Semiramis

Athens

Invoking the city of Athens is synonymous with the 2,500 year old monuments of the Acropolis, dedicated to the cult of the goddess Athena for whom the city is named. The magnificence and the architecture of the temples are known and appreciated by visitors the world over. The historical heritage of this ancient and modern capital of Greece continues to overshadow those of other important sites such as Corinth, Delphi and Olympia. But according the Greek writer, Vassilis Alexakis, the visitor would be missing out on a great deal if he concentrated all his efforts on the museums and monuments. “It’s neither in a museum nor an archaeological site that one sees the true and living connection with antiquity. It’s through the people.” By discovering the newly renovated working class neighborhoods of the capital, Athens reveals an aspect of itself almost unknown to tourists, that of a vibrant, modern city looking towards the future. Theatres, contemporary art museums, trendy cafés and bars now inhabit formerly condemned buildings and warehouses, breathing fresh air into a city so impregnated with history.

A hotel rich in color

A white façade with vivid yellow balconies and a touch of fuchsia add a certain dynamic to the calm, well to do northern suburb of Kifissia. Created by the Anglo-Egyptian art-deco designer, Karim Rashid, Semiramis seems to almost snub its nose at this sleepy suburb. Vivid colors, 1970s retro atmosphere, futuristic plays of light, and a rainbow swimming pool all welcome guests to this colorful Art ’n Pop universe. In the words of the designer, “Today’s hotels give the impression of going back to the previous century, which is the last thing I wanted to do. With the Semiramis, I wanted to create an intimate hotel, concentrating on the positive energies of art.” The ultra modern, off the wall decoration pushes the idea of audacity by recreating a childhood fantasy world where giant candies and sweets define the shapes of houses, trees and personalities of all kinds. Armchairs are in the form of marshmallows, and the walls are lined in candy pink. Half hotel and half art gallery, contemporary art lovers can enjoy the collection of works on display in the hotel’s common areas. The Semiramis is truly a whimsical and colorful place to stay.

Among the artists who exhibit their work at the hotel are Jeff Koons, Sue Webster and Vanessa Beecroft.