|
 16 Diligianni Street
145 62 Kifissia
Greece
Tel: 301 623-0650
By K. Veloudakis
The Revival of the Pentelikon.
Athenians have always tried to enjoy good living and well being, since the Golden Age (5th Century BC). The elements of grace and luxury have been always present whether in the form of art galleries, luxurious baths and imposing public structures of the ancient times or the stately homes, built at the beginning of the last century and still standing in the northern suburbs of Athens.
 Kifissia is the most elegant suburb, 15 miles north of the city; a summer resort of the Athenian elite. Many of the superb mansions were owned by Greek expatriates who came back to Greece for summer vacations. For this reason, Kifissia had a number of small but exceptionally luxurious hotels.
The Pentelikon was the first among equals. Construction started in 1923 and the hotel was inaugurated in 1929. It immediately became “the place” to be and was frequented by the elite, both Greek and foreign. The “smoking room” was the favorite among politicians and diplomats. At the time the hotel was noted for having 63 rooms and an elevator! All the walls were covered in silk wall coverings and the wood paneling of the public rooms had come from Vienna. It was the summer residence of the prime minister as well as members of the cabinet.
The good days ended with W.W.II when the hotel was used by the invading forces as a hospital and later on by the allied forces as headquarters for the British Air Force. After the end of the civil war in the late 40s, the hotel made an attempt at a comeback, but the glamour of the thirties was long gone.
 In 1984, an expatriate hotelier -- owner of an Australian hotel chain -- H. Vardis, purchased the property and commenced a serious restoration. The Pentelikon, opened its doors once again regaining the original belle Époque atmosphere combined with amenities required of a modern hotel. The totally renovated hotel now has 44 rooms; 11 of which are suites, all individually styled with the finesse and elegance that are the hallmarks of the Pentelikon.
Three suites stand out. Suite 220, the “honeymoon” suite, almost 500 sq. ft, decorated in pleasant pink wall coverings and silk drapes, with gravures by Francesco Piranesi. The sitting area is also decorated in the same shades of color with bronze tables and lead crystal. All the bed linen is, of course, pure silk. Suite 211, with a magnificent view of the stately homes of Kifissia from the balcony, is 65 square meters large, some 700 square feet. The wall coverings, in white silk with green shades and flower designs, create a very pleasant atmosphere. The sitting room boasts an antique desk, one of the few original furnishings that have survived, and the walls are decorated with antique maps printed during the past two centuries. Noteworthy are the small two-seater sofas, characteristic of the style of the mansions in the area. Finally, Suite 315, called “The Venizelos Suite” because it was the summer retreat of the famous politician in the 20s, is very impressive in shades of blue, with gravures on the walls of Hellenistic temples and ancient columns.
The gardens were rebuilt and a pool was added. The elegant colonnade now houses the pool bar.
 The hotel has two restaurants. The Vardis Restaurant housed in the “Pavilion”, an elegant glass construction surrounded by trees, shrubs and flowers; it is joined to the main building by a glass passage. Guests enjoy haute cuisine, an exceptionally well stocked wine cellar and outstanding service; all living up to the standards that the award of the Chaine de Rotisseurs requires. Vardis Restaurant was voted the best of the ten top restaurants in Athens and is the first and only Greek restaurant with a Guide Michelin star. The bar of this restaurant is the core of most happenings at the hotel, where the evenings start with a drink in an “Empire” atmosphere where black, discrete gold and opaque crystal prevail.
La Terrasse, is the most lively corner of the north suburbs; in an Art Nouveau style with a warm atmosphere. People meet all times of day or night as one can enjoy coffee, snacks and meals from 6:00 am to 2:00 am. In winter its glass enclosure allows ample light and warmth, while in the summer the restaurant extends into the terrace, allowing guests to enjoy the hotel’s manicured gardens. The Sunday buffet brunch is a favorite amongst young and old.
© October 2002. All rights reserved.
|
