The Modernist
What’s the idea? It’s all in the name. Aimed squarely at the discerning urban traveller, these cosmopolitan Greek boutiques combine contemporary Danish design with mid-century and art deco details. They pride themselves on collaborations with cool local creatives and staff that know the area inside out. Where is it? The first property opened in Greece’s second city Thessaloniki – founder Kostis Karatzas’s hometown – in 2018. Last year, The Modernist arrived in Athens with a second hotel housed in the city’s former Canadian embassy, replete with a rooftop garden that doubles as an open-air cinema. Why should I stay? For the wellpicked partnerships. Athens is not short on stylish boutiques, but surely few hotels have cocktails created by Nikos Bakoulis, co-founder of The Clumsies – currently at number three on The World’s 50 Best Bars – playlists by Athens-based DJ Palov and workshops and talks with guest artists. Local makers are behind everything from the staff uniforms to the custom espresso cups in the restaurant, which are available to buy in the lobby shop. What’s next? This is only the beginning for the brand, says Karatzas. There are plans to open in other European cities, but there might be more Greek hotels on the horizon first. Watch this space. themodernisthotels.com