St. George Lycabettus Hotel, Athens
Athens is at once one of the most historical cities in Europe and a thriving modern capital, with a vibrant atmosphere, first rate shopping and bustling nightlife. The birthplace of classical civilisation, the city is home to a truly outstanding array of ancient monuments, dominated by the awesome vision of the Acropolis. Standing nearby is the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and its Caryatids, and the Ancient Theatre of Dionysus. Dominating the blue Greek skies, these classical structures are spellbinding. But Athens isn't just about history; the city is a melting pot of eastern influences, such as the Turkish-inspired bazaars of Monástiraki and the Byzantine architecture of the Pláka quarter. Wherever your wanderings take you, there are plenty of quiet corners to enjoy a typically Greek lunch and glass of chilled wine. For serenity, head to the calming National Gardens; for more energetic activity, the designer boutiques of the refined Kolonáki area - Athens' most fashionable district - offer plenty of opportunity to purchase a fine array of clothing from all the big international names.
It is also at Kolonáki that you'll find the city's luxury boutique hotel, the St. George Lycabettus, moments form the main shops and near to the forest walks of Lycabettus Hill. Refined and understated, this hotel is a calm oasis in the centre of the city. Boasting impressive views of the Acropolis and a sublime, tranquil interior, the hotel's philosophy is all about offering guests the highest standards of luxury and service while maintaining a strong sense of individuality and an authentic Greek flavour.
Hotel Information
The St. George Lycabettus is one of Europe's finest boutique hotels, based around 158 rooms and suites. Each room and communal area has been designed with every comfort in mind, and retains an individual and understated air, combined with typically Greek touches. Boasting stunning views of the Acropolis, from the south-facing balconies and from the rooftop restaurant, this hotel provides an oasis of calm in the heart of Athens. Located just two kilometres from the Arcroplis and one kilometre from the old city, the St. George Lycabettus is a luxury retreat which combines friendly but unobtrusive service with fashionable surroundings. It's no wonder the hotel has played host to many celebrities over the years.
The interior of the hotel features Byzantine, Victorian and modern Greek art displays, and rooms are decorated in muted and calming tones. Like its sister hotel on the Greek island of Andros, the reigning philosophy at the St. George is to offer guests a combination of modern, fashionable surroundings as well as typically Greek warm hospitality.
Room Information
The St. George Lycabettus offers two types of standard rooms - some face the interior quadrangle of the hotel while external rooms boast superb views of the city from their balconies. Each room is equipped with the following: colour TV with international 24-hour news; voice mail; radio channel; individually controlled air-conditioning; hairdryer; fully stocked mini-bar; dataports; in-room fax and personal computer hire (both upon request).
The hotel also offers several superior quality suites. The Presidential Suite is located on the 6th floor of the hotel and is the showpiece room in the property. The suite's living room and balcony offer unrivalled views of the Acropolis and the Attica area. Extremely spacious, the Presidential Suite boasts a marble bathroom with hydro massage and tropical rain shower, separate dining and living room area and an extensive open balcony.
The Marie-Christine Suite was named after Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent after she stayed at the hotel. An enviously expansive suite of rooms featuring inspired interior design, the Marie-Christine offers the ultimate in luxury. Decorative touches take their inspiration from ancient wall paintings on the island of Santorini, while the bathroom is tiled with marble from Tinos, and features a circular bath and separate marble shower.
Corner Suites offer a more intimate ambience. Each is individually styled and features original interior design elements, such as traditional panelling and animal print fabrics.
Dining Experience
Eating at the St. George Lycabettus is a sublime pleasure. The hotel's Le Grand Balcon is the main restaurant, which has been widely feted as being the "Restaurant with the most beautiful view in Europe" (Vogue and Elle magazines, among others). Enjoy exemplary cuisine while feasting your eyes on a stunning panorama which stretches from the Acropolis to the Argo-Saronic islands. During the summer, the wide, elegant balcony on the top of the hotel is open for al fresco dining throughout the day and evening, and the restaurant can also cater for private dining and banquets. Signature dishes include king prawns filled with crab meat, vine leaf parcels of chicken breast and Bavarois with strawberries and orange zest.
The Frame lounge bar restaurant offers modern and light cuisine in a stylish yet casual atmosphere. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, and also offers a wide variety of coffees and fruit juices. In the summer months Frame Garden is the perfect retreat for light lunches and evening cocktails on a balmy Athens' evening. Menus might include chicken fillet burger and homemade apple pies.
Tony's Wine Bar and Lounge is named after the founder of the St. George Lycabettus and offers the perfect surroundings to kick back with a long drink or two.
Hotel Facilities
The hotel places your relaxation at the top list of its priorities. As such, hotel facilities cover every comfort factor the cosmopolitan traveller requires. There is a large outdoor swimming pool which can be used in the summer months, and an attractive rooftop bar and restaurant. Other amenities include a boutique, hairdresser, gift shop, mini-gym and sauna. There is also an extensive library on site and an impressive art collection lines the hotel's walls. And of course, all standard deluxe hotel services such as baby sitting, same-day laundry service, 24-hour currency exchange are also featured.