Shila Athens

A Hôtel Particulier in the Artistic Heart of Modern Athens

"Barefoot, with brown loose hair, she would dance from room to room as if holding court. Greeting each as an old friend, even if it was our first acquaintance. She knew how we took our whiskey, could serve our favorite mid-winter meal, and was masterful at guiding conversation between guests who barely spoke a common tongue."

Meet Shila, a boutique hotel with character. 

A late-neoclassical residence built in the 1920s in the heart of Athens, the building has been reborn as a modern-day hôtel particulier. Most often found in Paris, hôtels particuliers are mansions of considerable grandeur built around interior courtyards. This Athenian version is located in vibrant Kolonaki, an artistic neighborhood buzzing with social life, on the slopes of Mount Lycabettus. 

Named after the Sanskrit word for "character" and an imaginary muse of the same name, Shila is a hotel with the sensual charm of an illicit speakeasy. Enter the hotel through a salon-like lounge filled with books and a piano, and you'll find a lush courtyard garden, a bohemian rooftop terrace, and reading nooks, as well as six suites, each with its own character.

The building's original features – terrazzo floors, high ceilings, and a central courtyard – have been augmented with patina walls, vintage fabrics, marble sinks, gilt mirrors and velvet day beds. But perhaps the most intriguing feature is its collection of contemporary art. Each room has its own selection of multi-disciplinary works by local and international artists, handpicked by the hotel's team. All are for sale, so if something catches your attention, you can take it home with you.

This small luxury hotel in Athens can be booked by suite or in its entirety, and is also perfect for private events.

Read an interview with Shila's designer in our Stories section here.

Shila has six suites: 

Garden Retreat sleeps two guests, with French windows opening onto a wild garden and outdoor bar. There is a four-poster high bed with stairs.

Romantic Dust sleeps two guests in a country-style suite with French windows opening onto a private garden. There is a four-poster bed and a black bathtub.

La Boheme sleeps up to four guests. There is a master bedroom, study area, Juliet balcony and a lounge that turns into a second bedroom. 

The Dreamers sleeps up to four guests. There is a master bedroom, study area with a floating desk, and a large lounge that opens onto a set of Juliet balconies.

Attic Antique sleeps up to four guests. It has a country-style feel, looks out over the garden, and its adjoining lounge has a velvet daybed and a Juliet balcony.

Artist Atelier sleeps up to four guests. There is a master bedroom, study area and lounge with velvet sofas and giant floor cushions, as well as a Juliet balcony.

Additional features

All suites have organic botanical toiletries made exclusively for the hotel. Concierge services run from 7:30am to 11:30pm, but 24-hour services can be accommodated with prior notice. Breakfast, composed of carefully selected local ingredients and artisanal baked goods, is served daily in the suites. Design items, such as clothing made by local designers, are available to sample and purchase throughout the hotel.

Around

This small luxury hotel in Athens is located moments from downtown, on a quiet pedestrianized street in Kolonaki. The neighborhood is one of the capital's most vibrant and is known for its fashion, food and nightlife, as well as artistic and cultural hubs like the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, and the B&E Goulandris Foundation.

The Acropolis is a short ride away, and Mount Lycabettus, a limestone hill that is the highest point in the center of the city, offers great hiking opportunities and dramatic views – on a clear day as far as the island of Aegina.

Location

Kolonaki, Athens, Greece. Nearest airport: Athens (40 mins).

Best time to visit

Year round, with best weather from spring to fall