TL;DR
- Conrad debuts in Greece at the former Hilton Athens site (closed since January 2022), opening April 23, 2026
- 278 generously sized rooms and suites, many with balconies overlooking the city or Aegean Sea
- Part of The Ilisian mixed-use development: Athens’ largest outdoor pool, nine dining concepts, spa, and pickleball court
- Rates from around $650/night in May; prime location near Kolonaki with easy metro access
- €340 million investment expected to generate €1.25 billion economic impact over five years
A 63-Year-Old Icon Gets a New Chapter
The former Hilton Athens has been an architectural fixture on Vassilissis Sofias Avenue since 1963, and now it’s back with a fresh identity. Conrad Athens The Ilisian opened its doors on April 23, marking the Conrad brand’s first foray into Greece. After more than four years of renovations, the property has been transformed into a 278-room hotel that’s part of a broader mixed-use destination called The Ilisian.
The makeover preserves beloved elements like Yannis Moralis’ sculpted marble façades while introducing contemporary artist installations and lighting design by Eleftheria Deko. The result feels like an open-air gallery that honours Athens’ creative spirit without losing sight of the building’s storied past.
The Practical Bit
Clients will find some of Athens’ most spacious accommodation here. The room count has dropped from the original 506 to 278, which means more elbow room and, in many cases, private balconies with views over the cityscape or out to the Aegean Sea. Check-in is at 3pm, checkout at noon, and the hotel sits a five-minute walk from Megaro Moussikis metro station, handy for clients who want to explore the Acropolis or wander through nearby Kolonaki and Pangrati neighbourhoods.
Beyond the rooms, The Ilisian complex offers Athens’ largest outdoor pool landscape, a spa, running track, two gyms, and even a pickleball court. There are nine dining concepts to choose from, overseen by chef Angelos Lantos, including the reimagined Grande Brasserie (formerly Byzantino). The Galaxy Bar will return later in 2026 as Galaxy Dispensary and Supper Club. There’s also a House of NYNN private members’ club on site.
The development includes 55 luxury residences on the upper floors: 18 Conrad Residences and 37 Waldorf Astoria Residences, though those are clearly aimed at a different audience.
The Client Angle
This opening gives clients a fresh way to experience Athens, particularly those who’ve already done the city before and are ready for a different angle. The blend of mid-century heritage and contemporary design offers something beyond the usual five-star formula. Rates start around $650 per night in May, positioning this as a premium option for couples or small groups who value space and variety.
The location works well for city breaks or as a bookend to island-hopping itineraries. With nine restaurants and extensive leisure facilities, clients can easily spend a few days here without feeling the need to venture far, though the neighbourhood rewards exploration.
The €340 million investment signals serious confidence in Athens as a year-round destination, and the projected €1.25 billion economic impact over the next five years suggests this property will have staying power. It’s also expected to create up to 800 direct jobs, if your clients ever ask about the broader community angle.
Agent Advantage Insight
This is Greece’s first Conrad, a nice option for clients who collect Hilton Honors points or those who enjoy discovering something new in a city they think they already know. The combination of a landmark address, generous room sizes, and that pool landscape makes it easier to justify the rate, especially for clients who treat their hotel as more than a place to sleep.
