Thessaloniki, Greece’s vibrant number two city, perfectly echoes Avis Car Rental’s slogan “we try harder,” always striving to elevate itself to the top. This dynamic metropolis seamlessly blends rich history with a modern, energetic vibe, reflecting its ambition and relentless pursuit of excellence. Recently, Thessaloniki’s hospitality scene has flourished, offering a remarkable array of boutique and design hotels that cater to discerning travelers. From stylish retreats to unique architectural gems, the city now boasts an impressive selection of accommodations. Here are the eight best boutique and design hotels that truly capture the essence of Thessaloniki. What sums up Thessaloniki, Greece? It’s a city of ambition, cultural richness, and exceptional hospitality.

MonAsty in Thessaloniki seamlessly blends luxury with historical charm, its pristine interiors scented with sandalwood paying homage to its origins as a Byzantine monastery. Situated just steps from Aristotelous Square and the historic Agora Modiano, this discreet 100-key hotel features interiors adorned with Greek silk, reflecting the city’s rich trading heritage and honoring the Byzantine emperors. Designed by Thessaloniki-based Not a Number Architects, Monasty incorporates terracotta bricks, earth-toned furniture, and arched alcoves to evoke the metropolis’s storied past. In the evenings, guests enjoy panoramic views and refreshing Aegean cucumber spritzes at Ennea, the rooftop bar and pool area. Offering a luxurious yet culturally vibrant atmosphere, Monasty serves as a tranquil oasis in the lively and multicultural Thessaloniki.

Makedonia Palace stands as Thessaloniki’s grande dame, an iconic modernist hotel since 1972 gracefully perched on the seafront. Its spacious interiors offer breathtaking sea views, while guests can unwind in Greece’s largest traditional hammam or take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool. Many rooms provide magnificent vistas of the shimmering Aegean Sea and the city’s famed White Tower, ensuring unforgettable stays. With its blend of timeless elegance and contemporary comfort, Makedonia Palace embodies the spirit of Thessaloniki. Whether lounging by the pool or exploring the vibrant coastline, this landmark hotel promises a luxurious and memorable experience.

The Met, a member of Design Hotels, is a luxury avant-garde hotel brimming with art, where every detail reflects its creative spirit. Its striking monochrome exterior features sharp lateral beams that elegantly point toward the bustling industrial harbor. Inside, the design emphasizes spaces that allow masterpieces to truly shine, with rooms boasting solid wenge floors and opulent marble and Corian bathrooms. Black-and-white originals by German photographer Ralph Baiker adorn walls near expansive glazed panes, offering stunning views of the harbor. At the heart of the hotel, the Long Bar captivates guests with its dazzling 22-carat gold-plated wall, creating a truly unforgettable ambiance.

Nestled within a historic 1920s building, The Trilogy House offers a luxurious and uniquely conceptual retreat in the vibrant heart of Thessaloniki. This offbeat sanctuary features nine autonomous rooms, each exquisitely furnished with original design pieces from renowned international brands like Vitra, Tom Dixon, and Fritz Hansen. Every interior detail is meticulously curated, seamlessly blending modern materials and cutting-edge technologies with the building’s authentic historical character. Vibrant colorful walls, soaring high ceilings, distinctive design objects, and lush greenery create an inspiring and ambient environment that is both fresh and unconventional.

The Modernist is a stylish 40-room boutique hotel that revitalizes a stunning 1920s building by seamlessly blending heritage with contemporary design. Inside, high windows, light-hued drapes, and strategically placed mirrors open up the narrow facade, creating spacious and inviting interiors. Custom wall-mounted furniture, under-bed storage, and elegant lighting highlight the original floors and ornate cornices, ensuring both beauty and comfort. Guests can indulge in delicious dishes crafted by the hotel’s executive chefs, unwind with a sunset cocktail in the rooftop garden, or explore unique finds in the lobby’s concept store.

New on DNA Hotels. Nestled in a stunning neoclassical building from 1925, Hipsters seamlessly blends history, art, and contemporary flair in the heart of Thessaloniki. The captivating diamond-patterned façade, ornate metal railings, and distinctive metal door honor the legacy of its original owners, Joseph Menachem and the Navarro family. Inside, original tilework, embossed ceilings, and a preserved wooden staircase harmonize with dramatic galvanized and raw black steel elements, while iconic furniture by Jean Prouvé, Verner Panton, Tom Dixon, and Gebrüder Thonet creates a dialogue between past and present. With 17 uniquely curated guest rooms, including the standout Tom Dixon-designed Executive Suite, Hipsters offers a luxurious and immersive stay. Art enthusiasts can enjoy curated exhibitions by photographer Stratos Kalafatis, relax at the vibrant café-bar with natural wines and craft cocktails, and explore exclusive design originals at The Travelers Shop before departing.

COLORS Urban Hotel Thessaloniki redefines city-center hospitality with its eclectic design and versatile accommodations, perfectly situated near Aristotelous Square, the Port, and the White Tower. Housed in a historic listed building, the hotel masterfully blends architectural heritage with modern elegance, featuring intricate ceiling plasterwork, grand wooden double doors, and a stunning glass dome atrium. Each of the 40 rooms, from spacious XL Lofts to luxurious King Suites, showcases unique themes with a harmonious mix of metal and wood surfaces.

ON Residence blends old-world glamour with stunning Aegean Sea views, offering a glamorous boutique hotel experience in Thessaloniki. Housed in a historic belle époque mansion, this elegant hotel serves as a vibrant gateway to Greek cuisine, culture, and the city’s dynamic spirit. The striking black and white tiled entrance hall sets an upscale tone, while rooms feature dark wood and cream walls with corniced ceilings that honor the building’s neoclassical heritage. Guests can relax in stylish velvet armchairs, enjoy panoramic sea views from their suites, and savor exquisite meals at the renowned Olympos Naoussa restaurant.