The Met Hotel

The design-forward Met Hotel is an impressive sight, inside and out. The striking black-and-white building was designed by Greek star architect Tasos Zeppos. It's angular, monochromatic facade is impressive without being imposing. Inside, sleek, minimalist interiors, like the expansive lobby are filled with shiny, polished surfaces. Low, flat, armless white couches and cylindrical side tables emphasize the subtile geometry throughout. These clean lines are combined with a modern art collection on display in the public spaces -- from photography to sculpture to video installations -- making this sleek, modern property feel like a part-time art gallery. The Met's terrace, a study of glass, stone, and wood, uses proportion instead of color to draw the eye. Massive jet-black flower pots hold small trees, low wooden loungers hover inches above the ground, and a black stone wedge holds a little landscaped plot of trees and grass on a slight tilt. 

The Met Hotel is situated a bit outside the city center at Thessaloniki's harbor, but there's not much in this industrial area, and restaurants and shops are not within walking distance. It's a bit of a hike into the center (about 30-minutes on foot), though it's a short eight-minute drive, plus the hotel runs a free shuttle. There's also a bus stop serving several lines just down the street. The Thessaloniki International Airport is about a 30-minute drive away. 

The chic, monochromatic look in the public spaces continues into the hotel's 212 guest rooms. Swing-arm lamps, modern artwork, and recessed lighting framing the bed are some of the posh, understated details that elevate the space. Touches or warm wood give contrast to the moody palette of gray, black, and white. Long, streamlined work desks offer a spot to plug in. Flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, safes, bathrobes, and well-stocked minibar come standard. Higher category rooms pile on more luxuries, such as Nespresso machines, Coco-Mat mattresses, and private balconies. Bathrooms are equally swank, outfitted in marble and Corian. Squared off chrome fixtures, red glass panels, and luxe toiletries add to the atmosphere. Rooms have shower/tub combos or shower stalls, and some have walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and separate soaking tubs.

The hotel has both indoor and outdoor pools -- the outdoor one being situated on the rooftop and offering sweeping views of the Thessaloniki harbor. There are several dining options on-site, including Chan Restaurant, which has a zesty Asian menu, as well as Avenue 48 restaurant, which serves Greek-inspired dishes. The Sky Bar serves drinks with a 360-degree city view. Chan Bar is a good pick for late-night aperitifs, while Long Bar serves killer cocktails and has twinkling 22-carat gold-plated walls. There's a full-service spa on-site that offers a wide list of treatments, including hair and nail services. The fitness center is well equipped and well-lit, with a decent range of cardiovascular equipment and personal trainers on hand. Thirteen state-of-the-art business rooms are available for business meetings, and there are conference and banqueting options for weddings. The on-site parking garage has the same attention to design as the rest of the hotel, and it sports a Formula-1 theme. Wi-Fi is free throughout, though it's not always reliable, and the hotel offers free shuttle service to the city center.