The Rise of Athens Hotels: Hospitality in 19th Century Greece

The Rise of Athens Hotels: Hospitality in 19th Century Greece

The opening of what’s considered Athens’ first proper Hotel d’Europe was in 1932. Credits: Public Domain Walking into modern hotels in Athens today, one is welcomed by polished marble floors, seamless Wi-Fi, concierge services, rooftop pools, and menus crafted by renowned chefs. In stark contrast, the earliest forms of hospitality in Ottoman-era Athens were humble and utilitarian. Merchants and wanderers slept in roadside hanis—primitive inns wi…