HIDDEN GUEST: Vanoro Hotel Thessaloniki

Art Deco is an architectural period that marked numerous cities after the First World War. It reached its zenith during the World Expo held in Paris in 1925. The style made its way to Thessaloniki, where the Gavriiloglou Tobacco Company decided to erect their headquarters in 1937. Today, the impressive building serves as a hotel, as the tobacco storage house closed its doors in 1960. The strategic location is close to all the city’s grand landmarks. It is thus ideal for exploring the city and the region, with the motorway leading to Athens in the vicinity. Lovers of nightlife, bars and cuisine will be thrilled by the proximity of the legendary Ladadika District, a stone’s throw away from the hotel.

The location allows guests to stroll to the major landmarks on foot. In addition, the train station and the harbour are in the vicinity. The airport is only 12 kilometres away, offering good connections with the rest of the world. Managed by Fraport, the airport ensures flight connections across Europe even in high season. As the second largest in Greece, the airport is modern and traveller-friendly. Regular bus connections take visitors to the city. If one decides on a taxi, the price will range from 20 to 30 EUR. Guests arriving by car can look forward to valet parking. Thessaloniki is improving public transport year-on-year. Unsurprisingly, embarking on a bus is the most environment-friendly way to get around. The city is eager to welcome its modern metro line, hopefully welcoming its first guests at the end of 2023.

Vanoro Hotel Thessaloniki has been turning heads with its Art Deco facade boasting elegant windows and clean lines. In its centre sits a geometrically perfect portal stretching from the entrance to the top of the building. This detail makes it stand out from the crowd and defines the beauty of the building. Unmistakable windows that appear elegant, sophisticated and timeless are an integral part of the design. The continuation of the style within the interior appears refined, modern and inviting. The owners of the hotel aptly named the hotel design casual luxury. Facing the lively street, the bar, reception and restaurant function as a quasi-living room where one can flick through newspapers, chat or sit back and enjoy their stay. Minimalist furniture with glass details dominates the hotel corridors and public surfaces. We were mesmerised by the golden art nouveau lighting that elevates the experience with impeccable style.

The world-class and utterly kind personnel strive to fulfil the guests’ wishes at every step. We have nothing but praise for the reception team that ensures all problems are solved quickly and effectively. The core of the hotel is the Anza Kitchen & Bar, both a breakfast room and an à la carte restaurant where the chef prepares dishes in front of the guests. The breakfast is entirely à la carte and includes a broad array of dishes, including a vegetarian selection. Breakfast was served swiftly and flawlessly. Surprisingly, guests can order breakfast at any time of the day. We found the à la carte offer compelling, particularly the chef’s Mediterranean twist and exceptional lemon tart. As suitable for a hotel in this category, the wine list is extensive, as is the stand-out selection of signature cocktails and mocktails.

Hotel rooms

We stayed in the premium room, boasting a dark wooden floor in walnut colour, blending elegantly with the massive furniture. The elegant room boasts white walls and geometrical windows – an unmissable peculiarity of the hotel. Minimalist lights imitating art deco style conjure a magical illumination within the room. The extra-large bed is fantastic, and guests will easily find a pillow that suits their preferences. We only have praise for the lounger next to the bed. The spacious room extends into the bathroom, which amazes with two parallel showers. Here, the elegant story continues with a white marble cabinet and glossy tiles. As suitable for a five-star hotel, the cosmetics and accessories are outstanding. We do not doubt the modern style of the room will stand the test of time. Extraordinary.

Meetings centre

Vanoro Hotel Thessaloniki is a boutique hotel and, hence, does not offer larger conference capacities apart from a smaller meeting room. Nonetheless, the hall features world-class equipment and is also suitable for hybrid events. It can capacitate up to 22 attendees. The restaurant is ideal for smaller events in rare moments when the hotel is not teeming with satisfied guests.

DESSERT – The extras

The alluring spa centre is not the largest, yet features everything larger hotels offer. Adjoining it is a well-equipped mini fitness.

FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES

We have almost no remark regarding the hotel. Perhaps one hairsplitting note regarding the meeting room: the experience could be ethereal if the hall offered daylight.

TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES

The utmost friendly staff render the stay an inspiring and unforgettable experience. We relished the coffee that easily competes with its Italian role models.

SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS

The hotel does not communicate nor advocate any sustainable practices.

Vanoro Hotel Thessaloniki is one of those hotels where guests feel at home. When returning to the hotel room after a tiring day, guests rest assured that the restaurant downstairs will serve a mouthwatering dinner, that the mini bar is stacked, that the inviting bed will ensure a good rest and that the staff looks forward to meeting their requests. Vanoro Hotel Thessaloniki is where one could easily spend a week or more. Above all, the hotel has proved to be a convincing, refined and comfortable boutique hotel that justifies its value for money. Thus, it belongs among the top-tier meeting hotels in its category. The kindness of the staff compensates for the lack of congress capacities. We deem the hotel a superb and nomad-friendly choice.

FINAL GRADE: 4.82 GOLD Boutique Meeting Hotel 

GOLD final score from 4.81 to 5.00
SILVER final score from 4.61 to 4.80
BRONZE final score from 4.41 to 4.60