Athens is a city that never sleeps. While on a recent visit to the ancient capital, I discovered three home-style boutique hotels in the vibrant Monastiraki-Psiri corridor. The intimate Vasi Hotel, Asomaton Boutique Hotel, and 18 Micon Street offer a warm welcome to the eclectic metropolis.
All three properties were renovated to bring new life to once-dilapidated buildings, flaunt minimalist style with an environmental consciousness in Athens’ city center.
Asomaton Boutique Hotel
The Oniro Hotels Group, a Greek hospitality brand, opened the Asomoton in August 2020. COVID-19 forced its closure three months later, but it reopened in August 2021. Its 19 rooms and suites on three floors, which blend flawlessly with century-old stonework, were developed over three years in close collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Culture.
Asomaton, roughly translates to “without a body.” Built as a repair shop for horse carriages more than 100 years ago, it later became an elegant townhouse, then was abandoned for two decades. Today it showcases an industrial vibe on the outskirts of gritty Psiri. Eccentric metal frames are integrated into its lobby, hallways, corridors, and staircases.
The hotel’s crowning feature is its inviting lobby and lounge area, which open to a Jacuzzi pool. After long days of meandering the vibrant city streets, the gorgeous spa is a welcome sight.
The affordable abode comes with an excellent selection of rooms, suites, and lofts. All have Nespresso machines, minibars, and safes, along with a small balcony or terrace.
The Acropolis Loft, with its large balcony, and the rooftop breakfast terrace overlook the storied ruins of the Acropolis. There is a no-children policy, but the adults-only hotel is pet-friendly. “Dot pop” work by famed Greek-American artist Philip Tsiaris adorns the hotel walls.
Website: www.asomaton.com
Accommodations: 19 rooms, junior suites, and lofts.
Rates: $120-$250
Book This Hotel: Booking.com
18 Micon Street
The sister property to the Asomoton is located in the heart of pulsating Psiri, mingling with graphited buildings, antique shops, street art, ouzeris, and roaring nightlife. Once an abandoned machine shop-warehouse, 18 Micon Street is now a chic boutique with an industrial feel. It is a 10-minute walk from Monastiraki shopping, Plaka, and the Acropolis.
The spirit of Micon, a 5th-century Athenian artist, lives on in the hotel’s 15 hip guest rooms. The property perfectly blends brick, cement, and wood into a boutique-like feel.
The ground floor houses a reception desk, breakfast nook, and cozy living room, where you can sit on comfortable couches browsing magazines and guidebooks to plan your Athens adventure.
All rooms are spacious. The apartment-like third- and fourth-floor suites and lofts are positively massive compared to most Athens hotels. Generous balconies offer Acropolis views. Other amenities include big-screen televisions, marble bathrooms with walk-in showers, Nespresso machines, stocked minibars, bathrobes, slippers, and a safe to hold valuables.
Unlike the Asomaton, 18 Micon Street is family-friendly. Children are welcomed in two suites modified for families of up to three kids.
Website: www.18miconstr.com
Accommodations: 19 rooms, junior suites, and lofts.
Rates: $95-$299
Book This Hotel: Booking.com
Vasi Hotel
Continuing with the industrial boutique theme of central Athens’ small hotels is the Vasi Hotel, its 18 minimalist rooms extending through eight floors. Tucked away on a side lane off busy Ermou Street, the Vasi is owned by Israel’s progressive OMG hotel group.
Filled with light with a soothing neutral color palette, guest rooms seamlessly blend their Greek terrazo flooring. Simple and functional wood design is incorporated throughout the property.
The Vasi is a calm space away from the busy streets of Athens. At the center of its spacious ground floor is an olive tree surrounded by a communal table, a statement that everything originates from the earth.
Website: www.vasihotels.com
Accommodations: 19 rooms, junior suites, and lofts.
Rates: $100-$299
Book This Hotel: Booking.com
In the end, I have a difficult time picking my favorite of the three stellar properties. Fortunately, I do not have to choose.
While the Asomaton, with its distinctive décor and wrought-iron framework, might be best suited for singles or couples, the Vasi and 18 Micon Street attract families. Each unique hotel has a historic charm, with roots in renovated buildings. Each is loaded with local art renderings from nearby galleries and flea markets.
All three properties operate a front desk or lobby from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Later at night, your room key enables you to enter the hotel.
In each case, you will feel as if you’re staying in a friend’s luxurious home. That is a welcome respite from the frenetic scene elsewhere in spirited Psiri.
