The “most boutique of boutique hotels” in the Greek capital has a prime location near Syntagma Square
Our quest for the unique, the boutique and the neo-classically chic in Athens lures us directly to Nosteo hotel. The four-storey former manor house on Mitropoleos Street not far from famous Syntagma Square was built in 1890 and was the elegant home of an Athenian family for decades before it was neglected and abandoned.
The current owners started an extensive renovation in 2021 and it took until May 2024 to restore it to its former glory. The thoughtful retrofitting and repurposing only allowed for four spacious suites and one room with a rooftop terrace.
“We’re the most boutique of boutique hotels,” explains front desk clerk Erika Bezati upon check in. “We get to know every guest and help them personally experience Athens the way they want to experience it.”
Guests generally discover and become intrigued by Nosteo with an online search for unique, small or boutique hotels in central Athens. Or, in-the-know travel agents can recommend Nosteo as a distinctly different stay from a big or chain hotel.
The Nosteo has even had some passersby walk in and want to stay at the pretty place with the discreet gold sign over its mysterious front double doors. Once a guest, they usually return every time they visit the Greek capital as well as recommend Nosteo to family, friends and colleagues. Loosely translated from Greek, Nosteo means ‘homecoming’.
The essence of Nosteo is that of an exquisite, exclusive hotel incorporating 19th century Athenian architecture and decor with modern conveniences. A serene urban haven, an oasis of calm, quiet and style with a prime location in the nexus of Athens. It all played out in our junior suite with a balcony.
Spacious by European standards, the focus of the suite is the platform bed with thick pillow-top mattress draped in stark white linens. The floor is wide wood planks, the walls oversized cream panels and on the over-height, 14-foot ceiling is an ornate symmetrical fresco.
Two sets of tall, double glass doors open to the marble balcony with filigree wrought-iron railing.
It’s where we’ll lounge to drink the welcome vodka martini with skewered fat Greek olive, of course, as we watch life go by below on Mitropoleos Street. The bathroom is split into two separate mirrored boxes – one for the shower, the other for the toilet and vanity.
The detailed light stone facade is punctuated by wood-framed tall windows and doors flanked by light green shutters leading to marble and wrought-iron balconies.
The interiors are reminiscent of a neo-classical manor house meets modern hospitality.
Think intricately patterned floor tiles, spiral wooden staircase, ornate ceiling murals, cream wide-panel walls, hidden mezzanine and custom local artwork all with fast and free wifi and contemporary plumbing, heating and cooling.
The restoration fully adhered to Greece’s Ministry of Culture protocols to safeguard and showcase the building’s historical and aesthetic value and as a result Nosteo is a listed building.
“Nosteo is the realized inspiration of two admirers of art and culture, so enthralled by the old-age flair of Athenian heritage that they breathed new life into his neo-classical residence by meticulously curating its original features and detailing,” said Katerina Dima.
Dima is the manager of both Nosteo and Ikon, another boutique hotel under the same ownership with six unique apartments just across the street.
The owners also have a new Greek restaurant nearby called Liystor with views of the Acropolis and Temple of Hephaestus.
Overnight rates at Nosteo start at around 200 euro, which is about $325 Canadian.
–Story by Steve MacNaull
