The Athenaeum Intercontinental Hotel in Athens is a landmark five-star destination, renowned for its exceptional hospitality, cultural presence, and privileged views of the Acropolis. Our architectural intervention sought to redefine the hotel’s identity by merging contemporary luxury with classical elegance and an arts-driven sensibility that reflects the client’s passion for collecting and displaying art. The result is a holistic design approach that enhances both the guest experience and the aesthetic sophistication of the hotel across its public spaces, exclusive club lounge, and guestrooms.
The expansive scale of the grand lobby posed a central design challenge. To create a more user-friendly sense of scale, the space was divided into zones, each given a distinctive atmosphere through color, materiality, and furniture arrangement. The most prominent is the Blue Lounge, where the existing bar is preserved and reimagined with a striking blue backdrop that unifies black-and-white marble, wooden paneling, and brass detailing. Large windows flood the space with natural light, complemented by carefully placed dining settings, greenery, and curated artworks. This interplay of bold color, refined materials, and art transforms the lobby into a vibrant and welcoming heart of the hotel, equally suited for social gathering and quiet repose. The Club Intercontinental, located on the eighth floor, builds on this layered approach. Designed as an exclusive members’ retreat, the club offers a private check-in area, intimate meeting spaces, dining zones, and a terrace that frames uninterrupted views of the Acropolis and Parthenon. The interiors are defined by bold colors, patterned upholstery, and luxurious materials such as marble, fine wood veneers, and brass. The atmosphere is contemporary and sophisticated, yet calm and inviting, combining the modernist spirit of the existing building with bespoke detailing that elevates the guest experience. Our most significant intervention, however, lies in the guestrooms. With approximately 570 rooms across multiple typologies, the challenge was to create a prototype that could be applied across categories, ensuring that every guest—regardless of status—could enjoy the same sense of contemporary comfort and design. The concept integrates art into the everyday, with significant works by Greek and international artists positioned to enrich the guest’s personal environment, whether working, relaxing, or entertaining. Maintaining the functional clarity of the existing layout, the design introduces a series of architectural gestures that add character and warmth. A wooden entry volume defines the arrival sequence, incorporating the wardrobe, minibar, and WC, finished with a palette of wood paneling, beige wallpaper, blue leather, and marble. The main 30m² open-plan space is subtly divided into two zones: the sleeping area, distinguished by a curved suspended ceiling with hidden lighting and a bed that echoes its geometry, and the seating area by the window, animated with bold accents in blue, green, and red. Behind the headboard, a curved plaster structure mimicking a curtain adds depth and softness, while curved wooden paneling on the opposite wall frames a desk-luggage unit that emphasizes both comfort and utility. The use of mirrors expands the sense of space, while refined lighting ensures an atmosphere suited equally for business and leisure. The bathroom, clad in richly patterned Greek marble, celebrates the material culture of Athens and elevates a daily ritual into a luxurious experience. Through a careful orchestration of color, texture, and spatial rhythm, the Athenaeum Intercontinental Hotel achieves a renewed identity that celebrates art, luxury, and hospitality. The design enhances every step of the guest journey, transforming the lobby, club, and guestrooms into spaces that are vibrant, elegant, and timeless.

Partner in Charge
Maria Tsaftari

Head of Hotels
Polina Liarostathi

Lead Architects
Alexandros Pantelidis, Manos Lainakis

Design Team
Dimitris Stefanidis, Sofia Nikopoulou, Olga Strongylou, Mina Chatzimanoli, Kostis Kandilas, Apostolia Demertzi, Aris Moutafidis, Chrisa Karanikola, Roxani Sevastou, Eleni Xousen, Evi Karageorgi, Natasa Katsikogianni

Architect Supervisor
Ioanna Alexi, Alexandros Apostolopoulos, Dimitria Kladi Psarra

Structural Study
ERGOMECAN

MEP Study
LDK CONSULTANTS

Exterior Lighting
N/A

Development
DONKEY HOTELS

Financial Advisor
N/A

Operator
Intercontinental IHG

Project Management
HILL INTERNATIONAL

Construction
BALLIAN TECHNIKI S.A.

AWARDS
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PUBLICATIONS

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