Whitney Spielfogel

In the heart of Athens, where ancient history blends seamlessly with modern vibrancy, lies the Gatsby Hotel, a stylish retreat that redefines luxury with a bold, retro flair. Inspired by the roaring twenties and the opulence of the Art Deco era, the Gatsby Hotel is a refreshing departure from the traditional, offering a unique fusion of classic glamour and contemporary sophistication. This boutique hotel, which is one of the newer hotels to open in the ancient city, stands out as a beacon of cool and chic, providing guests with an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most historically rich cities.

The Gatsby Hotel enjoys a prime location in the lively neighborhood of Kolonaki, one of Athens’ most fashionable districts. Surrounded by upscale boutiques, art galleries, and trendy cafes, the hotel is perfectly situated for guests looking to explore the cultural and social scene of the city. The hotel is just a short stroll from many historic landmarks as well, including Syntagma Square and the iconic Acropolis, allowing guests to easily immerse themselves in Athens’ rich history and vibrant energy.

Whitney Spielfogel

From the moment you enter the hotel, a former police station, the hotel simply wows! From the floral Instagram-worthy entryway to the flower-filled rooftop garden, the hotel creates a vibrant and immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall guest experience. The Gatsby Hotel is truly a visual masterpiece, with a design that pays homage to the glamour of the 1920s while embracing modern luxury. The Art Deco influence is evident in every corner of the hotel, from the bold geometric patterns and rich color palettes to the elegant use of gold, marble, and velvet. The lobby is a statement of sophistication, with its high ceilings, grand chandeliers, and striking black-and-white floor tiles, creating a space that is both inviting and awe-inspiring.

The hotel’s chic atmosphere extends beyond its public spaces, with each floor offering a unique design theme inspired by different aspects of the Jazz Age. This thoughtful attention to detail creates a cohesive yet dynamic environment, where guests can discover new elements of the hotel’s personality with every step they take.

Whitney Spielfogel

The Gatsby Hotel offers a variety of accommodations, each designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable stay, especially for a city hotel. The rooms and suites are a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern amenities, featuring plush bedding, custom-made furniture, modern technology, and carefully selected art pieces that reflect the hotel’s unique style. Most notable is the Gatsby Party Suite, which is the epitome of indulgence and includes a rooftop hot tub, with sweeping city and sunset views, and outdoor cinema area, sure to make your stay memorable. For those seeking a truly exceptional experience, this suite is perfect for guests who wish to enjoy a little extra luxury during their stay.

The Gatsby Hotel’s dining options are as stylish and refined as the hotel itself. The Gatsby Restaurant serves a menu that combines Mediterranean flavors with international influences, using locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both innovative and authentic. The restaurant’s interior is a nod to the glamour of the 1920s, with sumptuous velvet seating, marble tables, and an elegant color scheme that enhances the dining experience. The hotel’s Rooftop Bar, complete with a fireplace and reserved for guests only, is also a highlight, offering breathtaking views of the Athens skyline and the Acropolis in the distance. Here, guests can enjoy a curated selection of craft cocktails, fine wines, and light bites, all while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city below. The bar’s chic design, combined with the stunning views, makes it the perfect spot for a sunset drink or a nightcap.

Whitney Spielfogel

The Gatsby Hotel goes above and beyond to cater to the needs of its guests with its 24/7 “stay and play” concierge service on call, offering a range of amenities and services that enhance the overall experience. The hotel also features a fully equipped fitness center, allowing guests to maintain their workout routines while traveling. For those seeking relaxation, the hotel offers in-room spa services, where guests can enjoy a variety of treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. Whether you are in Athens for business or leisure, the Gatsby Hotel ensures that every aspect of your stay is entertaining – and totally tailored to your needs.

Whether you are a history buff eager to explore the ancient wonders of Athens or a trendsetter looking for the coolest spots in the city, the Gatsby Hotel provides the perfect base for your adventures. Its impeccable design, comfortable and trendy accommodations, and exceptional service make it a standout choice for anyone looking to experience the best of Athens in style. With its unique blend of retro glamour and modern luxury, the hotel offers an experience that is both sophisticated and super fun.

Whitney Spielfogel

Whitney Spielfogel

If you think that Labor Day marks the end of summer vacations and seaside revelry, think again. For many European destinations, September’s “shoulder season” is one of the best times to travel abroad, and due to its recent rise in popularity, the Greek island of Paros is no exception. With its growing reputation as a top destination, Paros is on the brink of becoming the next major hotspot, so take advantage of its serene beauty sooner rather than later. A visit to Paros, Greece is a must, especially if you’re drawn to Cycladic charm combined with a laid-back island vibe. Paros offers a mix of picturesque white-washed villages, crystal-clear beaches, and a vibrant local culture. 

Whitney Spielfogel

Paros has seen a significant rise in luxury tourism, with several new five-star resorts opening to cater to discerning travelers. These high-end properties offer a blend of traditional Cycladic architecture, modern amenities, and eco-conscious design, aligning with the island’s natural beauty and rich heritage. Paros’ growing appeal as a destination that can offer both authentic Greek island charm and world-class service is cemented with the addition of these high-end properties on the island. 

Whitney Spielfogel

If an end-of-season jaunt to a tranquil, crowd-free Greek island is what you’re craving, look no further than the Parocks Hotel, perched on the sun-kissed cliffs of Paros, and the embodiment of serene luxury and sophisticated style. Opened in Summer 2022, Parocks is ideally situated in Ambelas, on the eastern coast of the island, a luxurious haven offering exceptional views of the Aegean Sea and the rocky landscape of Paros, which inspired the hotel’s name. As one of the island’s newest additions to the upscale hospitality scene, Parocks offers a unique blend of contemporary comfort and traditional Cycladic charm. Its tranquil location provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the island’s more crowded spots, while still being just a short drive from the vibrant town of Naoussa. 

Whitney Spielfogel

The hotel’s whitewashed buildings, with their smooth curves and minimalist lines, are a nod to the island’s architectural heritage. Inside, the design is clean and modern, with a focus on natural materials and earthy tones that reflect the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The accommodations at Parocks Hotel are designed with comfort and elegance in mind. The hotel offers a wide range of rooms and suites, each thoughtfully decorated to create a calming, luxurious environment. The interiors feature a palette of soft neutrals and cool blues, with plush bedding, high-end finishes, and bespoke furnishings that add a touch of sophistication. Each room comes with a private balcony or expansive terrace, perfect for enjoying the spectacular sunsets that Paros is known for. For those seeking something extra special on the property, Parocks offers several suites with private plunge pools (Villa 101 was a standout!), where guests can unwind in complete privacy while taking in the panoramic sea views and other Greek islands in the distance. These units are ideal for couples on a romantic getaway or anyone looking for an extra touch of indulgence during their stay. 

Whitney Spielfogel

The hotel offers guests exclusive access to an undisclosed beach just across the street from the property. This secluded spot provides a peaceful retreat away from the more crowded tourist areas, equipped with plush sunbeds and umbrellas. This secret stretch of sand is perfect for relaxation or a private swim in the crystal-clear waters. This tiny beach embodies the luxurious yet intimate vibe that Parocks is known for, adding an extra layer of exclusivity to the Parocks hotel experience.

Whitney Spielfogel

For those looking to get out and explore the beautiful, buzzy island, Parocks is conveniently located near some of Paros’s best beaches, including Kolymbithres, known for its unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters, and Monastiri, a popular choice with stunning scenery, ideal for both relaxation and water sports. The hotel’s location is perfect for travelers who want to experience the laid-back allure of Paros while staying close to its trendy hotspots. 

The charming, cosmopolitan fishing village of Naoussa, with narrow cobblestoned streets, chic boutiques, and waterfront seafood restaurants, is a quick 15-minute drive from the Parocks property and a must-visit during a stay. Dining in Naoussa is a feast for the senses, with seaside restaurants focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Standouts included the popular Barbarossa, located right by the harbor, a favorite among both locals and visitors (for good reason!). This renowned seafood restaurant offers a stunning view of the water (and sunset!) and a very lively atmosphere. Luaz was another extraordinary dining experience in Naoussa, offering guests perfectly cooked seafood plates, artisanal pastas, and dishes with innovative takes on traditional Greek favorites. With a sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance (tables right by the sand, with a gorgeous sunset in the background), it’s the perfect spot for those seeking a memorable and delicious meal on the island.

Whitney Spielfogel

Naoussa’s charming boutiques are the perfect complement to its vibrant dining scene, making it an ideal spot for pre-or post-dinner strolls (and be sure to check out S.Cream near the bridge for a post-dinner treat). Nestled among the narrow, cobblestone streets, these boutiques offer a mix of stylish fashion, handcrafted jewelry, and unique home decor, often featuring local artisans and designers. Whether you’re browsing for one-of-a-kind souvenirs or indulging in luxury shopping, the little stores provide a relaxed yet upscale shopping experience. Exploring these shops, before or after dining at Naoussa’s renowned restaurants, adds a touch of elegance to an evening out on the town.

Whitney Spielfogel

While Paros is quickly gaining popularity, it still retains its authentic charm, offering a more relaxed and intimate experience than its bustling island neighbors, and Paros in September will be sure to still impress! With its still-warm beaches, plenty of sunshine, and lively restaurants where you can snag a hard-to-get reservation, now is the perfect time to enjoy Paros’ pristine beaches, traditional villages, and luxury resorts without the large tourist crowds.

If you’re looking to book that perfect Paros getaway, the Parocks Hotel is a true gem, offering a unique combination of modern luxury and traditional Cycladic charm. With its well-situated location, elegant design, and upscale service, Parocks provides an idyllic retreat for travelers looking to experience the best of Paros in style. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a family vacation, or simply a peaceful retreat, Parocks delivers an experience that is both memorable and deeply satisfying.

Whitney Spielfogel

AT LEAST four people have been gunned down and 18 others injured after a horror mass shooting.

A huge manhunt has since been launched as cops search Birmingham, Alabama for multiple gunman they believe may have been behind the attack.

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Two men and a woman were found dead at the scene on Saturday evening.

A fourth man later died in hospital with serious gunshot wounds.

Rounds of gunfire first erupted in the Five Points South entertainment district outside the popular Hush hookah and cigar lounge on Magnolia Avenue.

The victims were caught in the crossfire after “multiple shooters fired multiple shots on a group of people,” according to Birmingham police officer Truman Fitzgerald.

Among the 18 left injured some are said to still be in life-threatening conditions.

Many are receiving treatment at the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital.

Shocked witness Dajon Singleton told WVTM that screaming and crying voices could be heard along the street.

Cops are still said to be investigating if the gunmen walked up to the victims or was in a car when they fired the shots.

They believe the attack was “not random and stemmed from an isolated incident”.

Over 100 shell casings were found in the area, say police.

No arrests have been made as of yet.

Officer Fitzgerald said: “Rest assured, we are going to do everything we possibly can to uncover, identify and hunt down whoever was responsible for preying on our people.”

Cops believe the weapon used was a Glock switch gun where the handler is able to flip between an automatic and semi-automatic weapon attached to a Glock.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin declared the weapons are “the number one public safety issue” in the city.

He has called on them to be outlawed after the attack.

The nearby streets where the shooting took place have all been closed off as cops continue to search the area.

Officer Fitzgerald said they have been in contact with the FBI and ATF for support on the investigation.

A $5,000 reward is also being offered in exchange for information on the possible killers and their motives.

Birmingham police have also asked for any businesses in the local area with CCTV cameras to check the footage and hand it over to officers.

There have been more than 400 mass shootings across the US this year, according to Gun Violence Archive.

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Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal (Haaland 9′, Stones 90’+8 | Calafiori 22′, Gabriel 45’+1, Trossard red card 45’+8)

John Stones struck in the 98th minute against 10-man Arsenal to steal a point for Manchester City in an enthralling top-of-table-clash.

The Gunners appeared on course for one of the finest results of Mikel Arteta’s reign after having Leandro Trossard sent off on the stroke of half-time only to have their hearts broken at the end.

City went into an early lead after Savinho burst through Arsenal’s defences and teed up Erling Haaland, who made no mistake when toe-poking past David Raya.

But the challengers hit back with gusto. First when Riccardo Calafiori curled a delightful left-footed shot past Ederson after Thomas Partey’s quick-thinking had freed Gabriel Martinelli down the wing.

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And then as Gabriel Magalhaes ghosted into the back-post and thundered a header home from Bukayo Saka’s corner in a near-identical replica of his winner at Tottenham last week.

There were controversial moments aplenty, with Kai Havertz escaping sanction despite swinging an arm at Rodri and then the City midfielder limping off in agony later after going down under pressure from Thomas Partey at a corner.

“Saka takes… GABRIEL’S IN THERE!” 🔗

Arsenal lead at the Etihad! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/MdliWu94MY

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— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 22, 2024

But the momentum of the game turned on its head when Trossard was sent off for a second yellow card in the eighth minute of first-half injury time for carelessly kicking the ball away.

Nevertheless, a supreme rearguard effort from Arsenal kept City at bay until Stones bundled home at the death.

Man City

Ederson: Could do little for Riccardo Calafiori’s stunning equaliser which sailed past him into the top corner. His lack of physicality was exposed by Arsenal’s clever corner routine 5/10

Josko Gvardiol: Tested David Raya’s cat-like reflexes with two clean strikes in the second half 6/10

Manuel Akanji: Did a lot without really doing anything of note 6/10

Ruben Dias: Saw far too much of the ball in the final third as City struggled to break down 10-man Arsenal 6/10

Kyle Walker: Was far too close to Gabriel for Arsenal’s second goal. Kept Gabriel Martinelli in his back pocket for most of the game, however 6/10

Ilkay Gundogan: Hit the post with a decent free-kick that had the beating of David Raya in the first half 6/10

Rodri: Intercepted a dangerous pass that was intended for Bukayo Saka, but was forced off a few minutes later with a knee injury 6/10

Jeremy Doku: Like Walker, at fault for the second goal. Struggled to have an impact on the game and replaced by Phil Foden in the second half with City trailing 2-1 6/10

Bernardo Silva: Blazed a decent chance over the bar in the second half and generally kept quiet by Arsenal’s defence 6/10

Savinho: Provided a brilliant assist for Erling Haaland’s opener. Replaced by Jack Grealish 7/10

Erling Haaland: What a way to bring up his ton. What a player. What a finish 7/10

Substitutes

Mateo Kovacic: 6/10

Phil Foden: 6/10

John Stones: 8/10

Jack Grealish: 6/10

Arsenal

David Raya: Wrong-footed by Haaland’s unusual finish but didn’t put a foot wrong after that. A series of sharp saves – notably from Haaland’s short-range header and Gvardiol’s volley – kept Arsenal in the game 8/10

Jurrien Timber: Coped valiantly after being shifted to right-back and with Gvardiol pushed high by Guardiola. Prevented City gaining a foothold down his side and was as good as any Arsenal teammate in the second-half siege 7/10

Riccardo Calafiori: Parachuted into the side and it appeared to be a stroke of genius from Arteta after a bad start. Not tight enough to Savinho for the opener but more than made up for it with sumptuous equaliser 7/10

“It’s a BEAUTY!” 😍

What a moment for Riccardo Calafiori! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/B56ZJC88mu

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 22, 2024

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Gabriel Magalhaes: Lost Haaland for the opener and missed a glorious chance to put Arsenal ahead but then atoned for those errors with a thumping header to put Arsenal ahead 7/10

William Saliba: Titanic battle with Haaland. Clumsy attempt at offside trap allowed the City forward acres of space to run into for the opener but hardly put a foot wrong after that against world’s best centre-forward 8/10

Thomas Partey: Caught City sleeping with quick free-kick to set up Calafiori’s equaliser. Difficult day thereafter as City dominated but could not be faulted for effort 7/10

Declan Rice: Game appeared to pass him by in the first half as City passed the ball around him. A little wasteful when he did get on the ball but no huge errors 6/10

Bukayo Saka: Missing his usual right-flank partner after White was dropped and struggled to get on the ball but another perfect corner delivery set up Gabriel’s goal. Taken off at half-time after Trossard’s red 6/10

Gabriel Martinelli: Made the most of Walker’s lax positioning to set up Calafiori’s goal and nearly had another assist after teeing up Trossard. Made himself a nuisance for Gabriel’s goal. Quiet second half but a promising performance from a player who has struggled recently 7/10

Leandro Trossard: Moment of madness to get sent off on the stroke of half-time in such similar fashion to Rice’s against Brighton. Until that point had been forced into a defensive, pressing role as City dominated possession and will rue not keeping up that discipline 4/10

Kai Havertz: Lucky to avoid red for swinging an arm at Rodri’s face in opening minute. Quiet first half but ran himself into the ground once his side were down to 10 men 6/10

Substitutes

Ben White: Surprise omission as Arteta picked Calafiori and shifted Timber to right-back. Introduced at half-time after Trossard’s red card and contributed to backs-to-the-wall display 6/10

Jakub Kiwior: 5/10

Myles Lewis-Skelly: n/a

Gabriel Jesus: n/a

Hello and welcome to the working week.

We start with something already under way, but leading UK news agendas this week: Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool.

As an alumnus of the city’s original red-brick university, I have many happy memories of days out at the rejuvenated Victorian waterfront, where Labour party apparatchiks, lobbyists and journalists will gather until Wednesday. Sir Keir Starmer, set to give his first address to delegates as prime minister on Tuesday, may not remember the next few days on the banks of the Mersey so fondly as I do given that controversy swirls about his personal ethics concerning Labour donor Lord Waheed Alli’s largesse.

There is also much chatter about what will and will not be announced in the October Budget as chancellor Rachel Reeves gives her conference speech on Monday. For some insights into Labour’s plans with regards to business, read FT political editor George Parker’s interview with business secretary Jonathan Reynolds.

On the other side of the planet, we begin the week digesting results of Sri Lanka’s presidential election. Read more about that here.

Meanwhile Japan’s Liberal Democrats are gearing up for a “wild west” vote to elect a new leader, and therefore prime minister, on Friday. Could they appoint the country’s first female PM? Read this to find out more about the various contenders in this unusually wide-open contest.

Austria goes to the polls on Sunday with recent polls showing a clear lead for the far-right Freedom party.

The new earnings season has yet to kick into gear, but the companies news diary includes British tech firm Raspberry Pi announcing its first results as a company listed on the London market on Tuesday. Also of note on the earnings schedule are the world’s largest clothing retailer H&M and global professional services business Accenture.

After last week’s deluge of rate-setting meetings, several central bankers will be out on the speaking circuit this week. There is also a more modest flow of economic data reports than last week, though we will get G7 economic comparisons from the latest PMI data on Monday and the final US GDP estimate for the second quarter on Thursday. More details on all of these elements below.

One more thing . . . 

First, thank you to my colleagues David and Melody for holding the fort these past four weeks, and thank you also to those of you who wished me well, and even worried that I might not be returning from this brief sabbatical to rest, reflect and plan some new projects. The highlight was our family adventure across the US, by plane, train and automobile, which was even better than my (work) trip taking part in a guitar retreat in Turkey for the FT Travel section — I mention this because the piece, which you can read here, came out while I was away.

Wherever you find yourself this week, I hope it proves fruitful. Please share your thoughts about the highlights for this week by emailing me at jonathan.moules@ft.com or, if you are reading this from your inbox, hitting reply.

Key economic and company reports

Here is a more complete list of what to expect in terms of company reports and economic data.

Monday

• Eurozone, India, France, Germany, UK, US: HCOB/S&P Global September manufacturing and services purchasing managers’ index data

• Japan: Autumn Equinox Day observed. Financial markets closed.

• Results: Oxford BioMedica HY

Tuesday

• Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem provides a fireside chat at the Institute of International Finance and Canadian Bankers Association Canada Forum in Toronto

• Banca d’Italia/G7 workshop titled “Building a quantum safe financial system: what role for authorities and for the private sector?” The event will include introductory remarks by Banca d’Italia senior deputy governor Luigi Federico Signorini

• Australia: Reserve Bank of Australia interest rate decision announced

• Germany: Ifo Business Climate Index

• Japan: flash PMI data (AM local time)

• Nigeria: Monetary Policy Committee interest rate decision announced

• UK: average household income statistics

• Results: AutoZone Q4, AG Barr HY, Card Factory HY, Fonix FY, HSS Hire HY, Raspberry Pi HY, Smiths FY, SThree Q3 trading update, Tui pre-close trading update

Wednesday

• Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee member Megan Greene speaks at event hosted by Newcastle’s Chambers of Commerce

• Philippine central bank governor Eli Remolona speaks at a forum of the Asian Development Bank on capital markets in Manila

• Meta Connect developer conference begins, bringing together engineers, designers, and creatives to discuss virtual reality, with a keynote address by Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg

• OECD Interim Economic Outlook Report

• Australia: August consumer price index (CPI) inflation rate data

• France: September INSEE consumer confidence survey

• US: August new home sales figures

• Results: Co-operative HY, De La Rue AGM trading update, DFS Furniture FY, Micron Technology Q4

Thursday

• Shoib Khan, director of insurance supervision at the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority, speaks at the 29th Bank of America Financials CEO conference

• Germany: GfK consumer climate survey

• Japan: Bank of Japan publishes its monetary policy meeting minutes

• UK: Financial Conduct Authority annual public meeting. Also, August capital issuance statistics

• US: final Q2 GDP data

• Results: Accenture Q4, Costco Wholesale Q4, CVS FY, H&M Q3, Pantheon Infrastructure HY

Friday

• France: September CPI and PPI inflation rate data

• Germany: monthly labour market statistics

• US: University of Michigan monthly consumer sentiment survey

World events

Finally, here is a rundown of other events and milestones this week.

Monday

• Austria: International Atomic Energy Authority board meeting in Vienna

• France: Paris Fashion Week begins, running until October 1

Tuesday

• UK: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addresses MPs and other delegates at the Labour party conference in Liverpool

• US: UN General Debate opens in New York

Wednesday

Thursday

• Germany: first plenary session of the Thuringian State Parliament following Alternative for Germany’s victory in the regions recent elections

• Italy: G7 agriculture ministers’ meeting begins in Syracuse

• Luxembourg: Pope Francis commences a four-day visit to the north European nation and its neighbour Belgium

• US: World Bank/IFS/ODI Public Finance Conference begins in Washington

Friday

• Japan: Liberal Democratic party holds a leadership vote, in effect deciding the new prime minister, after current premier Fumio Kishida said last month he would not seek re-election

• UK: Scottish Conservatives due to announce the winner of their leadership ballot to replace Douglas Ross

Saturday

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