COCO-MAT Athens BC, Athens

Pros

• COCO-MAT Athens BC prioritizes comfort so travelers can enjoy a good night's sleep in COCO-MAT mattresses and bedding.
• The rooftop offers a clear panoramic view of the Acropolis and Museum, which can be enjoyed from the restaurant or the pool.
• Amenities such as a sauna, heated pool, and full spa allow guests to relax in style.
• Guests can enjoy complimentary use of the trademark COCO-MAT wooden bikes to explore Athens differently.

Cons

• Some people may take issue with the rooms' circular, atrium-style floor plan—you can see up to the other floors and down to the lobby.
• The hotel doesn't offer any child-friendly amenities, which could be a downside for families.
• The rooftop restaurant is overpriced, according to past guests.
• The pool is only open from May to September.

Additional Notes from Olivia

As someone who has been eyeing a COCO-MAT mattress for myself for about three years, I find the idea of an entire hotel with only these products a total dream. It's clear that care and comfort matter here. The hotel feels bright and open in all aspects: its layout, design, and staff (which includes some differently-abled individuals) speak to the open and inclusive approach of this hotel that's trying to be part of the world rather than dominate it.

Authenticity

The ethos of the COCO-MAT brand is organic sustainability, as their mattresses and bedding are all made from entirely natural products, so it's no surprise that the COCO-MAT Athens BC hotel maintains that approach. When you first walk in, you might be startled to find yourself standing on a glass floor with fake tortoise sculptures underneath. It turns out that's more than just a cute design. When excavating the area to build the hotel, vases of ancient Greek coins from the island of Aegina were found at this spot, and the tortoise symbolized that island. The lobby also houses the ruins of an old Roman wine distillery, which dates to about 100 BCE and gives the COCO-MAT Athens BC its name. The COCO-MAT Athens BC incorporates the history of its location and organically flows with it rather than imposing itself onto the spot. Warm stone and natural tones are the aesthetic here, and various views of the Acropolis allow its energy to wash over the space so that it feels like a hotel that's both ancient and modern. It's a natural space that's still comfortable for people to stay. It's more than comfortable; it's straight-up luxurious.

Location

The COCO-MAT Athens BC is a block from the Acropolis Museum in the Makrygianni neighborhood, between Koukaki and Plaka. The South Slope of the Acropolis and the start of Plaka is a five-minute walk, while hubs like Monastiraki, Syntagma, and their metros are all 15 minutes away by foot. Those who want to explore Athens by bike can do so by hopping one of the free wooden COCO-MAT bikes outside the hotel, which is a great way to explore nearby neighborhoods.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 110 rooms of the COCO-MAT Athens BC are divided primarily based on their view options. There's the Acropolis museum view, the Sygrou Avenue view facing south toward Mount Hymmetus, and the Acropolis view, available for rooms from the 5th floor and above. Most rooms are the same size and differ primarily in their views, but those looking for bigger options can check out the Acropolis or Master Suites. Some standard rooms have a split bathroom: there's a WC or water closet with just a toilet and a separate shower, with a sink between them. The larger suites include a bathtub visible from the bed, so they're more appropriate for those with less need for privacy. These suites, including pull-out couches, are suitable for families and can sleep up to four people.

Amenities

The hotel has two relatively small pools: a rooftop infinity pool with views of the Acropolis in the distance and a small lap pool in its fitness and spa area. The rooftop pool is lined with lounge chairs, and there are lounge structures slightly elevated above the pool's surface, as well. The state-of-the-art spa has a hammam and offers popular couples massages. If you want to take home some COCO-MAT products, there's a shop next to the spa where you can buy blankets, towels, and other items. This is a pet-friendly hotel.

Family-Friendliness

Children 12 and under stay for free, while those 13 and older are charged as adults. The pool is relatively small, meaning that children might have difficulty swimming and playing in the water without disturbing other guests. There aren't any specific child-oriented amenities at COCO-MAT Athens BC, but it's stroller-friendly.

Other Highlights

COCO-Mat Athens BC serves a buffet breakfast each morning that includes traditional Greek fare, like "koulouri Thessaloniki," a delicious sesame bread. Both lunch and dinner are served at the rooftop restaurant, which is pricey but offers beautiful views. 

Sustainability

COCO-MAT bedding uses all-natural ingredients to create eco-friendly and biodegradable mattresses, and COCO-MAT Athens BC naturally uses these products. The hotel also attempts to avoid using plastic products to manage its waste and limits the use of air-conditioning in public spaces as well.