History

Discover the Antica Dimora Suites, which were once the personal residence for a powerful Turkish dignitary during the 19th century.

Antica Dimora Suites was constructed amid the European embrace of art that championed emotion, individualism, and nature during the first half of the 19th century. Built in 1820, Antica Dimora Suites was originally the personal residence of a wealthy Turkish dignitary until the downfall of the Ottoman Empire when merchant Chobitis Iosif purchased the estate for 110 golden pounds. In 1924, the wealthy Turkish man had left Crete for Mikra Asia before Chobitis Iosif paid the last 10 golden pounds he owed. A man of valor, Iosif and his family has since kept 10 golden pounds in a safety deposit box as a symbol of his debt. The former Turkish owner remained friends with Mr. Iosif and constantly praised his bond with the businessman to his family and friends.

In 2006, the grandson of the first Greek owner, Iosif Chobitis, envisioned a renovation and restoration project to convert the family residence into a luxury historic hotel as a tribute to its architecture and significant heritage. From oral testimonies, this marvelous historic building required 70 of the best builders and six years to complete. Since its conversion, Antica Dimora Suites has welcomed dignitaries and luminaries, including former Prime Ministers of Greece, Sofoklis Venizelos and Giorgos Papandreou.

image of exterior antica dimora suties crete greece_high

Hotel Timeline

Philanthropist Mary Emery established the Village of Mariemont as a nationally recognized model community designed to provide an attractive, well-planned environment for residents. The future Mariemont Inn was envisioned as a key component of the village center.

Architects Harry Hake Zettel and Edwin Rapp commenced construction of the Mariemont Inn. Designed in the Tudor Revival style, the building was among the largest structures developed by the Mariemont Company. The original plans called for a much larger V-shaped complex than was ultimately completed.

The Mariemont Inn opened as a 58-room Tudor-style hotel and community gathering place. The inn was intended to serve travelers, residents, and business visitors while reinforcing the village's pedestrian-oriented design. The Mariemont Company relocated its offices to the inn complex. In addition to hotel accommodations, the building housed retail and office space, making it a centerpiece of village life.

The Mariemont Company relocated its offices to the inn complex. In addition to hotel accommodations, the building housed retail and office space, making it a centerpiece of village life.

Philadelphia businessman Lawrence Jones began leasing the property from the Mariemont Company, marking the first significant transition in management.

Lawrence Jones purchased the Mariemont Inn from the Mariemont Company for $125,000, ending more than two decades of original ownership.

The inn was sold to new owners, initiating another chapter in its operational history while preserving its role as Mariemont's signature lodging establishment.

The property joined the Best Western system while maintaining its historic Tudor architecture and independent character.

The Mariemont Inn was inducted into Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Village of Mariemont received designation as a National Historic Landmark, further elevating the historical importance of the inn and its surrounding community.

The inn underwent an extensive two-year renovation and modernization program. Historic Tudor features, original fireplaces, artwork, and architectural elements were preserved while guest rooms and public spaces were upgraded.

1923

1925

1926

1929

1943

1945

1962

1980s

2003

2007

2008

Famous Historic Guests

Sofoklis Venizelos, Prime Minister of Greece (1950 - 1951)
George Andreas Papandreou, Prime Minister of Greece (2006 - present)"