Can you imagine staying at a cool design hotel that’s secretly tucked away inside a mattress store? It’s certainly a quirky concept, but it all makes sense once you know the story behind the fabulous COCO-MAT Hotel Athens.
Greek brand COCO-MAT was established in 1989 and is dedicated to the art of sleep with a range of all-natural beds, mattresses and pillows. All COCO-MAT products are hand-made in a carbon-neutral factory in Xanthi, northern Greece, and can be found in some of the best luxury hotels in the world.
We were invited to stay at COCO-MAT Hotel Athens for one night on our recent trip to Athens and we were curious about the guaranteed promise of a good night’s sleep.
Location
This stylish eco-friendly hotel is located on a main street in Kolonaki, a leafy, upscale neighbourhood in the foothills of Mount Lycabettus. The area has a civilised residential feel with designer boutiques, cafes and patisseries, and thankfully it’s very quiet at night. It’s the perfect spot for a sleep-focussed hotel, rather than somewhere more central like lively Monastiraki.
That’s not to say, however, that COCO-MAT Hotel Athens is out of the way, as it’s still close to all of the action. Evangelismos Metro station, the Museum of Cycladic Art and the Benaki Museum are just five minutes away while Syntagma Square is a short downhill walk away and the Acropolis gate can be accessed on foot.
Arrival
On arrival, we marvelled at the high-end bedding in the showroom and headed downstairs to the reception where we were given a warm welcome from the friendly, laid-back yet meticulous staff. Also on the lower-ground area is the Honesty Bar where you can work or read the newspapers and help yourself to a coffee and selection of cakes and simply sign them to your room.
The Suite
We were assigned a Metropolitan Loft – a stunning duplex suite on the fifth floor that boasts not only a balcony but also a separate terrace with skyline views. It has a sophisticated modern apartment feel and a calming neutral palette with exposed concrete, light wood highlights and pastel furnishings.
The downstairs lounge features a slouchy slate grey linen sofa, smart TV, long counter desk, plenty of storage and a Nespresso machine and kettle. An exciting perk is the complimentary minibar stocked with soft drinks, wine, beer and spirits, plus artisan chocolate and healthy Greek snacks which we took out with us for the climb up to the Acropolis.
The Bathroom
Also on the lower level is a sleek and spacious bathroom with white marble tiles, powerful walk-in shower, a full set of Greek Zealots of Nature bathroom products, luxurious waffle bathrobe and stylish powder blue and orange COCO-MAT cotton slippers with waterproof coco fibre soles.
The Bedroom
A decorative wood staircase leads up to the bright and airy bedroom and expansive decked terrace with those glorious views. We found the COCO-MAT bed was truly impressive with a unique four-layer sleeping system, made from coconut and cactus fibres, seaweed, eucalyptus leaves and natural latex.
It was fully dressed with all the accessories you could imagine – a stylish waffle throw, plush ottoman cushions, organic cotton sheets, an abundance of different pillows (from a 12-item pillow menu) and cute lavender sleep pouches.
The COCO-MAT Proteas bed was very sumptuous and my body felt weightless and wholly supported. All of these carefully-curated elements contributed to the best sleep I’ve ever had in a hotel, which isn’t always easy in unfamiliar surroundings. My dream hotel bed has always been the Sofitel MyBed, but COCO-MAT has now surpassed it.
Breakfast
Breakfast (included in all room rates) is a relaxed affair with a continental buffet laid out on the counter of the Honesty Bar. We particularly liked the ‘make your own’ granola with delicious Greek yoghurt, baked goods like fresh bread and mini cakes and Bougatsa. You can also get eggs cooked to order, but most guests didn’t seem to indulge.
Roof Garden
It’s important not to miss the jewel of the hotel – its stunning roof garden with panoramic vistas to the Acropolis, plant and herb patches and colourful art murals. In the warmer months, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner or a sundown glass of wine, taking in those magical views. Another cool feature is the custom-made wooden bicycles that guests can rent for free to explore the city.
COCO-MAT Athens was such a memorable part of our trip to Greece and we left feeling truly pampered and serene. The COCO-MAT lifestyle is ever so alluring and it’s now our life ambition to add that incredible bed, or at least a few pieces – to our home.
To discover the best places to eat out in Athens, from tiny patisseries and souvlaki spots to neighbourhood bistros and the city’s most creative restaurants, read more here.
For more information and booking, visit: www.cocomatathens.com
Chérie City was a guest of COCO-MAT Athens
All photos by Chérie City
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