Coco-Mat Hotel Nafsika

Coco Mat Hotel is a calm, chic and trendy place, where the use of wood and natural light lends a Zen-like quality to the surroundings. It’s hip without being flash, and cool in an effortless way; exposed piping and polished concrete floors in some of the rooms add industrial-chic style, but the overall effect is still warm, thanks to lots of natural, high-quality fabrics with varying textures, designer rugs, flattering lighting, earth tones, and pops of pastels. The streamlined furniture feels Scandinavian. Trees surround the four-story building and can be seen through the many windows, and there’s an outdoor waterfall. At the lobby, tea and cake is always provided for free, and there are big couches where you can sit and relax or read a book, or pick a movie from a library of films from around the world. There are two computers as well. The restaurant is one of the most attractive spaces, with orchids, a couple of big communal wooden tables with benches (plus a number of private tables), dangling orb light fixtures, and a big window into the kitchen so your food being made. 

Coco-Mat hotel is about an hour away from the Acropolis and 45 minutes from Syntagma Square using public transport, so it might not be the best choice for travelers looking to sightsee. That said, it is close to transport links -- about a 10-minute walk from Kiffisia and Kat metro stations, and a 30-minute drive to Eleftherios Venizelos airport.

Rooms have chic, streamlined style that wouldn't look out of place in a Brooklyn loft -- think designer wood furnishings and a neutral color palette. Naturally, all have COCO-MAT sleep system products. There is an extensive pillow menu, with a choice of nine pillows, and the beds are the star of the show -- you’d be hard-pressed to have a sleepless night here, as guests can adjust the bed softness to their taste. Technology amenities are impressive, and include not just free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, but Blu-Ray DVD players with a collection of films. All rooms have stocked minibars.

The large en-suite bathrooms are slick, with dark tile or concrete, walk-in showers, basin sinks, and toiletries that incorporate olive oil. Bathrobes and slippers are provided. If you upgrade to a Roof Garden Loft, expect a big hot tub with a large window that looks out over the Kiffissia neighborhood. 

Guests can prepare their own drinks at the honesty bar (and fill out a form to let the hotel know what to charge). An open kitchen means they can also watch the chefs flip, toss, and knead bread for breakfast, and even join in the cooking experience. Breakfasts are high quality, organic, and healthy, with locally sourced ingredients (they're also included in many rates). Lunch and dinner are also served. A brilliant perk is the help-yourself Nespresso machine. Free bicycles are rented out to guests, making it quicker to explore the local neighborhood, and the fragrant herb garden is a beautiful place to drink coffee and read a book, as well as learn about different herbs.