House of Shila
Athen’s most enchanting fusion of hospitality, art and design

House of Shila: Athens’ most enchanting fusion of hospitality, art and design

Tucked away in the heart of Athens, where the echoes of antiquity blend seamlessly with the pulse of modernity, House of Shila stands as a whispered secret among those in pursuit of aesthetic pleasure. Founded by visionary creatives Eftihia Stefanidi and Shai Antebi, this neoclassical haven, is more than a boutique hotel – it is an artistic sanctuary where hospitality transcends tradition, and where every detail tells a story of sensuality, elegance, and the art of living.

A home, not a hotel

Built in the late 1920s, Shila is a six-suite residence that feels more like a grand private home than a hotel. From the moment you step inside, the world outside dissolves, replaced by an atmosphere of quiet luxury. The interplay of bygone charm and contemporary allure is evident in every corner: vintage chandeliers casting a soft glow over curated artworks, plush velvet curtains swaying in the gentle Athenian breeze, and bespoke furniture that speaks of timeless craftsmanship.

Here, hospitality is not just a service but an experience, an invitation to indulge in a lifestyle of beauty and refinement. Guests are not just visitors; they are welcomed as part of a living narrative, immersed in an environment that inspires both relaxation and reverie.

Where art and design converse

Each suite at Shila is a universe of its own, designed with an intentional yet effortless aesthetic that fuses the minimal with the decadent. The rooms feel personal, as if curated over time by a well-travelled collector with an impeccable eye for detail. A monochromatic palette highlights the play of textures: soft linens, raw wood, sculpted ceramics, and velvet upholstery, creating an ambience that is both sensual and intimate.

But Shila is not just about interiors. The residence breathes with its surroundings, offering spaces that invite social encounters and artistic exchange. The lush courtyard, an oasis of wild greenery, is the setting for long, languid conversations, while the rooftop is a sanctuary of serenity, where the din of the city fades into the golden hues of an Athenian sunset. It is here, amidst the curated imperfections, that creativity flourishes.

A universe of curated experiences

More than a boutique stay, Shila is a stage for cultural expression. The space regularly transforms into a gallery, an intimate performance space or the setting for immersive dining experience. Art happenings unfold organically, as if woven into the very fabric of the house. The founders’ commitment to intuitive hospitality is evident in every curated detail, whether it is a secret supper club, an avant-garde fashion presentation, or a thoughtfully arranged library corner where literature, philosophy, and design converge.

And then, there is Mona, Shila’s rebellious younger sibling, nestled in the vibrant Psirri neighbourhood. Housed in a repurposed textile factory, Mona‘s raw yet refined aesthetic reimagines the essence of urban living. It is a space where industrial heritage meets contemporary minimalism, offering a bold contrast to Shila’s poetic intimacy.

An invitation to live the unscripted life

To stay at House of Shila is to step into a world where beauty is not an accessory but a way of being. It is a space designed for the aesthete, the dreamer, the lover of the unusual. A place where moments are stretched, where time slows down and where every encounter feels like part of a beautifully unfolding narrative.

In a city known for its layers of history, Shila has etched its own: a contemporary ode to the art of living. Those who enter its doors do not simply check in; they become part of a story written in whispers of silk, in the shadow of candlelight, in the echo of a lingering glance.

For those seeking not just a place to stay, but a place to feel, House of Shila awaits.