Fresh Hotel is located in the center of Athens, Greece, within walking distance from the Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods. This 4-star design hotel’s building is a Neoclassical mansion with an interior recently renovated by OTTO STUDIO, whose art director is Italian architect Paola Navone.
The hotel’s location is perfect for a first trip to Athens. Fresh Hotel is a 20-minute walk from the Acropolis, THE must-see attraction in Athens. Hence, you can get stunning views of the Parthenon from the hotel’s rooftop and pool both during the day and at night. Likewise, Syntagma Square, surrounded by shops and restaurants, is only a 15-minute walk away.
This hotel’s decor embraces the many contradictions and contrasts of the city. Its modern facilities coexist with a color scheme where Greece’s classic vivid blue is the leading color, especially in its reception area. The walls in the reception also featured hand-painted ceramic with traditional motifs, showcasing the hotel’s aesthetic, where “contemporary design meets neo-folkloric exuberance.”
Fresh Hotel has three types of rooms: Superior, Comfort, and Executive. All rooms have LCD satellite TVs and free Wi-Fi access.
Some rooms at the hotel come with a balcony, and there’s even one with a balcony shower, an unusual feature in a city hotel room.
Into the Blue
As mentioned, blue is the predominant color in the Fresh Hotel’s interior palette. This fact may come as a surprise by looking at its understated, dark grey facade.
However, you’ll immediately step into the blue once you get inside. Besides the already mentioned reception walls, the pool tiles, tableware in the breakfast room, and some furniture and room decor feature different shades of blue. Blue is also present in different patterns, textures, and shapes that, somehow, don’t clash and aim to stimulate the senses.
Fresh Hotel also prides itself in including Greek design decorative elements, like its beautiful lamps by The Gentle Factory, all upcycled from glass bought in local flea markets. You can also get some items, including the lamps, at the hotel.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Fresh Hotel is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing in Athens. Besides its comfortable rooms, the hotel has a rooftop pool and restaurant with stunning panoramic views of the Acropolis. So, you can drink by the pool with a breathtaking backdrop and make all your friends jealous with the photos you post.
The restaurant opens from 10:00 am to 1:00 am in the winter and from 10:00 am to 2:00 am in summer. The modern Mediterranean menu includes pasta, seafood, and staples like Greek salad and Souvlaki. The restaurant has a farm-to-table philosophy, with most vegetables grown on a farm in Avilda that belongs to the hotel. Naturally, there are also vegan options available.
In addition, there’s a snack menu designed to eat poolside with a cocktail, beer, or a glass of wine.
The rooftop, bar, restaurant, and pool are on the 9th floor of the hotel.
A Very Fresh Breakfast
If you’re like me, breakfast can make or break your day, and at Fresh Hotel, Athens, your first meal will not disappoint.
The American-style buffet is served in the Menta Room on the hotel’s first floor and includes a rich selection of hot and cold dishes. Eggs and bacon, cheese, sausages, cereals, and Greek yogurt are among the options. There’s also a light, healthy corner with fruits, juices, and other diet-friendly alternatives.
Whether you prefer a salty or sweet breakfast, you will find something fresh for your taste buds in the buffet.
The Perfect Location
But the best part about booking a stay at the Fresh Hotel in Athens is its location in the city’s heart. Located on Athinas Street, which connects Plaka with the newest neighborhoods north of Athens, the hotel is at the interception of the old and the new.
Right around the corner from the hotel, you’ll find the Varvakeios Market, also known as the Central Market of Athens. The market is an excellent way to buy fresh ingredients and local products. Strolling through the market, you’ll also see a more authentic side of Athens, as it’s full of local people.
The area surrounding the hotel mixes old tavernas with trendy bars, cheap clothing shops with department stores, and street food stands with restaurants. Hence, it is among the best neighborhoods in Athens to experience the many contrasts and faces of the city.