When Art and Design Collide: Hotel Semiramis in Athens

Design has created the world as we know it today. It shapes our beliefs and understandings, reaching almost every aspect of our lives. Renowned designer Karim Rashid ignored all the rules and limitation when it came to designing the Semiramis hotel. His eagle-eyed attention to detail is visible through curvy shapes, vivid colors, custom coloured carpets, patterned wall coverings and coloured glass walls.

HOTELS

Rashid’s idea was to create a place that guests have never quite seen before, an unconventional design setting that can’t compare to any prior experience

Location

Situated in Kifissia, the upscale residential and shopping district of Athens, Semiramis is a perfect place to be away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. The area is known for its villas and gardens, while the international designer stores, and art galleries are minutes away. However, the hotel is located 25 minibus from the city center, so you will have to use a car or a metro to get there.

The Idea

The visionary brainchild of art collector Dakis Joannou and renowned designer Karim Rashid, Semiramis brings together bold design, superior luxury and exceptional service. A part of the YES! hotels, Semiramis is the group’s first Hotel in Athens city.

Unique décor touches, intriguing design details, advanced technological comforts and high-end amenities will turn your stay into an experience to treasure for life.

Design

From the moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by Rashid’s unique design style. First you’ll have to pass through a glowing colored glass cube that leads into the spacious lobby filled with contemporary art. The rooms and suits offer more than a glimpse of the designers creative universe. Mixing his signature style with texture and color, everything is perfectly envisioned to the smallest detail, creating an intimate and seductive environment.

Art

Known as one of the leading collectors of contemporary art in the world, Dakis Joannou uses his hotels as an expansion of his vast art collection. A nod to the YES! hotels group’s name, Tim Noble & Sue Webster’s YE$ art piece from 2001 welcomes guests in the lobby, accompanied by Vanessa Beecroft’s VBGDW, Claire Woods’ White Nancy, and Kurt Kauper’s Diva Fiction #11. A part of the hotel’s permanent collection are also Su-En Wong’s Perky Peach and Hobbypop Museum’s Echo.

Rooms

The rooms include 42 balcony suites, six poolside bungalows, and four rooftop suites. However, the designer refused to use numbers and identified rooms with custom designed symbols that resemble hieroglyphics. The wall corners curve and the white glossy epoxy floors are inlaid with colorful carpet squares, while the bathrooms and closets feature frosted glass, making these spaces feel larger and allowing daylight to penetrate the entire room.

Dining

One of the best restaurants in Athens, Freud Oriental, is located at the Semiramis. Mixing the diversity and commonality of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, it is a perfect place for atmospheric dinner by the pool. Using the top quality ingredients, it follows the international gastronomic trends, while keeping the essence of the eclectic Japanese cuisine. It shares the roof with the hotel’s all day restaurant.