Ace Hotel + Swim Club Athens

Creative revival

The new hotel and swim club on the Glyfada waterfront was created through the complete transformation of a 1970s building complex. The renovation preserves the distinctive character of the era while meeting the highest contemporary hospitality standards.

 

Design Philosophy

By showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of the modern Athenian creative scene and incorporating iconic works of international art and design, the hotel becomes not only a destination for visitors but also a cultural landmark for locals. The building comprises two interconnected wings of different heights, both of which underwent extensive structural, functional, and energy upgrades to enhance safety, improve energy performance, and ensure accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

The interior design adopts the same guiding principles, shaping every space to balance comfort, functionality, and visual cohesion. The public areas include a generous lobby and restaurant on the ground floor, an outdoor pool with a pool bar, a café, an exhibition space, as well as a rooftop bar, a second restaurant, and a rooftop pool. The lobby is considered the building’s central gathering point, and functions simultaneously as a meeting place and an art gallery, blending the structure’s original brutalist expression with a refined modernist sensibility.

 

 

Materials, Lighting & Furniture

Local materials such as Dionysos marble, wood, and ceramic tiles anchor the hotel to the architectural identity of Athens. Clean lines and geometric forms carry through the spirit of the original building, while new elements, such as untreated copper details and custom terrazzo flooring, introduce a contemporary touch. Lighting serves both practical and atmospheric purposes, adding dynamism to an otherwise restrained and minimal palette.

The 120 rooms are designed with minimalist lines and draw inspiration from the core principles of modernism. Echoing the interiors of Le Corbusier, their layout prioritizes functionality while preserving a sense of comfort. Custom-made furniture combines contemporary aesthetics with subtle references to mid-century Greek design, while built-in elements, terrazzo floors, and a measured color palette highlight the materials and architectural details.

 

 

Pool & Outdoor Design

The suites offer additional amenities, such as wet bars, and feature custom-designed murals that enrich the guest experience without deviating from the project’s overall design narrative. Outdoor areas, including the terraces and the pool zone, maintain the central idea of preserving the building’s original atmosphere while incorporating modern design trends. A new water feature and a shading pergola improve natural ventilation and cooling, enhancing comfort for guests.

The pool area evokes the Mediterranean leisure culture of the 1970s, with soft tones, olive-green loungers, and vibrant yellow umbrellas. This simple yet refined design creates a relaxed environment, allowing the architecture to blend seamlessly into the landscape of the Athenian Riviera.