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The Foundry Suites: a boutique chic hotel in Athens’ coolest neighbourhood

  • Housed in a former industrial building, the 12-suite property unites mid-century appointments with vintage-inspired interiors
  • From the lavender-scented rooftop, enjoy views of the Acropolis, Philopappos Hill and the Gazi district

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The Foundry Suites, a 12-suite boutique hotel in the Greek capital, Athens. Photo: The Foundry Suites
Kalimera, kyrie! Well, it sure is good to be back in Athens, just as the city emerges, Venus-like, from the financial doldrums of the past few years. For savvy travellers, this translates into a promising cache of boutique hotels, especially in off-the-beaten-track neighbourhoods.

Like The Foundry? Absolutely. Built in the 1930s as a – spoiler alert – foundry, it was later converted into a newspaper office and then a performing arts venue. Now it’s a thoroughly slick, modern boutique prop­erty comprising 12 spacious apartments.

What’s the look? It’s like stepping into the pad of a well-heeled hipster with a weak­ness for mid-century vintage. Think low-slung, comfy furniture, high windows, acres of marble and industrial accents.

Which room should I book? Each has a unique layout, some with terraces, but the best room, in our view, is C1, a two-storey loft with a spacious living room, breakfast nook and kitchenette, which looks out over the evocative ruins of the original, unrestored part of the hotel.

The Acropolis, as seen from The Foundry’s rooftop. Photo: The Foundry Suites
The Acropolis, as seen from The Foundry’s rooftop. Photo: The Foundry Suites

Are there facilities? The rooftop is fabulous. Styled like the courtyard of a traditional Greek home, it’s shaded by olive and pomegranate trees and the air is laced with lavender. Weather permitting, breakfast is served here with an extrava­gant wicker picnic basket stuffed with fruit, yogurt, boiled eggs, bread and juices.

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