The DNA: Athens-based K-Studio have converted a low-slung 1930s building into the sleek 38-room Perianth Hotel. Set back a little distance from Athens’ jammed tourist tracks but still equally accessible to the Acropolis and the National Archaeological Museum, the gentle curves of the grey art moderne pile open into a bright interior that’s awash with light streaking through glass brick walls and high windows, and bouncing off brass-framed mirrors. The palette is handsomely sober with a distinct Grecian patina by way of contemporary Greek art, minimalist staff uniform designed by Sophia Kokosalaki, terrazzo floors and custom-designed furniture in the public spaces. This is complemented by bed-frames of walnut timber, grey marble benches, and modular mirrors and lighting in the bedrooms. The best room in the house is the sixth floor penthouse suite which features wraparound views of the Acropolis and Mount Lycabettus, a plunge pool and Jacuzzi. Though all of Athens awaits just outside in the Byzantine Agia Eirini Square, the Perianth hotel steals a march on its competitors with an on-site Zen Center which offers meditation, yoga and Eastern martial arts, apparently a passion of one of the hotel’s owners. In-house restaurant Il Baretto, meanwhile, features Italian standards in a chic grey room anchored by a rugged stone- and marble-lined bar.

Seen: archilovers, dezeen, Top Hotel Design, Wallpaper*

Accolades: Wallpaper* Best Urban Hotels 2019

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 38 rooms & suites (22-116m2) (237-1,249 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2019 • architecture & interior design: K-Studio ❌ no parking available ✅ pet friendly, no charges • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible