St. George Lycabettus Hotel gets a transformative renovation
Greek family owned and operated for 50 years, nestled among the pine-forested slopes of Lycabettus Hill in the tony Kolonaki neighborhood of Athens, St. George Lycabettus is perfectly positioned just above the pulsing heart of the city affording some of the most coveted views across the Greek capital to the Acropolis and the Saronic Gulf beyond.
And now, this storied five-star hotel, that has hosted VIPs, celebrities, and the glamorous jet set for decades, undergoes a complete renovation revamping all its 150 rooms and 10 suites, public spaces including the fine dining La Suite restaurant, rooftop lounge and pool bar, SG Art Gallery, 30-seat VIP screening room, event venues, and Greek designer boutique, all culminating in an eclectic design aesthetic drawing inspiration from global and Greek art, fashion and photography.
Gastronomy, art, culture, environmentalism, philanthropy and an emphasis on health and wellness are the hotel’s signatures with a hands-on approach to supporting the local community.
“It is our privilege to welcome guests to our family’s hotel and continue the legacy that has been built for the last 50 years,” comments Tonia Vassilopoulou, St. George Lycabettus Hotel’s Marketing Director and owner. “We’re delighted to share the exciting, new direction of SGL as its part of our philosophy to showcase renowned and upcoming designers and artists to collectively celebrate our artistic culture, culinary heritage, famed Greek hospitality, continue our charitable work, and of course, share the dazzling view of Athens the hotel is famous for.”
Accomodations
Reimagined by Greek architects, Katerina Efthimiou of Positive + Architects and Maria Papadriantafillou and Omniview Design, select floors of the hotel were designed with different creative art themes highlighting fashion, art and photography.
The second-floor rooms are dedicated to the world of fashion featuring timeless Greek designers such as Yiannis Tseklenis and Loukia and contemporary designers such as Mary Katranzou, Sophia Kokosalaki, Vassilis Zoulias, Daphne Valente, among others. Suites are dedicated to internationally renowned figures like Jean-Claude Jitrois, Anna Molinari and Pierre Cardin who were in fact regular guests of the hotel.
The fifth floor is dedicated to Greek painters such as Dimitris Mitaras and Achilles Drougas, while the first floor is dedicated to Greek photography, and a number of rooms thematically dedicated to famous Greek writers and poets who resided in the area such as Elytis, Kazantzakis and Papadiamantis.
Gastronomy
The heart of the hotel is the all-day fine dining rooftop restaurant, La Suite Lounge serving modern Mediterranean cuisine against stunning panoramic views from the dining room or al fresco from El Grand Balcon. The space has been updated with contemporary design details like distinctive emerald green dining chairs, and other statement furnishings from the dining tables and art inspired accent pieces.
Over the years St. George has collaborated with award winning guest chefs from all over the world and this year, Executive chef Vasilis Milios has joined forces with French Michelin starred-chef, Geoffrey Rembert to create a French-Greek fusion menu “From Paris to Athens.” The menu will combine classic French bistro dishes with the quintessential flavors of Greece highlighting fresh, local produce and ingredients and Greek herbs from the chef’s garden.
Sustainability + Philantropy
In cooperation with Coco-Mat, a leading Greek brand of eco-sustainable bedding, the hotel designed a new Eco-Chic wing with 'green' rooms reflecting a high aesthetic while minimizing negative environmental impact. The Eco-Chic Rooms feature 100% natural materials and Coco-Mat mattresses and products, each selected to offer excellent sleeping and relaxation.
The hotel remains focused on social responsibility from fundraising to offering portions of event proceeds to charity, and in order to combat food waste, the hotel has a continued partnership with Boroume, a non-profit organization connecting food surplus with the homeless and less fortunate throughout Greece.
Art + Culture
Despite its privilege next to cultural sites and museums in the city center, St. George Lycabettus has its own space for art and culture, the SG Art Gallery, hosting both Greek and international exhibitions. The latest addition to St. George Lycabettus is the new Screening Room, a VIP movie theater which seats approximately 30 and is available for private screenings, book presentations, conferences and other events.
Another cultural event that takes place at St. George is the long-standing collaboration with the Kappatos Gallery. Every year since 1999, an entire floor of the hotel is transformed into a dedicated gallery under the title “ROOMS.” All rooms are converted into artistic venues and host art projects and Installations by the established and emerging Athenian artists.
Health, Wellness + Ooytdoor Living
For fitness enthusiasts, a fully equipped gym is available as well as the Ananea Yoga and Pilates Studio offering both personal and group training as well as spinning lessons on the top floor and sunset yoga sessions during the summer months. Not to be missed is a rejuvenation session at Aegeo Spa, highlighting local ingredients and products.
During the summer season, the open-air rooftop Vertigo Pool Club is a city oasis and the place to be affording spectacular 360-degree views over the city. Guests can enjoy the gorgeous Greek sunlight and enjoy fresh juices, smoothies and snacks throughout the day moving on to traditional aperitifs, refreshing cocktail and appetizers into the evening lounging on large floor pillows, poufs and day beds to enjoy the city's most awe-inspiring sunset. St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel is located at Kleomenous 2 Kolonaki, Athens, Greece.
