IT’S IN THE NAME
How a small hotel in the touristy city of Athens has obtained particularly happy clients.
Testet og efterprøvet
Ved foden af det imponerende Akropolis i Athen, i Koukaki-området i den græske hovedstad, ligger et boutiquehotel, der passer perfekt ind i de øvrige beigefarvede bygninger i en rolig gade med træer. Hotellet hedder Great Living Apartments, et navn, der udstråler en vis grad af selvtillid og selvsikkerhed. Ved åbningen af hotellet må ejerne have været bevidste om, hvad de var i gang med at skabe, og måske også bevidste om, hvilken kraft ord har.
Ordene "Great Living" har vist sig at holde stik. Det er i hvert fald hvad hundredvis af gæster har givet udtryk for, når de har evalueret deres et ophold på hotellet. "Lejligheden var meget, meget hyggelig – elskede bare indretningen", "En behagelig og rummelig oase", "Måske det bedste ophold, jeg nogensinde har booket", "Det har de fleste fordele ved et hotel, samtidig med at du får 'dit eget sted' med i købet og meget andet. Seks år efter færdiggørelsen ser det ud til, at hotellet har gjort det helt rigtige.
A strong foundation
‘Partnering with BoConcept from the start gave us a strong foundation. BoConcept furniture is timeless, functional and value for money and it’s been key to our success over the past six years’, says Hotel Manager, Yannis Aristidou, expressing his belief in the importance of implementing durable design furniture. Aristidou is convinced that the furniture choice has had a direct influence on the fact that the hotel is always fully booked. Nikos Fokianos, BoConcept’s local partner in Athens, has been in charge of handling the project, adapting the selection of furniture with the concept idea and aligning the wishes from the owner and the interior architects. ‘We have been there to bridge aesthetics and budget’, says Fokianos.
An openness to listen
Coming back to the hotel name, it seems that, already from the start, a lot of thought went into what type of experience the hotel owners wanted to offer their guests. That kind of openness towards clients’ interests is something they share with BoConcept; the value of listening to the market and responding with something qualitative and long-lasting. ‘BoConcept’s balance of aesthetics and durability perfectly fits to our guests’ expectations. Our focus is on offering an excellent experience to our guests,’ adds Aristidou.
Charm and elegance
Set in an elegant and discrete building, the interior of the hotel corresponds with what you’re welcomed with from the outside. Toned-down bright colour shades of white, beige and sand create the backdrop of the entire hotel while blue is dotted around as an ode to the local culture. All wooden elements are kept in light hues, offering a simple Scandinavian feel.
Combining the local history with BoConcept’s aesthetics
The furnishing from BoConcept comprises dining chairs, lounge chairs, sofas and coffee tables as well as an array of accessories like cushions and ceramics, adding charm and elegance. The choice to decorate with unique art installations, books and plants enhances the overall sophistication and welcoming atmosphere. ‘The idea was to combine the local history with BoConcept’s timeless aesthetics, including natural materials, bright interiors and lounging outdoor spaces. All caried out by local interior architect, Fani Partheniou,’ says Fokianos.
Det har givet øjeblikkeligt resultat for Great Living Apartments ikke at gå på kompromis med kvalitet og visuel effekt, et resultat, der bekræftes af hotelgæsternes tilbagemeldinger. Når vi rejser og opholder os et sted langt væk hjemmefra, er der ingen tvivl om, at et smukt, funktionelt og gennemtænkt indrettet rum kan fremkalde positivitet og begejstring.
