“Nature’s ingredients are so beautiful that any attempt to tamper with them is philosophically and pragmatically wrong.” – Costas Spiliadis, Executive Chef and Founder.
The ancient Greeks, particularly the Athenians, are renowned for their illustrious use of geometry to express divinity. Today, following their unwavering conviction to preserve tradition, they continue to uphold their sanctity by honouring the earth and all of its gifts. Extending their record of heritage tales, the country, particularly the capital city of Athena, flourishes with new ventures – many of which pay homage to their fabled past.
Philosophy
“A place where ‘philoxenia’, the sacred art of making a stranger feel like home, derives from taste, iconic simplicity and world-class hospitality.” – Xenodocheio Milos
Xenodocheio Milos was born when Grecian Restaurateur Costas Spiliadis set out to transcend taste beyond the edges of his world-renowned plates. Acting as a new pillar of his legacy, the hotel is an extension of his authentic Greek gastronomic philosophy. Spiliadis follows traditional methods and recipes, abstaining from tampering with the natural state of the ingredients. This very belief system is seen reflected throughout the hotel – woven into every aspect of the experience.
Rooms
Although the ancient Greeks’ symbol of perfection was meticulously calculated, they often made reasonable adjustments for both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Translating this balanced approach, Xenodocheio Milos mirrors the Milos brand’s iconic simplicity and reverence for nature. The integrity of the original building, (which dates back to the 1800s) remains, as the hotel blends historical and contemporary elements through the use of columns, symmetry, intricate detail and balance.
Simple and neutral interiors seamlessly integrate with the refined neoclassic architectural style, complemented with light wooden decor and hints of dark accents.
The second and third floors have distinctively high ceilings, with floods of light from the large windows. Curved headboards highlight the modern contemporary style and the homogenous, dolomitic Athenian marble bathrooms symbolise the rich heritage.
The toiletries are bespoke, exclusively made for Milos, from the Naxos Apothecary, ‘a luxury natural fragrance and personal care brand [that imparts] the history, culture, heritage, and endemic flora of the Aegean Island of Naxos.’ Their whole collection is spectacular but the aromatic citrus body milk is notably divine – silk-smooth and made with Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract.
The rooms range from ‘Classic Rooms’ with city views overlooking the historic Old Parliament House, located opposite the hotel, to the ‘Premium Milos Terrace Rooms’ with floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive shared rooftop terrace that looks out over the square, as far as the famous Lycabettus Hill.
Food & Drink
All that touches the lips, from each sip to every bite is catered by Estiatorio Milos. The freshly baked welcome gift when guests first arrive, the homemade sweet treats at turndown, and each item in the in-room minibar have all been exclusively handpicked by Mr Spiliadis himself.
Finished with a crisp white tablecloth, the main restaurant is also the first outpost of the Estiatorio Milos restaurant in Greece and the most intimate of them all. Despite the soaring ceiling, featuring an artistic fisherman’s net sculpture, (created by Greek artist Dimitris Fortsas) in reference to the sea, the space is warm and inviting.
Highlights from the à la carte menu include the Tomato Salad made with huge, fresh vine-ripened tomatoes; the Milos Special, which consists of lightly fried, paper-thin zucchini and eggplant tower, filled with tzatziki and accompanied with Saganaki cheese; and the Catch of the Day – lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection.
Spa
The Spa Suite at Xenodocheio Milos is powered by the British Luxury skincare brand Elemis and reflects the values of ‘evexia’ which translates to wellness or wellbeing. The menu is specialised to respect the body’s complex physiology and the skin’s natural renewal process.
What To Do
The hotel is centrally located, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city on foot. Just seconds away, Ermou Street beckons with its lively pedestrian-only promenade, lined with charming restaurants, stylish cafes, independent Greek boutiques, and popular chain stores.
Monastiraki
A short stroll takes you to Monastiraki, a bustling market open daily, where you can hunt for antiques and souvenirs. For modern shopping, there is the Attica Mall nearby.
Kolonaki
Kolonaki is one of the most upscale neighbourhoods in Athens, filled with high-end boutiques, designer stores and luxury brands.
Plaka
About a 10-15 minute walk away lies Plaka, the enchanting old town of Athens. This historic neighbourhood captivates with its winding, narrow cobbled streets with traditional tavernas at every turn. The famous Plaka Stairs buzz, embodying the true spirit of the city. Known as the “Neighbourhood of the Gods,” Plaka’s proximity to the Acropolis and its rich makes it a must-visit.
The Acropolis
When in Athens, visiting the Acropolis is a must. Sitting above the city on a rocky hill, it is one of the most significant ancient sites in the world and has been the core of the city’s history and culture for thousands of years. Athens Walking Tours has excellent guides to help uncover the stories and delve into the rich history. Kassandra Porioti is one of them and her love for the city is heartwarming. When speaking about the Acropolis, she smiled and said, “I see this, and it opens my heart.”
athenswalkingtours.gr/our-guides.html
Point A
Just a few minutes from the hotel is Point A, the ultimate rooftop bar and restaurant on the 5th floor of Herodion Hotel. Boasting unobstructed views of the Acropolis, Point A is an ideal spot to grab a drink and revel in the breathtaking views of the Acropolis as the sun sets over the city.
In the heart of downtown Athens, Xenodocheio Milos stands as a testament to Costas Spilidis’ commitment to celebrating Greek hospitality. Deeply rooted in the core of the brand, both by location and execution, this new venture is a true credit, harmonising old and new worlds. What better place to discover the ancient city of Athens?
Kolokotroni 3-5, Athina 105 62, Greece
