Fresh Hotel, Athens, Greece - Explore & Book

"This was the hotel that first brought the design concept to central Athens: an eye-catching modernist building in an understated part of the city with interiors that were unafraid of contradictions. Now one of Marriot's Design Hotels, their expansion into a neighbouring neoclassical mansion in 2023 welcomed in new suites and a fresh style. The lobby is awash with the national colours - cobalt blue and purest white - with funky low-slung couches and high-back chairs that invite you to lounge a while. From the oversized macramé weavings hanging from the double-height ceiling to the hand-painted plates that adorn the walls, it's clear the designers had fun. The playful décor continues to the bedrooms: a heady mix of deep blues, satsuma orange, pops of lime green and bright pink (not all at the same time), paired with industrial shelving, elegant pendant lights and clean lines. On the roof, there's a tented perimeter bar, sparkling pool and cushy couches with a front row view of the city. Look past the concrete roofs and satellite dishes and there's the Acropolis. Now the big question for any design hotel: is it fashion over function? We didn't think so, thanks to orthopaedic beds, soundproofing and cymbal-sized showers. When we last revisited, the hotel was just as hip and holding up in terms of comfort and friendly service. Fresh, indeed. Highs The rooftop terrace and swimming pool (open May-October) makes this one of the cooler destinations in Athens; popular with a younger crowd A great restaurant, cafe and two cocktail bars onsite - you may never want to leave Good bus and metro connections nearby (Omonia square) Spectacular views of the Acropolis from that top terrace Avant garde throughout, this place is anything but another cookie-cutter hotel Lows Psiri is not the prettiest area, still up-and-coming and a little seedy; it’s a good 10-minute walk to Plaka, 20 to the Acropolis Rooms are rather small and some lack storage space; suites are more spacious Some guests have complained of street noise in the rooms at the front of the hotel Bedrooms in the neoclassical extension feel more modern, making the rest look a little dated Bigger than most i-escape hotels; check in/out feels a bit impersonal" - Michael Cullen