantine era on the 4th floor, Ancient sculptures and ceramic vases on the 3rd floor, the history of Greek fashion on the 2nd floor, Greek landscape photography on the first floor and traditional Greek costumes and famous composers & musicians on the Ground floor.” Culture runs in the family with more initiatives beyond Athens: “For the past 25 years we have run a ‘Tourism and Culture programme with cultural lectures, publications, events, congresses, and even the creation of two museums. The ‘Museum of Tourism’ in Athens and the ‘Museum of Ethnography and Design” on the island of Andros in our old family ice factory where our other hotel is located.” Mrs Vassilopoulou explains.
The textures and colours of each room, the bright yellow and green of the restaurant’s chairs on the top floor reflect the passion for visual expression. “Numerous fashion shoots take place every year at the hotel. We have a dedicated ‘Fashion Floor’ with rooms featuring fabrics and materials chosen by famous fashion designers designers as well as an in-house Greek designer’s store. While we have collaborated with international fashion designers who returned as guests including Pierre Cardin, Anna Molinari, Jitrois, Chantal Thomass and many others, we’ve also had the honour to collaborate with Mary Katratzou and Sophia Kokosalaki.”
In every room, a small note reads “Our guests arrive as residents, leave as friends, and return as family”, a core principle since 1974. This means that guests have been loyal and continue to be fond of the perfect location, breathtaking views and family atmosphere of the hotel. “The strategic location and the view have proven to be the best assets for the last 50 years. The art, the comfort, the design as well as the family atmosphere have been the long lasting values that have helped the St George Lycabettus to be at the forefront of the Athenian tourism industry for so many years.”
The St George Lycabettus Hotel is truly the best in Athens with vast rooms, marbled-bathrooms, olive oil-based toiletry products, a restaurant, a bar, a fitness facility, a spa, and private parking. Rooms range from Junior Suites, Premium Room with Private Balcony & Panoramic Acropolis View, Deluxe Suite with Corner Balcony & Panoramic Acropolis View, and even an Eco Chic Room. “We have a 3R policy reduce, recycle, reuse at the hotel as well as a dedicated Eco-Chic floor, a new wing with ‘green’ rooms of particular aesthetic and environmental awareness.”
All rooms are equipped with COCO-MAT’s natural sleep system bedding and white linens, along with furniture distinguished both for its innovative design and its functionality. Each room has a desk, a large TV, a safety deposit box, and air conditioning. In addition room service, currency exchange, and a front desk staffed around-the-clock. Service is very professional and fully dedicated to clients. It’s simply amazing.
A special note to the breakfast, served in the upstairs terrace over looking the Acropolis and the sea. It’s an American breakfast and / or buffet with large choices, from local Greek delicacies, prosecco, and European pastries. Simply delicious.
St. George Lycabettus is more than a hotel. It celebrates art de vivre. Taste Greek cuisine at La Suite Lounge and Le Grand Balcon restaurants, which provide views of the Acropolis and the Saronic Islands. Lunch and dinner are available options in this special place. Executive chef, Stefanos Papanikolaou has created an amazing 5 course Gold Degustation menu which celebrates the hotels’ 50 year anniversary!
“We try to stay true to our values and beliefs that assure a long business duration like logical prices, personal touch and constant creative offerings of a modern, fresh hospitality product.” Mrs Vassilopoulou explains to Art is Alive. Attention to clients and details make a big difference at St George Lycabettus Hotel.
What are the future plans for hotel? “We would like to collaborate with even more upcoming Greek and international artists that inspire us by showcasing their work through solo or group exhibitions and of course are constantly on the look out for original breathtaking artwork to showcase around the hotel in order to offer our guests the opportunity to a broader audience to come into contact with modern and contemporary art.” The Byzantine and Christian Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art (featuring an important Cindy Sherman show at the moment), and the Benaki Collection are only a stone throw from the hotel too which make for a fascinating art tour of the city.
As a 360 property, St George Lycabettus Hotel also boasts a Wellness and Health space, and plenty of rooms for business conferences and meetings. For more personal and family-orientated events, it also offers plenty of opportunities for weddings and celebrations in unparalleled venues.
Thanks to its immaculate accommodations, fantastic concept, outstanding décor and art collection, St George Lycabettus is truly the perfect hotel in Athens. Central and calm, and featuring grand service and spectacular views, you’ll never want to leave.
What is Mrs Vassilopoulou wise suggestions for cultural activities in Athens? “Athens Pinacotheke, the Museum of Modern Art, The Goulandris Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, Antigua Gallery, Carwan gallery, Niarchos foundation, Byzantine museum etc. and I’ll add that the recent opening of the Goulandris museum in Athens is a must-see!”
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ART IS ALIVE 