The Classical Baby Grand Hotel

Athens

Atop the Acropolis, the ruins of the Parthenon watch over the immensity of the Attica plains. Built about 2,500 years ago during the time of the statesman and orator, Pericles, the temple is dedicated to the cult of Athena and is part of a trio of monuments on the same hill that are among the most visited in the world, the other two being the Propylea and the Erectheion. The luminous, rich and unique archaeological heritage of the Greek capital plunges visitors into the very source of western civilization. Athens has about 60 museums some of which are internationally renowned, especially the National Archaeological Museum which possesses almost all of ancient Greece’s works of art. Although Athens’ incredible historical heritage is an integral part of its identity, it is also a modern capital with a number of totally renovated working class neighborhoods. As a café owner in the famous Monastiraki quarter said: “You have to dare venture into and get lost in these working lass areas” to discover the dynamic, creative and artistic side of the capital.

Graffiti, Smurfs etc.

A Mini Cooper convertible transformed into a reception desk and a lobby flanked by psychedelic motifs welcomes visitors to the mad universe of the Classical Baby Grand of a comic strip, with multi-colored frescoes paying tribute to the practice of street art. Spiderman, the Smurfs, magic fairies and manga type characters decorate the hotel’s 79 rooms, inviting guests to enter a totally unique world. Each room has its hero and its décor which varies from whimsical to floral to urban to totally off the wall. “It’s a place for people who like to have a good time” according to the Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Somewhere between a hotel and an art gallery, the Baby Grand is, in its own way, representative of the city, in that it’s eclectic, modern and creative. Especially popular with more well to do Athenian youth, the Meat Me restaurant specializes in local products and dishes served in a forest like décor of suspended lacelike vines and leaves, thus adding to the enchantment and experience of the entire hotel.

“The Classical Baby Grand is the perfect antidote for all the bland and soulless establishments that go by the name of business hotels.”- The Daily Telegraph.