Greek Modernism Reborn: Inside Ace Hotel’s Athens Debut.

French architecture studio (and one of Yellowtrace all-time favourites) Ciguë has transformed a former 1970s hotel into the latest outpost of Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Athens, marking the brand’s first foray into Greece. The 120-room property in Glyfada weaves together Greek modernism, brutalist architecture, and coastal resort aesthetics.

The project’s architecture and interior design draw inspiration from Greek architect Aris Konstantinidis’ post-war modernist designs, particularly his Anavyssos summer residence. The complete interior redesign integrates local materials such as ceramic tile and timber, creating spaces that honour the surrounding topography while feeling inherently modern.

The structure’s inherent visual strength is emphasised by Ciguë’s use of glass fibre-reinforced concrete and stucco for the facade. “By removing the hierarchy between scales and dissolving the boundaries between different areas of expertise, ciguë reconciles how we live in the world with how we build it,” the studio explains.

Retail Fitout Wet Dreams Are Made by Ciguë.

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The hotel’s entrance leads to a spacious lobby flooded with Greece’s famed light. A bold, faceted front desk carved from locally sourced white Dionysos marble with striking green veining sets the tone. The lobby ties in composite elements through a mosaic of travertine grids interwoven with polished concrete, creating a blend of comfort and sophistication.

Two adjacent living spaces feature a mix of custom Ciguë furnishings and vintage pieces sourced by Back To The Future, including safari chairs and ‘Le Bugie’ lounge chairs by Alessandro Becchi for Giovanetti. The spaces are complemented by three massive Beni rugs in custom colourways.

The Swim Club, a sister to Ace Hotel Palm Springs, is cast in a palette of creams, yellows and greens, offset by grounding Iroko timber accents. The pool area features custom-designed beds and aluminium loungers by Ciguë, accented with striped cushions. A collection of Rattan Mushrooms designed by Finnish innovator Eero Aarnio adds playful touches throughout the outdoor space.

The rooms feature cantilevered balconies in the classic sea resort style, inviting in natural light and sea breezes. Inside, matte-finished concrete slab floors contrast with custom green marble vanities designed by Ciguë. The bathing enclave is nestled in a pristine white shell with textured coatings, striking a delicate balance between seclusion and transparency.

An ambitious art programme, curated in partnership between Atelier Ace and Ciguë, features works by 18 contemporary Athenian artists across various disciplines. The front facade showcases a Claire Manent mural, while a second large-scale mural by Greek artist Panos Profitis adorns the pool-facing facade.

Sebastian, the ground-floor restaurant, features custom furnishings and lighting by Ciguë set against a bar and banquettes made from handmade blue terracotta tiles. The space transitions seamlessly from indoor to outdoor dining, embodying the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

The intimate Lobby Bar features a full copper bar that shimmers under low ambient light, while vintage Vaarnii ‘1003 Hans’ pendant lamps create an enchanting atmosphere throughout the dining spaces.

Having opened its doors this month, Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens marries the building’s brutalist bones with the classic charm of 70s coastal resorts. It’s a distinctive architectural identity that speaks to both past and present. Chef’s kiss.

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[Images courtesy of Atelier Ace. Photography by DePasquale+Maffini. Prototype rooms photographed by Bill Georgoussis.]