The Dolli Athens
Elevating Boutique Hospitality to New Heights
In the heart of Athens, nestled at the base of the Acropolis, lies a hidden gem that promises an unforgettable experience - The Dolli Hotel. Often described as an "exquisite boutique hotel," it has garnered praise for transcending the boundaries of what a boutique hotel can offer. In my view, The Dolli goes beyond "boutique" and provides guests with a remarkable stay that combines sophistication, history, exceptional service, and luxury.
“Boutique” hotels are known for their intimate ambiance, customized and personalized service, as well as attention to detail. In recent years, a growing trend has been the incorporation of art displays that showcase the beauty and individuality of the surrounding landscape.
The boutique concept is to enhance the overall guest experience by creating a harmonious blend of art, nature and hospitality. In this article, I delve into the captivating world of beauty, art, history and not to mention the stunning visual awareness that leave a lasting impression. One that fosters a deeper appreciation and enriching acquaintance with the Greek culture and environment.
Our recent visit to the iconic Dolli at Acropolis transported us to eudaimonia, an appropriate Greek word describing a sense of being content or in ‘good spirit’. Ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle used the word to mean something closer to fulfillment or a state of well-being.
Considering The Dolli is within short reach of numerous historic sites, the Acropolis (the hill), Parthenon (the temple), Plaka (neighborhood of the gods), Ancient Agora of Athens, and many more ruins that are continually being restored, it is little wonder that guests are in good spirits!
The Dolli is more than just a charming boutique atmosphere; it exudes the feel of a luxurious resort. The moment I stepped into its brilliantly white lobby, a sense of calm and cool enveloped me…eudaemonia. The interior design and decor are impeccably on point, creating an atmosphere of elegance and tranquility.
What sets The Dolli apart is its commitment to artistry and curation. The lobby and ultra-chic lounge are adorned with a carefully curated selection of art objects, each with its own story to tell. These pieces add an air of sophistication and elegance to the ambience, elevating the overall guest experience.
The climate of the lounge exudes an enchanting allure by effortlessly blending expression and historical significance, thereby, creating a captivating atmosphere. The presence of eighteenth century antiques imparts a sense of timeless elegance, while the custom-made furniture and objects by esteemed contemporary designers add a touch of modern refinement. The juxtaposition of these components against the beaming white walls lends a perfect yin and yang balance.
The Dolli truly is a resort-like oasis set in the midst of a bustling cosmopolitan city. Grecotel, one of the largest hospitality groups in Greece, unveiled The Dolli as its “urban crown jewel” in its collection of luxury resorts and hotels.
This was by no means an easy feat. “The Dolli took seven years to create, out of which two years were spent in deep thinking and conceptual sessions. My prospect was to reimagine Athens’ allure and create a home base for travelers to enjoy the vibrancy, philosophize and elevate their souls.” — Mari Daskalantonaki.
The Dolli is a young hotel, but on display during our visit were some core hospitality traits:
Prime Location
The Dolli Hotel's location couldn't be more perfect. Situated in the center of the Plaka and Psyri districts, it provides easy access to Athens' bustling streets, vibrant markets, and historical landmarks. Practically on the doorstep of the Acropolis, it offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's rich history effortlessly. We walked effortlessly to shopping, restaurants and sites, all within a few minutes.
A tour of Benaki Museum of Greek Culture was a must (even though it was ninety degrees). Housed in a beautiful neoclassic style building, across from the National Garden, Benaki displays a distinctive exhibition arranged diachronically from prehistoric to the twentieth century.
It was invigorating to see such dedication of embroidery craft, Viking belt fittings, Islamic art, ceramics, textiles, jewelry and metalwork, that can bring so much joy to aesthetes such as myself!
Exceptional Service
The Dolli's commitment to exceptional service is what makes it truly stand out. Throughout your stay, you'll be greeted with warm smiles and a level of service that goes above and beyond. The staff is dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of your visit is perfect, from offering restaurant recommendations (a visit to a local restaurant, will write about this in my next article) and arranging transportation to providing personalized attention to your needs.
Hotel Managers, Concierges, Guest Services could best be described as “expert facilitators”. They excel at personalized and tailored recommendations, efficient reservations, accurate information, insider knowledge, proactive communication and problem resolution, key qualities that must be embodied in order for a guest to appreciate an enchanting adventure.
The Dolli team who whisper seamless suggestions and carry them through: Mary Karasouli General Manager, George Vournazos Resident Manager and Evrianthi Micha Communications Manager. I truly appreciated how available they were during our entire stay.
The View (with a Room)
The city of Athens, in their wisdom, placed a restriction on building heights - no taller than the Acropolis so that all could enjoy the sight from almost any location in the city.
Although not alone when it comes to views of the Acropolis, The Dolli’s breathtaking rooftop view of the Acropolis is a show stopper! This panoramic vista captures the essence of Athens' rich history, and there's nothing quite like having breakfast overlooking thousands of years of culture.
For an even more spectacular experience, I recommend booking an Acropolis-facing room. Whether it's the sunrise or the sunset, the view from our suite provided a serene visual backdrop to our stay.
The rooms themselves are pristine (one of the many perks of staying at a newly opened property). They give a sense of grandeur, due to the white walls, tastefully curated pieces and generously high ceilings. Add to that the numerous amenities, a very comfortable bed and pillows…I slept like a baby!
Culinary Delights
Dining at The Dolli rooftop restaurant offers a diverse menu of delectable dishes, expertly prepared. I am so glad we started our Athenian adventure with dinner overlooking the Acropolis.
As striking as the views were, we were wowed by the very knowledgeable resident wine steward, who guided us through the wonderful notes of Santorini wines. It was an opportunity to dip our toes in and sample the unpronounceable grape varieties for first time.
Greece has a long tradition of creating distinct, high quality white wines. Asyritko is a white Greek wine grape indigenous to the island of Santorini. This is planted in the arid volcanic-ash-rich soil of Santorini. Having strong citrus flavors and the tendency to to also develop orange blossom and peach flavors from the mainland. Pairs well with fruits de mer from the Mediterranean.
We savored the culinary delights from the fusion menu, it felt as though the wines elevated the flavors to new heights, a realm of pure gastronomic bliss.
Young, Vibrant, and Perfectly Situated
In summary, The Dolli Hotel is a young and vibrant establishment that redefines the boutique hospitality experience. Its one-of-a-kind rooftop infinity pool, the stunning Acropolis vision, and exceptional service make it a must-stay when in Athens. If you're seeking a blend of sophistication, history, and contemporary luxury, The Dolli Hotel is the perfect oasis amidst the heart of Athens. A home away from home that promises to be nothing short of awe-inspiring.
One of my favorite cities! Beautiful Athens