The year 2026 is poised to be a landmark year for the Greek hospitality sector, particularly in Athens, as several international hotel groups prepare to unveil new luxury properties. This expansion underscores Greece’s enduring appeal as a prime destination for high-end tourism and investment.
Conrad Athens The Ilisian: A Grand Return to Athenian Hospitality
Leading the charge is the much-anticipated Conrad Athens The Ilisian, which has already garnered international attention, with Forbes listing it among the 12 global hotels worth visiting in the coming year. Slated to open in the summer of 2026, this iconic establishment marks the return of the historic former Hilton Athens, following an extensive multi-year renovation. The original Hilton Athens, a landmark on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue since 1963, is being reimagined with fewer rooms, as a portion of the property has been converted into luxurious residences. This trend reflects a growing international model in high-category hotels, combining premium hospitality with branded residences. The opening of Conrad Athens The Ilisian is a strategic move to enhance Hilton Honors’ luxury portfolio, firmly placing Athens on the global map for high-end hotel investments. This development aligns with the global ‘why-cation’ trend, where travelers consciously choose destinations based on unique experiences, meaning, and wellness.
Radisson Hotel Group: Dual Debut in Central Athens
The Radisson Hotel Group is also making a significant splash in central Athens with a dual opening scheduled for May 2026. This expansion will further strengthen Radisson’s portfolio in the Greek capital. The Radisson RED Mitropoleos Square Athens, located near the Metropolis, will introduce the youthful and design-forward RED brand to Greece for the first time. It will feature 109 rooms, a vibrant gastronomic presence, a lobby bar, two rooftop spaces, and modern wellness facilities. A few blocks away, the Radisson Theatrou Square Athens will occupy a historic building with a rich cultural heritage, offering 173 rooms, restaurants, a spa, and relaxation areas, all while preserving its architectural character. Both properties will operate year-round under a unified management structure, in collaboration with Gnosis Investments, adopting a cluster management model for enhanced operational efficiency.
Hilton’s Expanding Footprint Beyond Athens
Beyond the capital, Hilton is extending its presence with other significant projects. The Conrad Corfu, the first Conrad property in the Ionian region, is expected to welcome guests in early summer 2026. Managed by Numo Hotels & Resorts, this luxurious resort in southern Corfu will feature 136 rooms, suites, and villas, a 200-meter private beach, and both indoor and outdoor heated pools. The complex will also boast an Aqua Piazza, three restaurants, two bars, a spa and wellness center, an outdoor cinema, and a kids’ club in partnership with Worldwide Kids. A strong emphasis on gastronomy will be evident, with a fine-dining restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Alexandros Tsiotinis, bringing contemporary Greek cuisine to a new seaside setting.
LXR Hotels & Resorts: Ultra-Luxury on Santorini
Summer 2026 will also mark the Greek debut of LXR Hotels & Resorts with Sandblu Santorini, a collaboration between Hilton and RMKA Private Company. This resort, featuring 66 rooms and suites, is nestled on the slopes of southeastern Santorini. It will offer private pools, villas, two infinity pools, a spa, wellness facilities, and dining experiences designed by Rockwell Group. The arrival of this brand, which is rapidly approaching 40 properties worldwide, further solidifies Greece’s position as an ultra-luxury destination.
Sani/Ikos Group’s Major Investment in Crete
The Sani/Ikos Group is set to open Ikos Kissamos, its first Ikos Resort in Crete and the largest hotel investment ever on the island, according to co-founder Andreas Andreadis. With an investment of approximately 200 million euros, spanning 214,000 square meters and a 600-meter beachfront, Ikos Kissamos will combine bohemian luxury with Mediterranean warmth. It will feature seven gourmet restaurants with Michelin-starred chef-curated menus, eight pools, and comprehensive wellness facilities. Ikos Kissamos introduces its high-end all-inclusive hospitality model to Crete, mirroring its successful properties in Greece and abroad.
Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa: Hilton’s Flagship in Greece
In Chania, the Tsiledakis Group is progressing with the Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa, scheduled to open in spring 2026. This 85-room and suite hotel, offering private pools and panoramic views, will operate year-round, supporting the extension of the tourist season. Initially planned under the Curio Collection, the project was upgraded to the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, making it the only hotel in Greece to bear the ‘Hilton’ name. With a 600 sq.m. spa, a conference center, a rooftop pool, and an extensive culinary offering, it aims to redefine luxury hospitality in the city.
INNSiDE Elounda: Meliá’s Lifestyle Debut
May 1, 2026, will see the opening of INNSiDE Elounda, marking the entry of the INNSiDE by Meliá brand into the Greek market. This new 5-star lifestyle resort, owned and managed by Zeus Hotels, will feature 84 rooms and suites, 70% of which offer sea views, along with 18 exclusive units with private pools. Emphasizing a contemporary hospitality experience, INNSiDE Elounda focuses on creativity and gastronomy, with two à la carte restaurants, including Calydon, overseen by chef Lefteris Soultatos. It also adopts a pet-friendly philosophy, responding to evolving international travel trends.
Accor Adds MGallery in Crete
Also in 2026, the MGallery Chania is expected to open in the Nea Chora area. Developed by ‘NMB Investment, Hotel and Tourist S.A.’ (Peroyiannis Group), this project will transform the historic building of Greece’s first olive oil industry (ABEA) and former soap factory in Chania into an urban resort with views of the sea and the old town. Combining industrial heritage with modern luxury hospitality, it will feature 220 rooms and pools, embodying the MGallery philosophy of unique hospitality experiences in locations with significant historical or cultural importance.
Source: [powergame.gr](https://www.powergame.gr/akinita/1264391/xenodocheia-oi-nees-afixeis-stin-ellada-to-2026-apo-diethneis-omilous/), [tornosnews.gr](https://tornosnews.gr/featured-el/tin-anoixi-toy-2026-i-megali-epistrofi-toy-hilton-os-conrad-athens-the-ilisian-p.html), [mononews.gr](https://www.mononews.gr/business/me-67-xenodocheia-dilonei-paron-i-hilton-stin-ellada-pote-kanei-ntebouto-to-conrad-athens), [capital.gr](https://www.capital.gr/epixeiriseis/3961498/oi-xenes-alusides-me-megala-plana-ston-elliniko-tourismo/), [businessdaily.gr](https://www.businessdaily.gr/epiheiriseis/176659_i-radisson-epekteinei-hartofylakio-tis-stin-ellada?amp=), [thetotalbusiness.com](https://www.thetotalbusiness.com/2025/12/16/poioi-fernoun-ta-nea-xenodocheia-tis-accor-stin-ellada/)
