Campana brothers unveil new Athens design hotel

Brazilian design duo the Campanas have unveiled their latest project, a boutique hotel in Athens.

Humberto and Fernando Campana, known for their Brazilian carnival-themed designs for everything from furniture to shoes, officially opened their first hotel earlier this month in the Greek capital.

The New Hotel, a 79-room property in the historical center of the Greek capital, is inspired by three traditional Greek themes - Karagiozis, a shadow puppet; the "evil eye" used to guard against ill-omen; and the Athens of years gone by.

Working with students from the local University of Thessaly, Humberto and Fernando wove these themes into the rooms and public spaces, with fairytale characters on the walls, illuminated handmade glass beads and a collage of historic images.

In the public spaces and rooms, the property features furniture fans of the Campanas' work will be familiar with, with unusual handmade chairs and lamps - along with floor-to-ceiling windows, solid brass washbasins and Kiehls and Clarins products in the rooms.

Despite years of architectural restoration of the building, which used to be the Olympic Hotel, some of the original features such as the sweeping black marble staircase have been left intact.

The New Hotel is the latest from the YES Hotel chain, which also counts a property designed by Karim Rashid (also behind Berlin's new nhow property) among its fold.

Rooms start from 180 euros (£152) per night.

http://www.yeshotels.gr