Retro Rewind: Review of the Brown Acropol Hotel, Athens

Feeling groovy? It’s a lobby to make you smile. Brown Acropol will either happily and nostalgically remind you of the interior of your rather-hip-for-their-time parents’ home (in my case) or make you grin as you just adore the 70s design vibe and have probably sought it out for your pad.

From disco glitterballs and leather upholstery — think Parker Knoll and classic chrome lighting — to plentiful ratafia, sun loungers and bean bags on the glorious terrace, the hotel offers priceless views of the Acropolis and the glittering Athenian cityscape. Suitcase turntables (just like the one I had as a teenager) feature in every bedroom, alongside a colour palette of burnt orange, mustard yellow and shaded brown, complemented by plenty of geometric textiles, wood panelling and cocktail trolleys. Yet at Brown Acropol it is the real deal as the hotel was originally constructed in 1976 by modernist architect Emmanouil Vourekas on Athens’ Omonia Square among the city’s Neo-Classical buildings.

It’s been recently renovated by architect Dimitris Karabatakis of K Studios, in homage to its vintage Athenian charm. Now, it incorporates contemporary era hospitality like efficient air con and Nespresso machines in all rooms, and four hot tubs on one of the largest hotel roof terraces in Athens where breakfast is served and there's an all-day/evening informal restaurant and bar with a likeable retro vibe.

The resplendent mezze at breakfast (which ranges from stuffed aubergine and vine leaves to an excellent tzatziki, to delicious spinach and feta pie) makes for a good start to the day. The location is a mix of new gentrification and edginess. Best of all, it is very close to the brilliant, visceral Varvakios Agora (Central Market) that’s been operating non-stop for over 150 years, and has its own tiny tavernas and kafenios for a freddo cappuccino. The spice bazaars of Evripidou – Athens' most aromatic streets – are also close by. Also conveniently near is Karamanlidika, a superb deli/taverna, and LS and Sia which serves food to a stylish crowd in a cool, contemporary Athenian restaurant setting.

A few caveats: the spa behind the lobby is small, but chic and perfectly formed with a dry sauna and hammam. The gym, inside on roof terrace level, is equally modest in proportions, yet impressively equipped. The bedrooms are mostly on the compact size, if very pleasing in their aesthetics, and those on the street are a bit noisy, but frankly, after a busy day drinking in the charm of Athens and the Athenian Riviera, and replete with wonderful fresh fish and fantastic wine, nothing would keep me awake.

Double rooms from £135.00  

Find out more and book your groovy Greek getaway via brownhotels.com