Athens, April 30 – The Conrad Athens The Ilisian, a transformation of the iconic Hilton Athens, officially commenced its soft opening last Thursday, welcoming its first guests. This significant development marks a new chapter for one of Athens’ most recognizable hotel properties, following an extensive renovation project.
A Grand Transformation: From Hilton to The Ilisian
The hotel’s director, Nassos Papazoglou, revealed during a press presentation yesterday that the very first guest was a Greek-American, a detail that symbolically links the American chain with its Greek presence. This echoes the original Hilton Athens, which welcomed its first guest exactly 63 years ago, on April 23, 1963.
The property, which aspires to become a prominent landmark in Athens, is set to host its first high-profile guests in the coming weeks. It will serve as the official accommodation for the Euroleague Final Four, scheduled to take place at the Telecom Center Athens from May 22 to 24.
A 340 Million Euro Investment
Achilleas Constantakopoulos, president of the ENSOFI group, under whose umbrella The Ilisian’s owning company operates, stated that the total investment, including the acquisition of the property, amounted to approximately 340 million euros. This figure significantly exceeded initial estimates due to a comprehensive overhaul, including extensive interventions and changes (e.g., orientation, size) in a large number of rooms and residences.
The name THE ILISIAN draws inspiration from the ancient Ilisos River and the neighboring Ilisia district, reflecting the new destination’s timeless connection to Athens, Ilisia, and its residents. Upon entering the hotel, the presence of water elements, a clear reference to the Ilisos, welcomes guests.
The artwork “Athens at Night” (1963), designed by Yannis Moralis and executed in ceramics by Eleni Vernardaki, which once adorned the Galaxy bar at the Hilton, has been meticulously restored and now holds a prominent position at the back of the Conrad’s lobby.
Despite the thorough renovation, numerous elements seamlessly blend the past with the present, thanks to Achilleas Constantakopoulos’s dedication to sourcing objects, furniture, and other memorabilia from the Hilton era. Perhaps the most emblematic of these is the imposing 1960s chandelier, which, after months of searching, was acquired by the new owner and installed in the hotel’s central area.
Gastronomy: A Culinary Hub
The Conrad Athens The Ilisian is evolving into a multifaceted culinary hub, featuring nine restaurants and bars that will gradually open by the end of 2026. Since December 2025, the Japanese restaurant Onuki, designed by Yabu Pushelberg, has been operational. A series of internationally acclaimed restaurant concepts are also set to debut within THE ILISIAN.
The Byzantino restaurant has been reimagined as Byzantino Grande Brasserie, designed by Tristan Auer, under the guidance of Executive Chef Angelos Lantou. It offers two distinct menus featuring Greek and French cuisine. The culinary experience is further enhanced by a cheese master, curated wine pairings, and sweet creations from Byzantino Chocolat & Patisserie.
Chef Angelos Lantou also oversees the menu at the Athenian Lounge, a space that opened alongside the hotel and aims to be a vibrant meeting point, offering classic cocktails and beloved flavors throughout the day.
The historic rooftop will return as the Galaxy Dispensary and Galaxy Supper Club, with its opening anticipated in the coming months.
Luxurious Accommodation
The hotel boasts some of the most comfortable and spacious accommodations in the city, with a total of 278 rooms and suites. The majority of these feature private balconies offering privileged views of some of the city’s most beautiful sights, including the Acropolis.
The hotel offers a wide selection of suites, including Signature Suites, with three Presidential Suites and one Royal Suite. Later this year, the Omega Penthouse will open, spanning 350 sq.m. of interior space with a 150 sq.m. terrace, featuring a private pool and panoramic views extending from the Acropolis to the Saronic Gulf.
Source: https://www.cnn.gr/oikonomia/epixeiriseis/story/531223/conrad-athens-the-ilisian-pos-metamorfothike-to-proin-xilton-tis-athinas-deite-fotografies
