The Alex: Santikos Collection: Where the Athens Riviera meets boutique elegance
Nestled in the pleasantly leafy Kastella neighbourhood of Piraeus, just moments from the harbour and the lively waterfront promenade, The Alex – Santikos Collection redefines the concept of a modern urban boutique stay. The hotel is described as “an open-house hotel, inspired by the streets and scenes that surround it.” With just 34 rooms and suites, it offers an intimate experience while delivering full-service hospitality — including thoughtfully curated design, free WiFi, and a pillow menu for maximum comfort. Its location offers a beautiful vantage point over the Athens Riviera, making it perfect for guests who want the convenience of city access yet a calm edge by the sea.
Accommodations & Design: “Contemporary Charm by the Sea”
Step inside The Alex and you’ll immediately sense the curated aesthetic: each of the 34 rooms and suites varies in size from approximately 16 m² to 36 m², offering options from cosy doubles to larger suites with sea-view balconies. What stands out is the attention to local detail — the décor features commissioned local artwork, bringing a sense of place into every room. Modern amenities abound: flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, a choice of pillows, sound-proofing in many rooms, and balconies that frame either the harbour or the tree-lined streets of Kastella. The design strikes that sweet spot between elegant comfort and metropolitan edge, making the hotel feel both intimate and stylish.
Culinary Experience: “Elevated Dining with a View”
Dining at The Alex is a treat not just for the palate but for the perspective. On the rooftop sits the restaurant and bar ΝΕΣΤ, where guests can soak in sublime views of the bay, the distant Acropolis silhouette and beyond, while enjoying Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a refined yet relaxed space. For more casual daytime fare, The Botanist café provides an inviting space for coffee, juices, smoothies, wraps and salads, with a communal table and outdoor patio ideal for work or unwind. Breakfast starts at around 07:30 and runs until 11:00, and in-room dining is available from noon until late evening, making this hotel both flexible and indulgent for food lovers.
Relaxation & Leisure: “Serene Terrace Moments & Seamless City Access”
While the Alex doesn’t boast a sprawling resort-style pool, its real strength lies in tranquil spaces for pause and connection. The rooftop and terrace areas offer a serene vantage point over the sea and the skyline — ideal for sunset cocktails, quiet reading or a laid-back drink after a day exploring. Guest reviews consistently highlight the calm atmosphere and “exceptional service” which further elevates the stay. Moreover, its setting in Kastella means you’re a short stroll from small beaches such as Votsalakia (about 0.6 km away) and the historic marina of Mikrolimano — perfect for light seaside leisure before or after your hotel stay.
What Makes It Stand Out: “Boutique Brilliance with Big Personality”
There’s a charming duality to The Alex: it’s boutique in scale, but bold in personality. The hotel’s statement that it is an “open house” welcomes not just overnight guests but locals too — inviting people for coffee, lunch or cocktails, making the space lively and connected to the neighbourhood. The commissioning of local artwork in every room gives each stay a bespoke feel, rather than one size-fits-all. Guests repeatedly praise the attention to detail — the pillow menu, the sea-view balconies, the service that goes above and beyond. In many guest reviews, the rooftop view is described as “breathtaking” and the experience “five-star in a boutique shell.” Additionally, it’s perfectly placed for those who want both the port (ideal for cruise links) and quick access to Athens (including the nearby tram and metro connections) without sacrificing the calm of a residential neighbourhood.
Conclusion: Why This Is the Ideal Choice
In summary, The Alex – Santikos Collection offers a refined yet relaxed stay that blends the vibrancy of Athens with the serenity of the Riviera coast. It’s ideal for couples seeking a romantic escape, business travellers wanting something stylish yet intimate, and even pre- or post-cruise guests looking for a standout stay near the port of Piraeus. If you value curated design, personalised service, a rooftop vista to linger over, and the convenience of city and sea at your doorstep — this hotel delivers. Its boutique scale means attention is paid; its location means you’re in the heart of things without the frenetic pace of the city centre. In short: The Alex isn’t just another hotel in Piraeus — it’s a thoughtful destination in its own right, and one worth making your base.
