Southern Style Cooking: No. 13 – Monument Hotel

Thursday, March 20, 2025

No. 13 – Monument Hotel – Athens, Greece

A temple to tranquility: neoclassical dreams, temple views, and ancient wellness ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

A chic interior with a mix of modern and vintage elements, featuring a cream-colored lounge chair, a green velvet sofa, a large painting, and an antique clock on the wall.

Welcome to Monument Hotel

In the heart of Athens, beneath the watchful gaze of the Parthenon, a temple to hospitality awaits. Housed in a restored neoclassical mansion, Monument Hotel bridges the city's past and present, bringing Athens' historic center into a new era of stays. From the marble columns reminiscent of the Acropolis, to the ethereal light that bathes every room, this hotel is a modern-day haven that honors its roots as much as it evolves them.

Built by renowned German architect Ernst Ziller, the Monument Hotel lives up to its name, preserving its history for future generations while delivering an unparalleled experience to patrons. Whether you’re dining like Dionysus or relaxing like Zeus, this hotel offers a stay worthy of the gods.

A bright, minimalist living space with two light-pink armchairs, a small circular wooden table, and a tall plant next to sheer curtains that let in natural light.

This edition was photographed by Nicolas Quiniou

At a Glance

Location: Psyrri District, Athens, Greece
Rooms: 9 rooms and suites with private terraces and views of the Acropolis
Dining: Mediterranean style breakfast with locally sourced ingredients
Wellness: Private area with hammam, sauna, and personalized treatments
Unique Features: A listed historic building with restored frescoes, handcrafted furniture, and proximity to Athens' landmarks

Website | Book Your Stay | Instagram

A cozy scene showing a bed with crisp white linens, a bedside table with a glass of water, and an open magazine bathed in soft sunlight.

Room is mythical

Each room at Monument Hotel combines modern comfort with ancient elegance. From high ceilings adorned with restored frescoes to bespoke Scandinavian furniture, the rooms balance history and sophistication. They are designed for those who appreciate the finer things, crafted for adults and filled with custom-made artifacts and bath products by Molton Brown.

Instead of room numbers, each suite has its own name celebrating classical inspiration from mythology, literature, art, and nature to evoke a sense of artistic heritage and creativity. Take the Muse room, where your private terrace overlooks the church of Agios Dimitrios—the perfect space for creative inspiration to strike.

A cup of espresso sits on a white marble balcony ledge, overlooking a charming, old church in the background with a tiled roof and stone walls.

A close-up of a stack of pancakes topped with fresh strawberries, blackberries, and a drizzle of syrup, served in a dark bowl.

Dining is a morning feast

While there’s no on-site restaurant, Monument Hotel ensures every morning begins with a sumptuous breakfast. Freshly baked bread, cakes, and pastries, alongside local cheeses, cold cuts, and fresh produce, will fuel your day. Picture a table overflowing with Mediterranean delicacies like Greek honey, olive oil, and figs—each bite a tribute to the land’s natural bounty. And yes, vegan and gluten-free options are available ensuring everyone can indulge.

A step outside the hotel, the city offers its own culinary wonders. Stop by for loukoumades—Greek donuts drizzled with honey—or sip authentic Greek coffee brewed on embers before setting out to explore Athens.

Art is monumental

Athens is a city of stories, where art is captured in marble as well as on canvas. As its name suggests, Monument Hotel stands as a living testament to its past. The building was constructed in 1881 and has been lovingly restored. From gypsum decorations on the ceilings to carved marble balconies, every inch of this hotel speaks to a dedication to preservation.

The Psyrri district is a haven for cultural explorers, offering easy access to the Acropolis, the Temple of Hephaestus, and the ancient Agora. Whether you’re tracing the steps of philosophers or marveling at the artistry of ancient ruins, you’ll find that history is never far away.

A view of a terracotta-roofed church dome surrounded by modern buildings under a clear blue sky, with a hint of the Acropolis in the background.

A warm, inviting lounge area with plush cream chairs, a green velvet sofa, and wooden side tables arranged around a low coffee table. A vintage painting hangs above the sofa, and soft lighting enhances the cozy atmosphere.

Wellness is healing

Descend into the hotel’s wellness area and leave the bustling city behind. In this intimate space, you’ll find a private hammam and wood sauna—treatments reserved exclusively for guests. As if treated by Asclepius, the god of healing, you can indulge in treatments designed to refresh both body and mind. Personalized massages and luxurious spa experiences, using natural ingredients, create a sanctuary where modern wellness meets ancient relaxation.

A luxurious dining room with a gold-framed mirror reflecting soft light, a floral arrangement in a vase on a long wooden table, and plush chairs.

Sustainability is balance

At Monument Hotel, sustainability is woven into the guest experience. The hotel operates on a "no single-use plastic" policy and has embraced a paperless approach to reduce waste. In collaboration with local non-profit Boroume, surplus food is donated to reduce food waste and fight malnutrition in Greece. Additionally, the hotel takes pride in sourcing ingredients from small, local producers and family-run businesses, aiming to minimize food miles and support the local economy.

Secrets & Surprises

If you’re looking for something truly special, ask the hotel’s concierge to arrange a private, after-hours tour of the Parthenon. You can walk and experience a moment of serenity under the stars.

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