Athens, April 20 – More than four years after its closure in January 2022, the historic Hilton Athens is set to reopen next week as the “Conrad Athens The Ilisian.” The iconic hotel, which has been a landmark in the Greek capital for six decades, has undergone a comprehensive renovation with an investment exceeding €340 million, transforming it into a multi-use ecosystem.
A Grand Reopening for a Historic Landmark
Preparations are in full swing for the finishing touches on the surrounding area and the entrance, adorned with Greek marble, of the new Conrad Athens The Ilisian. The hotel, now under the Conrad Hilton brand – named after the founder of the historic chain – is scheduled for a soft opening on April 23. This marks a new chapter for the property, which was originally inaugurated in April 1963 by Conrad Hilton himself, who famously called it “the most beautiful Hilton in the world.”
Architectural Integrity Preserved
The visual and architectural identity of The Ilisian has meticulously preserved and highlighted all the emblematic elements of the original building, including the engraved symbols crafted by the iconic Yiannis Moralis on its facades. The hotel, built between 1958 and 1963 by architects Emmanuel Vourekas, Prokopis Vasiliadis, Spyros Staikos, and Antonis Georgiadis, now hosts a new ecosystem of multiple uses and experiences. This includes a new hotel, branded residences by Conrad and Waldorf Astoria, gastronomic venues, entertainment, wellness facilities, shopping, and a modern members’ club, which has been operating since last summer.
A New Era for Athenian Tourism
The reopening coincides with a period of significant growth for Greek tourism, with Athens consistently breaking tourism records. In 2025, Athens welcomed over 8.7 million foreign visitors, a 10% increase from 2024, and continued its strong performance in the first quarter of 2026 with an 8.5% annual increase in international passenger traffic. The city is solidifying its position as a European urban tourist destination for city breaks and extended stays.
The Ilisian: Bridging Past and Present
The name “The Ilisian” is inspired by the historic Ilisos River and the Ilisia neighborhood, reflecting its deep connection to Athens. The goal is for the new destination to embody the cosmopolitan character that is inherently part of the building’s identity, while offering authentic, modern Athenian experiences. “With respect for the city’s cultural identity, ‘The Ilisian’ aims to connect contemporary international trends with the city’s heritage, creating a meeting place for Athenians and visitors,” stated ILISIAN A.E. (formerly Ionian Hotel Enterprises S.A.), part of the ENSOFI group of Konstantakopoulos – Olayan.
Luxury Accommodations and Amenities
The new 15-story hotel will feature 307 rooms and suites, alongside extensive facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, a spa, and various dining options. It will also boast 19 meeting rooms and event spaces spanning 2,035 sq.m., catering to both leisure and business tourism. A unique 400 sq.m. space with its own outdoor pool and panoramic views of Athens, located on the same level that once housed the historic “Galaxy” bar, will open later this year for selective events and VVIP stays.
Gastronomy and Retail Expansion
Several dining venues will debut with the hotel, including the historic “Byzantino” restaurant, which returns to the Athenian culinary scene, and “The Athenian Lounge.” The Japanese gastronomic concept “Onuki,” which originated in Costa Navarino, has been open since late last year. Retail spaces will gradually open, starting with “The Shop,” followed by a flower shop, jewelry store, hair salon, patisserie-chocolaterie, and an optical and accessories store by Zeus & Dione. Two rooftop restaurants and another dining area by the pool are planned to open by the end of the year.
Branded Residences and Private Club
A unique aspect of the new development is the inclusion of 55 branded residences from the 7th to the 12th floor, a first for Athenian hospitality. These include 18 “Conrad Residences” and 37 “Waldorf Astoria Residences.” The Conrad Residences will be available for longer stays through the hotel’s booking systems, offering home-like comforts. The Waldorf Astoria Residences, private residences adhering to the brand’s standards, will be delivered to owners gradually from summer to the end of the year.
The private club, “House of NYNN,” has been operating since last summer and reportedly has around 2,000 members. Spanning approximately 5,500 sq.m. indoors and 3,000 sq.m. outdoors, it offers co-working spaces, professional meeting areas, a wellness floor with science-based exercise programs, and the “Oasis” outdoor retreat with a large pool.
This investment is also linked to the ongoing project for the radical redevelopment of Voula Beach B, where hotel guests and residents of The Ilisian will have exclusive privileges.
Source: Protothema.gr
