City hotspot The Dolli rethinks Athens’ elegance
The Dolli hotel imbues classic Greek culture with a contemporary twist

Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Thank you for signing up to Wallpaper. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
City living meets Greek tranquillity in the new Athens hotspot The Dolli hotel. Located in a 1925 neoclassical building in the heart of Athens, the light-filled hotel marries classic architectural detailing with original art and contemporary interior design.
‘My prospect was to reimagine Athens’ allure and create a home base for travellers who don’t only want to see the most ancient city of all, but to live it,’ says hotel owner and creator Mari Daskalantonakis, on what inspired the design. ‘To walk in its heart, explore the monuments, feel the energy and enjoy the vibrancy. The beauty of the listed building, designed by the Greek stellar architect Andreas Kriezis in 1925 (he designed the Hellenic Parliament building as well), became the driving force of inspiration for the interiors, the materials we used, the collection of art and design we aimed to present as part of The Dolli character.’
Located in Plaka, moments from the Acropolis, the hotel nods to its Greek heritage, from the 18th-century antiques to the ancient Macedonian motif featured throughout the space, preserved and restored by Andreas Kriezis. Contemporary design, such as custom-made furniture from Pierre Augustin Rose, meets historic art from Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau.
‘The restoration of the façade was a demanding process, as we aimed at paying homage to Kriezis’ grandeur and gifting a gem for Athens,’ adds Daskalantonakis. ‘A major challenge was the rooftop. An abandoned, forgotten rooftop with the most spectacular views Athens: the Acropolis and the Parthenon, monuments like the Ancient Agora, and the 19th- and early 20th-century houses and buildings of Plaka. It’s a unique viewpoint of the classical world, where time stands still.’
She describes the challenge as ‘How to treat an Athenian rooftop and not compete with the Acropolis. How to include it in the guests’ experience and make it stay with them forever. The challenge was taken up by Stelios Kois, a distinguished contemporary Greek architect. He’s a genius of understatement. He embraced my vision, and created what was to become Dolli’s restaurant. He gave a humble piece of divine architecture to Athens.’
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Hannah Silver joined Wallpaper* in 2019 to work on watches and jewellery. Now, as well as her role as watches and jewellery editor, she writes widely across all areas including on art, architecture, fashion and design. As well as offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, Hannah is interested in the quirks of what makes for a digital success story.
-
Best new lighting designs to brighten up your space
From ruby red pendants to sculptural table lights, we bring you the brightest moments from the latest in lighting design
By Léa Teuscher Published
-
Ceramicist Jonathan Cross on crafting art from desert materials in the Mojave
Jonathan Cross’ flourishing practice incorporates local sand and stones from his base on the edge of Joshua Tree to create minimalist works with a unique patina
By Pei-Ru Keh Published
-
A courtyard pavilion at The OWO provides the perfect outdoor centrepiece
A courtyard pavilion housing Café Lapérouse at The OWO is an architectural feat by DaeWha Kang Design
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Monument Athens is a Greek architectural icon reborn
Monument Athens is a hotel housed in a historic Greek structure redesigned by local architecture studio MPlusM
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
A77 Suites by Andronis — Athens, Greece
By Daven Wu Last updated
-
Monsieur Didot — Athens, Greece
By Daven Wu Last updated
-
Ergon House — Athens, Greece
By Warren Singh-Bartlett Last updated
-
Perianth — Athens, Greece
By Daven Wu Last updated
-
Papillon — Athens, Greece
By Daven Wu Last updated
-
La Maison du Grec — Athens, Greece
By David Paw Last updated
-
Hytra — Athens, Greece
By David Paw Last updated