Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Psirri, in downtown Athens, Mona is a boutique hotel housed in a textile factory from the ‘50s. Featuring 20 rooms that come in different shapes and sizes yet follow a consistent minimalist and sensual design, Mona is the sister hotel of Shila Athens, both headed by NYC entrepreneur Shai Antebi alongside Greek-born creative director Eftihia Stefanidi.
The idea was to create a space that was a part-hotel, part-art gallery, and part-creative hub: a crossroads where art, music and food would be met, celebrated and enjoyed. Nurturing a cinematic feel spread throughout its spaces, Mona preserves the old-world charm of the former factory with original features, including a bold iron staircase, terrazzo floors, original metal windows, and a marble façade. Raw luxury and spacious comfort lie in the heart of Mona’s edgy character, while original artworks, bespoke furniture, and fabrics from House of Shila’s design studio complete an immersive experience.
Double-floor height windows give a sense of brightness and space on the ground floor, yet the room is subtly lit to invite intimacy. An open-plan kitchen provides guests with a Levantine breakfast and hosts regular supper clubs. Every surface, from walls to coffee tables, is a miniature art installation, with ceramics, paintings and photographs for sale. The original mosaic floor and marble staircase contrast with warm custom-made furniture in textures of wood and velvet. The original metal frames of the windows and the wrought iron staircase are offset by whimsical flower arrangements bringing the color and beauty of nature indoors. Mona’s suites are furnished with organic Greek-made linens, mattresses and hung with ethereal drapes and dresses, all of which are available for purchase.
Following the marble spiral staircase up to the rooftop bar with open-air Acropolis views, guests reach the building’s highest point to enjoy the urban landscape of Athens with a glass of hand-selected natural wine, as the sun sets on the Parthenon. In the speakeasy underground venue, home to the hotel’s signature event series CLUB MONAMOUR, Stefanidi curates a range of international galleries, art residencies, dinners, and music nights – adding to its sought-after exclusive private events. Mona also features a large collection of rotating artworks on display, from its corridors and rooms to its public spaces, hosting periodic exhibitions, while working as a sales showroom too. Feeling like it’s part of Athens’ renaissance, Mona is a place both harmonious and hip, mysterious and theatrical, cosy and exciting.
