Located in the heart of Athens, Greece, the Semiramis Hotel is not just a place to stay it is a complete visual and sensory experience. Designed by the renowned industrial designer Karim Rashid, this boutique hotel stands out with its vibrant colors, futuristic forms, and artistic flair. Far from the traditional aesthetics of classical Greek architecture, the Semiramis Hotel represents a bold, modern vision of hospitality. Whether you are an art lover, a design enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, stepping inside the Semiramis is like entering a world curated by Karim Rashid’s unique design language.
The Vision of Karim Rashid
Karim Rashid is known globally for his innovative approach to design. With a career spanning product design, furniture, and interiors, Rashid has always pushed boundaries. He describes his style as ‘sensual minimalism’ a blend of simplicity with expressive, colorful elements. The Semiramis Hotel perfectly reflects this aesthetic, offering guests an immersive experience of Rashid’s vision.
In designing the Semiramis Hotel, Rashid collaborated closely with Greek art patron Dakis Joannou, who owns the hotel. Their goal was to create a space that would be a living piece of contemporary art a place that feels more like an installation than a traditional hotel. From the furniture to the lighting and even the bathroom fixtures, every detail was carefully designed or selected by Rashid himself.
Architectural Features of Semiramis Hotel
The building itself was reimagined to reflect a futuristic yet organic form. Brightly colored panels and flowing lines define the hotel’s exterior. This use of bold color and fluid form continues throughout the interior spaces, offering a striking contrast to the typically neutral-toned buildings in Athens.
Color and Form
One of the most noticeable aspects of the Semiramis Hotel is its color palette. Neon green, hot pink, tangerine, white, and electric blue dominate the interiors. These colors are not randomly placed they follow Rashid’s philosophy of emotional engagement through design. The colors are meant to uplift, inspire, and create a sense of energy and optimism.
- The lobby glows with pink and lime hues, paired with custom furniture designed by Rashid.
- Guest rooms feature curved walls, translucent materials, and mood lighting for a playful ambiance.
- Bathrooms include colorful resin sinks and fixtures, each styled to match the room’s overall theme.
Materials and Texture
Rashid’s use of materials adds to the futuristic feel of the Semiramis Hotel. Polished plastics, smooth resins, transparent panels, and touch-sensitive lighting all contribute to an environment that feels innovative and tactile. The hotel blends art and technology seamlessly to create a space that is not only stylish but also interactive.
Room Design and Layout
The Semiramis Hotel features 51 rooms, including standard rooms, poolside bungalows, and suites. Each room is uniquely designed, offering a slightly different color scheme and furniture arrangement. Despite their differences, all rooms carry the same themes: modern comfort, aesthetic impact, and Karim Rashid’s unmistakable touch.
Technology Integration
Guests will find that Semiramis rooms are equipped with advanced amenities, from flat-screen TVs to high-speed internet and electronic control systems for lighting and temperature. These technological details are subtly integrated into the design, ensuring that they do not distract from the artistic atmosphere of the space.
Artistic Expression
Art plays a central role in the hotel. Beyond the physical design, guests are surrounded by curated artworks from the Deste Foundation, which is also founded by Dakis Joannou. Rashid’s designs work in harmony with these art pieces, turning the hotel into a living gallery. Hallways, lounges, and even stairwells feature carefully chosen installations and artworks that align with the hotel’s creative direction.
Dining and Lounge Areas
The restaurant and bar areas of the Semiramis Hotel are equally expressive in design. Bright colors, custom-made seating, and futuristic lighting provide a setting where food and drink become part of the aesthetic experience. Whether enjoying a cocktail at the pool bar or dining indoors, guests remain surrounded by Karim Rashid’s signature style.
Design Continuity
One of the most remarkable achievements of the Semiramis Hotel is its consistent design language. From the moment a guest enters the property until they check out, every corner reflects the same visual story. This is a testament to Karim Rashid’s hands-on involvement and dedication to a holistic design approach.
The Semiramis Pool and Outdoor Space
Outside, the hotel features a bold swimming pool area that mirrors the vibrancy of the interior. The pool is shaped in an organic, curved form, with color-tinted water and a backdrop of vivid wall art. Sun loungers and umbrellas match the color scheme of the rooms, ensuring continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces.
This attention to outdoor aesthetics helps the Semiramis Hotel stand out not only as a destination for design lovers but also as a luxurious place for relaxation. Whether sunbathing by the pool or sipping a drink at the outdoor bar, guests are immersed in the total experience of Rashid’s imagination.
Impact on Hotel Design and Branding
Since its opening, the Semiramis Hotel has become an influential model for other boutique hotels around the world. It has shown that bold design choices, when done with purpose and vision, can become a defining feature of a brand. By involving a famous designer like Karim Rashid, the hotel transformed itself from a place of lodging into a creative destination.
Inspiration for Future Projects
Designers and hoteliers often cite the Semiramis Hotel when discussing the blending of design and hospitality. It challenges the notion that hotels should be neutral spaces, offering instead an example of how personality and innovation can attract a new type of guest those who value aesthetics and creativity as much as comfort and service.
The Karim Rashid Semiramis Hotel is more than just a boutique accommodation in Athens. It is a vibrant, immersive showcase of modern design principles applied to the hospitality industry. From the color choices and material finishes to the technology and art integration, every aspect of the hotel has been thoughtfully designed to stimulate the senses and leave a lasting impression. It is a place where form, function, and fantasy come together under one roof, redefining what it means to stay in style. For travelers seeking something out of the ordinary, the Semiramis Hotel offers a memorable journey into the world of Karim Rashid’s design universe.