Owned by the world-renowned art collector Dakis Joannou, NEW Hotel is more than just a place to rest your head; it’s an immersive journey into contemporary design and artistry.
A member of the esteemed YES! Hotels group, NEW Hotel is nestled in the heart of Athens, with stunning views of the Acropolis from its Art Lounge bar and restaurant. This 79-room and suites hotel is a shining example of modern architecture, boasting captivating design elements that transform it into a liveable art installation. New Hotel is more than a hotel; it’s a destination in itself. It’s a living, breathing work of art that allows you to immerse yourself in contemporary elegance while exploring the rich history and vibrant culture of Athens.
Owner Joannou lets you step into his curated world that showcases art and photography from iconic Jeff Koons, Laurie Simmons, Jenny Holzer and local Greek artists, Kostas Sahpazis, Nikos Papadopoulos and Dimitris Harisiadis. Along with the interiors the experience of NEW Athens is simply one-of-a-kind, but all the credit cannot just lie with Joannou, as it was the innovative vision of the renowned Brazilian designer brothers, Humberto and the late Fernando Campana, who really brought this hotel to life. The design duo have achieved international recognition for their eco-friendly ethos and love for contemporary materials, designing furniture and intriguing pieces that redefine the guest experience.
In harmony with the Campana’s passion for restoration, recycling, and collaboration, the team meticulously handcrafted distinctive and chic furniture and other interiors that you will find throughout the hotel, and along with their sensitivity to local culture they have seamlessly blended new Athens into its surroundings, honouring the neighbourhood in which it stands, and making it a truly unique hotel within the historic city of Athens.
Situated on Filellinon Street, next to Constitution Square (Syntagma Square), NEW Hotel is ideally located for exploring the treasures of Athens. Whether it’s the ancient ruins of Plaka, the majestic Acropolis hill and its museum, the fashionable boutiques of Kolonaki, or the thriving business district, you’re never far from the city’s highlights.
NEW Hotel is housed within the former Olympic Palace Hotel and incorporates recycled elements from its predecessor, reinterpreted with local materials to create a complete work of art. This fusion of old and new extends into the interior, where modern art, sculpture, and design interplay with the hotel’s heritage and celebrates its incredible location by drawing inspiration from Greek culture. Each of its 79 rooms embodies one of three concepts rooted in Greek culture, from postcards and Athenian sculptures to shadow puppets. Custom-made furniture and fixtures throughout the hotel make you feel as though you’re living within a magnificent art installation.
The Campanas’ artistic influence extends to New Taste, the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant. Based on their iconic Favela Chair, the restaurant features columns covered in wooden strips reminiscent of Brazilian favelas. Pieces of furniture from the old Olympic hotel add a unique touch to the décor. New Taste serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu with dishes crafted from the freshest produce, making it a favourite among guests and locals.
On the 7th floor, the Art Lounge provides an exceptional dining experience with panoramic views of Athens, combining culinary excellence with breathtaking vistas and NEW Sense, the onsite Gym and Wellness Club feature a Jacuzzi, steam bath, and a fully equipped fitness room available round the clock.
NEW Hotel’s commitment to restoring the property’s original features and “upcycling” abandoned furniture showcases a unique approach to design. Neglected fixtures and furnishings from the former hotel have been transformed into modern pieces, breathing new life into the old and derelict. Art installations created from old wooden furniture in the lobby, side tables crafted from the former hotel logo, and iconic pieces like the Tomato, Ladder, and Newspaper Chair showcase the hotel’s innovative spirit.
