The Excelsior - Thessaloniki

Residing in a beautiful, well-preserved building, The Excelsior offers a luxurious base to explore the trendy city of Thessaloniki. The hotel is lovingly run by the Greek Tornivoukas family, so you can expect genuine Greek hospitality and authentic cuisine that’s locally sourced wherever possible. Climb the original marble staircase to your room, which is adorned with intricate crown-moulded ceilings, marble bathrooms and pocket-sized balconies. Spot artwork by local creators throughout the hotel, grab a relaxed bite in the restaurant, or take a seat on your balcony and listen to the vibrant city sounds.

The nearby streets are packed with boutiques, restaurants and bars. Or you can make your way to the waterfront, which is just 100 metres away. From here, marvel at views of Mount Olympus, pass by the bustling Aristotle Square and make your way to the White Tower – an ottoman fortress with an interactive exhibition. Grab souvenirs and mouth-watering morsels from the Modiano Market, then fill your suitcase with olives, oils and herbs from the more traditional Kapani Market – both under 500 metres from the hotel. Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia is 11 miles away.

Rooms and suites here all don historical features, including ornate high ceilings, original full-length windows and bathrooms with lashings of marble. These effortlessly blend with the modern amenities on offer, including a flat-screen TV, a safe, a minibar, an espresso machine, bathrobes, slippers and Olive Era toiletries. Plus, there’s little extras that make for a memorable stay – such as a complimentary bottle of Greek wine on arrival and a nightly turndown – complete with a bedtime story and Greek chocolate. Rooms look out to either the street, or the back of the hotel and surrounding buildings.