Mona Athens Boutique Hotel: Interview, Design Story & Athens’ Psirri Guide
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means, I may earn a commission if you purchase by clicking a link at no extra cost to you. (Learn More)
In the heart of Athens, Mona Athens offers a boutique stay unlike any other. I was born in Athens and am fortunate to return often each year. When it comes to hotels here, I look for places that reflect the city I know - a space with a story, comfort and soul. Tucked within the vibrant neighbourhood of Psirri, Mona captures all of that and more. Set in a restored 1950s textile factory, it feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern - a space where art, design and hospitality effortlessly intertwine.
I have visited Mona Athens many times, and I am always struck by the hotel’s ability to balance calm with energy – quiet mornings with Acropolis views on the rooftop and yet every corner of the hotel tells a story. From the preserved terrazzo floors and metal staircases to the handpicked artworks and tactile materials, Mona is a building that truly comes alive.
Below, you will find my interview with the team behind Mona Athens, where we explore the hotel’s story, design philosophy and how it continues to celebrate the spirit of this city I call home. For reference, the audio interview was conducted in Greek (with some English) and has been translated into English here.
Discovering Mona Athens: Art, Design and History
Mona Athens, a stunning boutique hotel in the heart of Athens' Psirri district, offers a unique blend of industrial history, contemporary art and carefully curated design. Converted from a former 1950s textile factory, the space is a living gallery where every detail, from the vintage furniture to the hand-crafted ceramics, tells a part of its story. This article explores the hotel's design ethos, its distinct spaces and the elevated experience it offers its guests and members.
What is the Concept Behind Mona Athens' Design?
The hotel, a project by House of Shila, was conceived with immense respect for the building's 1950s industrial architecture. The core design philosophy focuses on maintaining the structure's original "bones," allowing the exposed concrete, piping and walls to reveal their 70 years of history.
"The structure itself remains unchanged, revealing 70 years of history. Emphasis was given to preserving original features."
The design style is a sophisticated mix of Art Nouveau, modern, contemporary and industrial aesthetics. The goal was to transform the factory into a boutique hotel while integrating art and design at every turn.
Exploring the Unique Spaces of the House of Shila Hotel
The hotel is an eight-story building, with each level serving a distinct function and maintaining a consistent, artistic atmosphere.
What Features Does the Ground Floor and Mezzanine Offer?
The ground floor houses the main restaurant, which is not just an eatery but a space designed to meticulously integrate plant-based elements (flora) with vintage furniture and an Open Space Art Boutique. This area is filled with unique items for sale, including ceramics, periodicals and books.
The mezzanine floor features the reception area. In line with the hotel's distinctive style, even this space is "very different" and does not resemble a typical, conventional hotel lobby.
How Are the Guest Rooms and Suites Designed?
The five floors dedicated to guest rooms and suites feature a cohesive theme: plants, art, and custom design.
Custom Touches: Each room has a different layout and capacity. Everything, from the hand-crafted curtains to the custom furniture, has been carefully selected.
Art and Retail: Every floor and room features its own unique plants and exhibition pieces (like paintings or sculptures). Moreover, guests will find different products for sale within the rooms, including design items, jewelry, and books.
The top floor contains the two most luxurious suites. The largest of these is the most expensive room and has hosted notable guests, including singers and actors. This area, in particular, is where the artistic nature of the design is fully "unfolded," showcasing many beautiful objects.
A Social Hub: Rooftop, Events and Community
Mona Athens is designed not just for accommodation, but as a dynamic space for guests, members and the wider Athenian community.
Where is the Best View in Mona Athens?
The rooftop terrace offers a direct, stunning view of the Acropolis. This area is open 24 hours a day for both hotel guests and members of the House of Shila. It serves as a strong incentive for people to become members so they can enjoy their coffee or drinks with an unparalleled view. The hotel also hosts both private and occasional public events on the terrace.
What Other Event Spaces are Available?
In addition to the rooftop, the hotel also offers an underground club space, which is also used for events, often booked for parties, New Year's celebrations, or collaborations with organisations like the Faros DJ collective. The main restaurant is also available to be booked for private events.
The Art of Curation: Products and Partnerships
The hotel's dedication to unique aesthetics extends to its retail offerings and partnerships. This approach reflects Mona’s broader philosophy of living with art - encouraging guests not just to observe creativity, but to take a piece of it home and make it part of their own story.
Are the Items in the Hotel Available for Purchase?
Yes, many items that contribute to the hotel's atmosphere are available for sale, underscoring the "Art Boutique" concept.
Hand-Crafted Curtains: The curtains, which are specially ordered and hang throughout the windows, are hand-crafted and can be purchased by guests, though they require advance arrangement.
Art and Design: Ceramics, jewelry, and other design objects are found throughout the hotel - in the reception area, the restaurant, and the rooms - and are available for purchase.
Who Are Mona Athens' Collaborators?
Mona Athens actively partners with local artists and businesses to maintain its unique identity:
Artists: The hotel works directly with many Athenian artists for its ceramics and other art pieces.
Food & Beverage: The breakfast service is provided through a partnership with the local establishment Minu, which supplies the staff and food.
Design & Furniture: The hotel incorporates both specially crafted pieces and curated items, including some second-hand vintage furniture and lighting fixtures.
Key Hotel Information and History
When Did Mona Athens Open and What is its History?
Mona Athens opened after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, and has been operating for over three years. The building was originally a textile factory in the 1950s.
How Does Mona Athens Relate to House of Shila's Other Properties?
Mona Athens is the second hotel in the House of Shila portfolio. The first hotel, named Shila, is a smaller establishment with six rooms located in the Kolonaki neighborhood of Athens. While both share the same design sensibilities, the suites in the two hotels cater to different audiences.
Mona Athens: The Vision of an Artistic Oasis in the Heart of Athens
Mona Athens is more than a hotel; it is an alternative philosophy of hospitality in the city's competitive, bustling center. The vision, brought to life by House of Shila, focuses on combining the industrial skeleton of its 1950s factory building with contemporary art and a focus on community. It aims to offer something fundamentally different from the majority of hotels in Athens.
What is the Core Philosophy Driving Mona Athens?
The central concept is to create an inspiring environment that marries history and modernity.
What is the Architectural Vision for the Hotel?
The design team made a deliberate choice to preserve the building's structural 'skeleton'. This maintains the raw, honest aesthetic of the former factory. The goal is for the building to look "a bit more raw, perhaps" while simultaneously integrating art throughout its spaces. This conscious design offers a modern visual approach that also respects the urban environment.
How Does Mona Athens Foster an Artistic Community?
Art is central to the hotel's identity, fostering a sense of community among guests, staff, and collaborators.
Supporting Artists: The hotel actively showcases the work of designers and artists, demonstrating a deep respect for their creations.
Facilitating Sales: To promote their partners' work, the hotel has its own e-shop, which makes it easy to purchase the art displayed.
The House of Shila's Future and the "Mona Experiment"
Mona Athens, being the largest property in the portfolio, serves as a crucial case study for the brand's expansion. Future projects aim to continue House of Shila’s signature blend of art, intimacy and design while exploring new interpretations of hospitality across Greece’s islands and urban centres.
What are House of Shila’s Future Plans?
The story of House of Shila is far from over. There are concrete plans and current movements for other hotels both in Athens and throughout Greece.
Why is Mona Athens Considered an "Experiment"?
Mona is the largest establishment and is viewed as an "experiment". The concept is highly unconventional: it does not externally resemble the standard idea of a hotel, lacking the traditional concierge and reception setup that guests might expect.
The success of Mona, which is currently in its third year and "going very well," is expected to guide the next phase and potentially a "next step" for the subsequent properties, blending the current successful elements with newer ideas.
The Culinary Experience: Vegan-Friendly Dining at Mona Athens
The hotel’s dedication to a unique philosophy extends to its food and beverage program, which emphasises fresh, plant-focused dining.
Who Curates the Restaurant Menu?
The restaurant's à la carte menu is overseen by the hotel's partner, Minu Athens. The speaker notes that Minu's location is conveniently "right next door" on Sarri Street.
What Kind of Food is Served?
The primary philosophy of the menu is to be vegan-friendly (including vegetarian and vegan options). Consequently, there is no meat option available on the menu.
The dishes and combinations are carefully designed to offer guests "something different" from what is typically found in other hotels. While classics like omelets and yogurt are available, there are also "other surprises" for visitors.
What is the Favourite Dish on the Menu?
The speaker's personal favorite dish is the French Toast. It is a sweet option that is baked with a special sauce, making it a "complete meal on its own".
The Mona Experience: Breakfast, Atmosphere and Clientele
The Mona experience is designed to be relaxing, inspiring, and fully integrated with the vibrant life of central Athens.
Where Can Guests Enjoy Breakfast?
Breakfast is offered to both hotel guests and external visitors. Guests can enjoy it in the restaurant, in their room, or on the rooftop. This non-traditional approach gives guests an "extra chance to relax" and moves away from the conventional routine of "going down to breakfast to eat".
Note for Members & External Visitors: For House of Shila members and external guests, breakfast is strictly served within the restaurant area.
Why Do People Choose to Stay at Mona Athens?
Visitors are attracted to Mona because they read about it and expect to find something different. They seek a space that can be a source of inspiration.
The typical clientele profile includes people involved in:
Art
Photography
Fashion
Writing (some even write while staying there)
They believe Mona is the environment where they will be inspired to create a new story or live a unique experience of their own.
Why Do Guests Return to Mona Athens?
Those who return two or three times are often won over by a combination of factors:
The Breakfast
The Hotel Atmosphere: The overall ambiance of the hotel, especially the rooms.
The Intimate Vibe: The rooms feature slightly lower lighting and curtains that create a more intimate setting.
The Rooftop: The continuously open rooftop where simply sitting and viewing the Acropolis is a "very relaxing" combination.
Is Mona Athens a Good Place to Work?
Yes, many guests work during their stay. There are often guests who come down to the restaurant with their laptops. However, the primary allure remains its artistic philosophy—an "oasis in the center of Athens where you escape and live somewhat differently".
Location and Local Amenities
How Central is Mona Athens?
The hotel is located in the Monastiraki area, which is extremely central. The speaker notes, "It doesn't get any better," than the Monastiraki location.
While it is very central and there is a lot of activity, the interior spaces of the hotel remain quiet and relaxed.
What is Close to the Hotel?
Mona Athens' central location means guests have easy access to the vibrant neighbourhood. The hotel is very close to:
Restaurants
Bars
Art Galleries
Guests frequently ask for recommendations on which galleries or museums are open, as they are often only a quick 10-15 minute trip away.