Hilton announced today (23/4) the opening of Conrad Athens The Ilisian, marking the rebirth of one of Athens’ most recognisable landmarks.

This new beginning coincides with a symbolic anniversary, as the “Hilton” that previously occupied the same building welcomed its first guest on April 23, 1963.

Exactly 63 years later, Conrad Athens The Ilisian opens its doors as a modern five-star hotel in the heart of the city.

The launch of Conrad Athens The Ilisian marks the first presence of Conrad Hotels & Resorts in Greece, introducing the brand’s philosophy – a blend of bold design, contemporary luxury, and experiential connection to place – to one of Europe’s most historic and culturally rich capitals.

According to the announcement, the hotel offers some of the most comfortable and spacious accommodations in the city, with a total of 278 rooms and suites.

It is located in the heart of THE ILISIAN, Athens’ new multi-dimensional destination where, alongside the hotel, the private residences of Hilton’s award-winning Conrad and Waldorf Astoria brands coexist, as well as dining, entertainment and wellness spaces centred around the largest outdoor swimming pool in Athens, and the modern members’ club House of NYNN.

The name “The Ilisian”, inspired by the ancient Ilissos river and the Ilisia neighbourhood, expresses the timeless and inseparable relationship of the new destination with Athens, Ilisia, and the area’s residents.

The goal of The Ilisian is to express the cosmopolitan character that is part of the building’s identity, offering experiences of authentic, modern Athens.

With respect for the city’s cultural identity, the destination connects contemporary international trends with its heritage, creating a meeting point for Athenians and visitors.

@heritagent__ Μια επίσκεψη στο Conrad Athens The Ilisian. #architecturalheritage #athens #architecture #moralis ♬ original sound – DA TI

A landmark of the capital is being redefined

Immediately recognisable to all generations of Athenians, the building housing Conrad Athens The Ilisian is deeply intertwined with the city’s social and cultural memory.

On the façades designed by pioneering Greek artist Yannis Moralis, the original marble reliefs with mythological references have been preserved and carefully highlighted.

The compositions, inspired by ancient Greek themes, incorporate symbols such as the goddess Athena, the ship, the altar with offerings, the aulos players, and the horse.

Rendered in a contemporary artistic language through curves, spirals, and straight lines, they form a timeless symbol of travel, communication, and return to the city.

At night, the façade is brought to life through carefully designed lighting by Emmy award-winning lighting designer Eleftheria Deko, adding a new dynamic and brilliance to the nighttime image of Vasilissis Sofias Avenue.

The architectural design of the project was undertaken by AETER Architects. Inside, the spaces designed by AvroKO revive the optimism of the golden age of Athenian modernism, combining preserved mid-century elements with new artworks and specially designed pieces by the historic Athenian furniture workshop Saridis and ceramist Eleni Vernadaki.

The curation of the artistic programme – and the design of the lobby in collaboration with AvroKO – is signed by Mare Studio, as art consultant and curator of the hotel.

The rooms and suites of Conrad Athens feature, in their majority, private balconies with privileged views over some of the most beautiful parts of the city and the Acropolis.

The hotel offers the largest collection of suites in Athens – three Presidential and one Royal – while later this year the Omega Penthouse will open, featuring a private pool and panoramic views stretching from the Acropolis to the Saronic Gulf.

All interventions have been carried out with respect for the design of the original building, inaugurated in 1963 and considered one of the most important examples of modern post-war architecture in Greece, combining principles of international hotel design with strong references to Greek materials and artistic tradition.

The original architects credited with the building’s design are Emmanouil (Manolis) Vourekas, Prokopis Vassiliadis, Antonis Georgiadis, and Spyros Staikos.

Simon Vincent, CBE, President, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Hilton, stated regarding the opening:
“Today, Greece is one of the fastest-growing markets for Hilton in Europe, driven by strong guest demand and a strategic shift towards high-quality, year-round tourism development.

With our portfolio in Greece growing from a few hotels a few years ago to over fifty today, and with more projects underway, the opening of Conrad Athens The Ilisian highlights our long-term commitment to Athens and Greece as a leading global travel destination.”

Dino Michael, Senior Vice President and Global Category Head of Hilton Luxury Brands, stated:
“Athens is one of those rare cities where history, creativity, and modern life coexist in constant dialogue. This unique blend makes the city extremely attractive for Conrad. The aim of Conrad Athens The Ilisian is to bring an iconic building back to life in a way that respects its past while fully aligning with the modern identity of Athens.”

Nassos Papazoglou, General Manager of Conrad Athens The Ilisian, added:
“The Athens Hilton opened its doors on the very same day in 1963 and for decades played a defining role in the cultural and social life of Athens. Our vision is to honour this legacy while creating a hotel that is open, vibrant, and in constant dialogue with the contemporary city. From the way guests move through the spaces, to how they dine, relax, and explore Athens, every detail has been designed to offer an authentic sense of familiarity and connection.”

A new gastronomic destination in the heart of the city

Guests of Conrad Athens are surrounded by a dynamic gastronomic destination, with nine different dining concepts, from hotel restaurants and bars to signature venues within THE ILISIAN.

At the heart of the hotel stands Byzantino Grande Brasserie, opening alongside Conrad Athens The Ilisian and reintroduced as Athens’ first grande brasserie, designed by Tristan Auer. Under Executive Chef Aggelos Lantos, the menu blends French and Greek culinary traditions.

The experience is complemented by a cheese master, curated wine pairings, and desserts through Byzantino Chocolaterie & Patisserie. Chef Aggelos Lantos also curates the Athenian Lounge menu, a space designed as a meeting point throughout the day with classic cocktails and familiar flavours.

Later this year, the iconic Galaxy will return as Galaxy Dispensary and Galaxy Supper Club, reclaiming its place as one of Athens’ most iconic rooftop destinations, alongside internationally renowned restaurant concepts making their Athens debut at The Ilisian, as well as the Japanese restaurant Onuki, which opened in 2025.

Wellness offerings for the present

Conrad Athens The Ilisian is designed as a comprehensive wellness destination, offering guests full access to THE ILISIAN Wellness Floor, combining fitness and modern lifestyle experiences.

At its centre lies the largest pool in downtown Athens, while the Green Roof offers panoramic views, a 770-metre running track, outdoor gym, and pickleball court.

Indoors, the Wellness Zone includes a state-of-the-art gym, studios for yoga, pilates, Gyrotonic and spinning, a heated pool, and heat and cryotherapy facilities.

From May, Odei Wellness will offer specialised face and body treatments inspired by ancient Greek rituals, while internationally recognised expert Dr. Kostas Papageorgiou will bring his longevity expertise to Athens for the first time.

First appearance of Conrad Hotels & Resorts in Greece

Conrad Athens The Ilisian joins Hilton’s global portfolio of 50 Conrad Hotels & Resorts and marks the brand’s first presence in Greece. This year is a significant moment for Hilton’s Luxury Brands, with the opening of Sandblu Santorini (LXR Hotels & Resorts) earlier this month and Conrad Corfu later in 2026.