Prix Versailles Honors The Dolli Hotel in Athens for Exterior Design Excellence

The Dolli. Photo source: Grecotel Group

The Dolli, a five-star hotel in Athens and member of the Grecotel Group, has become the first hotel in Greece to receive the Special Prize for Exterior Design, earning a spot among the World’s Most Beautiful Hotels at the 2024 Prix Versailles Awards.

Photo source: Grecotel Group

The prestigious prize celebrates outstanding contemporary architecture in an annual ceremony held at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris. The Dolli was selected from a pool of finalists representing 31 countries and was praised for its striking architecture and its blend of historical charm with modern design.

“The recognition of The Dolli as the most beautiful hotel in the world fills us with pride and strengthens our commitment to invest in the connection between culture, architecture, and tourism—creating an immersive experience for our guests and added value for the city of cities, our beloved Athens,” said Marie N. Daskalantonaki, CEO of the Grecotel Group.

Following the award ceremony, a special honorary plaque now adorns the hotel’s entrance on Mitropoleos Street. Combining tourism with culture, Grecotel aims to preserve and promote Athens’ rich heritage while offering a hospitality experience inspired by both history and contemporary elegance.

Reviving Athens’ 1920s charm

Photo source: Grecotel Group

The Dolli’s iconic building was designed in the mid-1920s by renowned architect Andreas Kriezis, who envisioned an Athenian landmark influenced by eclectic and neoclassical styles and enriched with elements from various eras. By the mid-1930s, the building was repurposed as a textile store before eventually falling into disuse.

In 2016, Marie N. Daskalantonaki undertook its transformation into a vibrant hospitality destination. Over the next seven years, the building underwent extensive restoration, reviving a symbol of Athens’ architectural legacy.

The project was carried out with respect for the building’s original identity, while seamlessly incorporating modern design and hospitality concepts.

The Dolli has since set a new standard in Athenian luxury: it was named Best Hotel in Greece and ranked among the world’s top hotels for 2024 in the Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards.

In 2025, it was further honored with two Michelin Keys from the Michelin Guide, recognizing its exceptional service and guest experience.

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