The Athens Hilton, the luxury hotel in Greece that hosted some of the world’s most prominent guests during their visit to the Greek capital will re-open in 2025 under the name “The Ilisian”.
The news was announced during a special event in Athens attended by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Thursday.
The project, budgeted at over 340 million euros, is being run by TEMES, the developer behind the pioneering Costa Navarino in Messinia. According to a University of Piraeus study, in the first five years of operations, “The Ilisian” is expected to generate approximately 1.25 billion euros in revenues for the Greek state, upgrade the hospitality offer in Athens, and employ some 800 people.
TEMES SA Chairman and CEO Achilles Constantakopoulos referred to the responsibility of preserving “the unique history of the iconic building so it can continue to be a beloved destination, creating lifelong memories”.
Due to its importance as part of Athens’ architectural heritage, the renovation agreement included actions that would preserve the building’s Modernist façade which was designed by celebrated Greek visual artist Yiannis Moralis (1916-2009).
The renovated hotel will include high-end hospitality services through Hilton’s award-winning Conrad Residences and Waldorf Astoria Residences brands, as well as fine dining, entertainment, wellness, shopping, and a members club. According to TEMES, The Ilisian will be the first condo hotel in Athens.
The Ilisian: TEMES’ New Urban Hospitality Concept
The new name “The Ilisian” was inspired by the Ilisos River which once ran in the region and which has also given its name to the Ilisia neighborhood.
Addressing the event, Mitsotakis said The Ilisian was a very important investment contributing to the vision of establishing Athens as a year-round destination. It is a “bridge connecting the past with the present”, he said, adding that it will further enhance Athens’ and the country’s reputation.
“Hilton has had a presence in Athens for more than six decades and we are very proud of the development of such an important landmark on the site of the iconic former Hilton Athens. The city is an ideal destination for the modern luxury traveler as it boasts a unique culture and rich history – and the building’s stunning location overlooking the Acropolis blends harmoniously with its contemporary luxury design. We are excited to welcome its guests next year,” said Dino Michael, Senior Vice President & Global Category Head | Luxury Brands at Hilton.
The Athens Hilton made its debut on April 20, 1963 as the first international chain hotel in Greece heralding a new era for tourism. In over half a century, it hosted VIPs including royalty, Aristotle Onassis, Jeremy Irons, Hugh Hefner, Frank Sinatra, Ingmar Bergman, Pierre Cardin, Anthony Quinn, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Madonna among other VIP guests. It closed in 2022.
