by Manina Zoumboulakis
Truth be told, I find myself at the St. George Lycabettus hotel only for conferences or workshops. For those living in Athens, hotels often seem like spaces meant for visitors, not locals. Yet, I realize that Athenian hotels have a wealth of offerings that can enchant not just travelers but Athenians alike.
Another truth is that I lived just around the corner, along the Lycabettus ring road, for years. I often passed by the hotel while walking my eldest son to the fabled park on Kleomenous Street. Every time, I couldn’t help but admire the St. George Lycabettus - a vision of understated elegance, quintessentially Kolonaki. It clings to the hillside with such a light touch, as if it’s deliberately trying not to draw too much attention to itself.
The story of the St. George Lycabettus Hotel in Kolonaki
For half a century -celebrating its golden anniversary this year- the St. George Lycabettus has stood as a quiet emblem of refined hospitality. Its storied history is entwined with the presence of celebrated figures who have passed through its elegant suites. Rudolf Nureyev, the legendary dancer, always requested a particular suite offering an unparalleled view of the Acropolis -a choice also favored by the celebrated cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. This suite, the epitome of refined luxury, owes its charm not to opulence but to its simplicity and its poetic, almost cinematic framing of the Acropolis.
The hotel has welcomed a constellation of luminaries: Catherine Deneuve, John Cassavetes, Alexandros Iolas, Irene Papas, Tom Hanks with Rita Wilson, Nia Vardalos, Queen Sofía of Spain, and many more. Yet, true to its ethos, the St. George Lycabettus does not trade on its illustrious clientele. Instead, it maintains a discreet charm, eschewing fanfare to focus on genuine hospitality. Its guiding principle captures its spirit perfectly: “Our guests arrive as visitors, leave as friends, and return as family.”
The story of the St. George Lycabettus is intertwined with the story of Athens itself. It began in 1905, when Michalis Mantzavelakis purchased a plot of land along the Lycabettus Ring Road and opened a tavern called Paradisos (Paradise). The tavern quickly captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike, allowing him to acquire more land. With this new property, he envisioned building an apartment complex that would eventually become a hospital for his son to run. Yet, fate had other plans -his son, instead of following the path of medicine, chose the world of business. And so, in 1974, the vision took a new form, and the St. George Lycabettus Hotel was born.
What started as a typical 1970s boutique hotel has, over time, transformed into a landmark synonymous with the city itself. Through countless renovations, shifts in décor, and evolving styles, the hotel has maintained a timeless air of aristocratic refinement -always restrained, always elegant. Every element within has been considered with meticulous care, down to the smallest detail.
The sofas and armchairs invite relaxation, sunlight dances magically through the windows, and the art on the walls has been curated with a discerning eye. The hotel’s restaurants radiate light, with the Acropolis shining in the distance like a timeless muse, close enough to feel within reach. Meetings over coffee or tea here take on a graceful, almost bourgeois quality, while the service exemplifies five-star excellence -just like the hotel itself.
The restaurants of the St. George Lycabettus Hotel
Today, the St. George Lycabettus not only boasts a stunning rooftop pool bar but also houses two remarkable restaurants, each graced by the talent of Executive Chef Stefanos Papadopoulos. He crafts the menus at La Suite Lounge Restaurant and Le Grand Balcon, where each dish is a delightful blend of traditional Greek flavors with a creative, contemporary twist. Take, for instance, the “Stuffed risotto” -a dish that lives up to its name but surprises with an aromatic depth, blending the comforting essence of traditional stuffed vegetables with the sophistication of a perfectly executed risotto. Or the extraordinary “Mylokopi with wild greens and citrus sauce”, a dish that redefines the very notion of modern Greek cuisine.
I mention Chef Papadopoulos because he is nothing short of extraordinary. By mere chance, I found myself at the hotel, sampling one of his creations -and the experience was so exceptional, I felt compelled to share it. In fact, I had the privilege of visiting the hotel’s rooftop garden two consecutive years, where a buffet was thoughtfully arranged, almost as if it were a scene from a screenwriter’s workshop. What stood out was the buffet’s impeccable quality -far from the usual mass-produced fare, it was a carefully curated selection that showed the true art of culinary excellence. Nothing was rushed, nothing felt generic. It was a celebration of flavor, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
The hotel also offers a midday menu with surprisingly reasonable prices, perfect for anyone wishing to take a leisurely stroll -though it is beloved by locals, who hold the St. George Lycabettus in the highest esteem. As I’ve mentioned, the venue is so exquisite that it almost seems designed for special occasions, whether for sealing an important deal or like, proposing marriage…
Should you find yourself there, the “Salmon with quinoa, orange sauce, and mastic from Chios” will leave an indelible mark on your palate. But equally unforgettable will be the view, the ambiance, the subtle charm of Lycabettus, and the graceful, almost ethereal atmosphere of the hotel itself.
St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel, 2 Kleomenous Str., Kolonaki, 2107416000
