The Dolli Hotel in Athens, Greece: A Masterpiece of Art and Luxury

The back story

In 1925, it was initially designed as a private mansion. In the mid-1930s, it became a luxury fabric department store (Bazaar d’Orient until 1960, Tsantilis until 1978, Hitiroglou until 2015).

Perfectly restored by Grecotel to sustain elements of the building's history from the ceiling, to the moldings, to the floors. The hotel fundamentally and physically are embodied with the Acropolis and ruins of the Ancient Greek and Roman Agoras close by.

From the city streets, you can see the building's orientation as a glamorous department store. Once you walk inside the large doors, you can see how the raised ceilings remain an ode to the feeling of the department store design in the most desirable way; you want to walk the halls and try it all on! The common areas of the Dolli are all a passage through time. Everything feels important and intentional, even the small details, from the doorknobs to the crystal placements to the moldings. Nothing is intimidating - it's comfortable and bright. The rooftop infinity pool is a show-stopper (hot tip: bring binoculars because you are literally looking into history). The Dolli is a complete vision. Layers upon layers of luxurious ideas exist in this gem of a hotel in Athens, Greece.

Who do I love this for:

My fellow walk-everywhere types when in a city. For anyone who loved the Gramercy Park Hotel (rip). For my fine art collector and admirers. For those visiting Athens for the first time. For those needing to stay in Athens for a night or two and catch a ferry but want a memorable stay. The hotel is perfect for couples, friends, and solo travelers. The apartment-style rooms are very suitable for families.

Room types: 46 bedrooms, pied-à terre, and private apartments.

There are several categories that will give you the views of the Parthenon, but the the Acropolis Grand Apartment is the most wow.

Pool:

The Dolli rooftop infinity pool is the most next-level pool view you may experience in any city.

Why the Location is outstanding:

The hotel is located in the historic Plaka neighborhood, just steps from the Parthenon. You’ll be perfectly positioned to explore Athens' iconic landmarks, including the Acropolis Museum, Monastiraki Square, and the Acropolis itself. Also right outside your front door are local restaurants. (A favorite spot to eat, Ergon Bakehouse, is only a few minutes walk).

Sustainability:

Grecotel pioneers with its approach towards environmental issues. By being the first hotel chain in the Mediterranean to create a dedicated department for the protection of the environment and promotion of Greek culture. The Dolli is the result of a five-year restoration and renovation project. It transformed the historic Kallimasiotis Mansion into an exceptional Hôtel Maison with preserved ancient Macedonian emblems and ceiling motifs.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Athens. In need of further inspiration? Check out Steve Michailidis’ guide, 2 Days in Athens, Greece.