More than four years after January 2022—when the curtain fell on the Athens “Hilton,” the historic hotel that for six decades shaped an entire neighborhood (even lending its name to a nearby bus stop)—the curtain is rising once again next week.

Preparations are currently in full swing for the final touches to the surrounding area and the entrance, clad in Greek marble, of the new Conrad Athens The Ilisian, a brand-new five-star hotel also affiliated with the Hilton group. This time, however, it bears the name of Conrad Hilton, the founder of the iconic chain back in 1919.

It was he who, exactly 63 years ago at the official opening of the Athens Hilton in April 1963, famously declared: “I agree with those who believe the Athens Hilton is the most beautiful Hilton in the world.”

Architectural identity

Sixty-three years later, the renewed image of the historic property on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue fully confirms that statement. The artistic and architectural identity of the new destination, “The Ilisian,” preserves and highlights all the building’s iconic elements—most notably the engraved motifs created decades ago by renowned artist Yiannis Moralis.

The hotel was originally built between 1958 and 1963, based on designs by architects Emmanuel Vourekas, Prokopis Vasileiadis, Spyros Staikos, and Antonis Georgiadis. Today, it enters a new chapter, hosting a multi-use ecosystem of experiences: a new hotel alongside residences under Hilton’s award-winning brands, Conrad and Waldorf Astoria, as well as dining, entertainment, wellness, retail spaces, and a modern members’ club that has already been operating since last summer.

A landmark reborn

Since the 1960s, when the Athens Hilton opened, the city gained a powerful landmark with dual significance. On one hand, the iconic building symbolized Athens’ transition into a new era—marked by intense urban development, modernization, and the adoption of a contemporary lifestyle.

On the other, it marked the Greek capital’s entry into the global tourism map, particularly in the luxury five-star segment, by hosting an international brand like Hilton.

Today, the historic landmark is being reintroduced, aiming to bridge its rich heritage with the modern identity of Athens.

This relaunch coincides with the maturation of Greece’s tourism product and the strengthening of the “Brand Greece,” now among the most powerful globally. Athens itself continues to break tourism records, welcoming over 8.7 million international visitors in 2025—a 10% increase from 2024—while maintaining strong momentum into 2026.

The new beginning

The long-awaited reopening of Conrad Athens The Ilisian is scheduled as a soft opening on April 23, allowing time to address initial operational adjustments. Prices for a double room start at €605 per night, increasing depending on services and amenities.

The 15-story hotel will feature 307 rooms and suites, along with extensive facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, spa, dining venues, and 19 meeting and event spaces totaling 2,035 sq.m. It aims to cater to both leisure and business travelers.

A unique 400 sq.m. VVIP space—with a private outdoor pool and panoramic views of Athens—will also open later in the year, occupying the same level where the historic “Galaxy” venue once stood.

Dining: “Byzantino,” “Athenian Lounge,” and “Onuki”

Alongside the hotel, several dining venues are launching, open to both visitors and locals. These include the return of the historic “Byzantino” restaurant and the new “Athenian Lounge.”

Already open since late last year is “Onuki,” a Japanese dining concept that originated in Costa Navarino, also linked to the ENSOFI group.

Additional retail spaces will open gradually, including a flower shop, jewelry store, hair salon, patisserie-chocolaterie, and an optical and accessories store by Zeus & Dione. Two rooftop restaurants and a poolside dining venue are also planned to open later this year.

The residences

A key feature of the development is its residential component—something new for Athens hospitality—comprising 55 branded residences. These include 18 Conrad Residences and 37 Waldorf Astoria Residences, marking the first presence of both brands in Greece.

The Conrad Residences will be available first and can be booked for longer stays, combining hotel services with home-like comfort. The Waldorf Astoria Residences, on the other hand, are purely private homes built to brand standards and will be delivered to their owners gradually from summer onward.

The private club

Since last summer, “House of NYNN,” a private members’ club, has been operating within The Ilisian, already counting around 2,000 members, both Greek and international.

This is the first initiative under the new hospitality and wellness concept “NYNN” by the ENSOFI group. The club spans four interconnected spaces designed for socializing, working, movement, and rejuvenation. It covers approximately 5,500 sq.m. indoors and 3,000 sq.m. outdoors, with a central living room serving as the heart of the club.

Facilities include co-working and meeting spaces, a wellness floor offering scientifically designed fitness programs and holistic services, and an outdoor “Oasis” area centered around a large pool.

Looking ahead

The Ilisian project is also linked to the redevelopment of the Voula B Beach area on the Athenian Riviera, where hotel guests and residents will enjoy exclusive privileges.

This ambitious project includes coastal restoration, removal of waste, reconstruction of artificial islets, creation of floating piers, and the development of wellness, leisure, and dining areas—further upgrading the Athenian Riviera.