Mona Athens, Athens

Pros

• The hotel outfits an industrial space with vintage pieces, locally made ceramics and artwork, and custom clothing, skincare, and food products to make the space feel ready to be photographed (and lived in).
• The rooms feel spacious, open, and bright—most have large bathtubs for you to relax and feel at home.
• The rooftop offers a great view of the Acropolis and hosts an exclusive "social club" each month for locals and guests.
• Pets are allowed for an additional per-night fee.

Cons

• The rooms facing Kakourgodikiou Street look over a punk bar, which can get a bit loud at night. 
• Rooms don't have TVs, but the hotel provides tablets with Netflix and Spotify that you connect to in-room speakers.
• The hotel has an elevator to get to the rooms, but it doesn't go up to the roof: guests need to take a set of beautiful marble and iron stairs to get up there, which may prove to be an issue for those with limited mobility. 
• Even though this hotel is great for couples, it's much less suited to groups of friends.

Additional Notes

The first note that I wrote for the Mona was "STUNNING," which I jotted down as soon as I walked in. The feeling was enhanced when I saw the living room because —while I'd already seen the Shila and knew what to expect with the hotel's design—I found the aesthetic of the Mona to be different enough in a way that was exciting. Both hotels, the Mona and the Shila, combine the old or vintage with the new in a way that feels fresh and makes them stand out among the many hotels in Athens.

Authenticity

The Mona is located in an industrial 1950s building that went through a number of iterations, like a textile factory, barber shop, and café, before landing on its current one as a boutique hotel. The building remains unchanged from its original state when it was owned by a furniture maker, whose pieces can still be seen throughout the hotel. Check out his beautifully made oval-backed chairs in the living room area or ask reception about other items that are part of this building's history. The overall approach of the Mona is to create a space of art, but it's one that you'll feel comfortable in. The rooms and common areas are filled with curated art pieces, from ceramics to photographs to paintings, all made by mostly Greek artists. You can also engage your other senses with products such as Greek-produced honey, coffee, and skincare products, which have been specially made for the Mona. 

Location

The Mona is located in the lively neighborhood of Psiri and is just off the main street of Athinas, which ends just a few blocks away at Monastiraki Square. It's extremely central, as you can be at Monastiraki and Plaka in less than five minutes of walking. Those looking to take the metro can easily get it at Monastiraki, while the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum are just 15 minutes away on foot.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 20 suites of the Mona range in size, but all share the same attention to detail and feeling of luxury. In fact, the smallest rooms don't feel that small because of the open design and high ceilings. Those looking for outdoor space can book one of the patio rooms or rooms 16, 17, or 18, which include balconies. Most of the suites include a large bathtub and a standing shower. All of the suites feature amenities such as coffee makers with fresh beans, custom-made towels and bed linens, and Bluetooth speakers. The rooms don't include TVs, but those looking to stream programs can do so from one of the hotel's iPads, which are loaded with Netflix and Spotify. The largest suites sleep up to four people, although the Penthouse can sleep four people plus one child. Everything you find in the rooms, such as the robes, kitchen amenities, and bathroom products, are available to purchase.

Amenities

The rooftop offers a view of the Acropolis and a cocktail bar that hosts a weekly event open to guests. The living room and lounge area aren't only great for photo shoots but are also cozy places to relax or work. The hotel has special features like an art gallery and a basement speakeasy, though it lacks a spa or gym.

Family-Friendliness

While this hotel isn't particularly kid-friendly, children under the age of 12 stay for free, and they're warmly welcomed. Those 12 and older will be charged as adults. Ideal rooms for those with children include the Penthouse or Mona's Suite. There's an elevator for strollers, but it doesn't go all the way up to the roof. 

Other Highlights

A breakfast buffet is served daily until 1 pm. A small rooftop bar pours local natural wine, beer, and cocktails, and a cocktail party is thrown every Thursday evening that hotel guests are welcome to attend. Room service can be ordered 24/7 from the iPads that are provided in each room.