IT’S IN THE NAME
How a small hotel in the touristy city of Athens has obtained particularly happy clients.
Probado y comprobado
Situado a los pies de la siempre impresionante Acrópolis de Atenas, en la zona de Koukaki de la capital griega, es un hotel boutique que se integra a la perfección con el resto de los edificios de color beige en una calle tranquila y bordeada de árboles. El hotel se llama “Great Living Apartments”, un nombre que irradia cierta seguridad y confianza en sí mismo. Al inaugurar el hotel, los propietarios deben haber estado convencidos de lo que estaban creando, y quizás también del poder de las palabras.
Se ha cumplido en la parte de “vivir bien”. Al menos, eso es lo que expresan cientos de huéspedes cuando envían sus reseñas después de haberse hospedado en el hotel. “El departamento era muy acogedor, me encantó la decoración”, “Un refugio cómodo y espacioso”, “Probablemente la mejor oferta que he reservado jamás”, «Ofrece las mayores ventajas de un hotel a la vez que añade los privilegios de tener tu propio “lugar”, etc. Si regresamos en el tiempo, seis años atrás después de que el hotel se terminó, podemos ver que éste ha demostrado que algo ha hecho bien.
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.
El hecho de no haber comprometido la calidad y el impacto visual tuvo un efecto inmediato en Great Living Apartments, lo que fue confirmado por los comentarios de los visitantes del hotel. Cuando viajamos y nos alojamos en algún lugar lejos de nuestras propias casas, no hay duda de que un espacio hermoso, funcional y cuidadosamente decorado puede evocar positivismo y emoción.
