Athens, GreeceKolonaki
Periscope Hotel
Urban observation pied-à-terre
Kolonaki Athens, Greece
Opened
2004
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social LocalOutside the door
The house
Yes! HotelsUrban observation pied-à-terre
The hotel reimagines the city stay as an urban observatory, exploring modern surveillance through contemporary art.
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
...the hotel itself, while pursuing a bit of a submarine theme — vaguely naval chairs, a preponderance of grey, even an actual roof-mounted periscope — turns out to be a very understated and stylish little hotel.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The front doors open onto quiet Haritos Street in Kolonaki, a short walk from the Lycabettus Hill funicular.
The rooms
Illuminated aerial photographs of Athens glow across the ceilings, set against wooden floors and quiet grey tones.
At the table
The ground-floor lounge serves breakfast buffets and daytime refreshments beneath dark slatted ceilings and teal banquettes.
How it began
Art collector Dakis Joannou converted a 1950s clinic for the 2004 Olympics, capturing Athens during a wave of modern surveillance.
Athens
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.