The iconic Hilton Athens has been reborn as THE ILISIAN, a luxurious destination that transcends the traditional hotel experience. Unveiled today by Ionian Hotel Enterprises, THE ILISIAN now encompasses Conrad and Waldorf Astoria luxury residences, a vibrant members’ club, diverse gastronomy options, entertainment venues, wellness facilities, and shopping experiences. This dynamic evolution creates a tapestry of experiences, connecting global visitors with the heart of contemporary Athens.
Named after the historic Ilisos River and the local Ilisia neighborhood, THE ILISIAN symbolizes a timeless bond with the city and its residents. It embodies a cosmopolitan ethos, celebrating Athens’ cultural identity while offering authentic, modern experiences. The unveiling event, tracing the building’s storied journey since its 1963 debut, provided a glimpse into its future as a cultural landmark.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, present at the event, spoke about the significance of THE ILISIAN, stating, “THE ILISIAN becomes a bridge that connects the present with the past, leading the Greek capital to a more hopeful future. This significant investment contributes to the vision of Athens as a welcoming year-round destination. Its modern operation will once again, in its own way, become part of the new image of a country that has new and great horizons. With the support of the state, and the visionary perspective of healthy entrepreneurship, which in turn trusts this country which is evolving.”
Achilles V. Constantakopoulos, Chairman of TEMES S.A., the majority shareholders of Ionian Hotel Enterprises, emphasized the responsibility of repurposing this landmark while preserving its legacy. “With great respect for the unique legacy of this landmark, we carry the responsibility of its repurposing so that it continues to be a beloved destination, creating lifetime memories. Our ambition is for THE ILISIAN to become a meeting point and source of inspiration, where international concepts harmoniously blend with its local character,” he shared.
Dino Michael, Senior Vice President & Global Category Head, Hilton Luxury Brands, expressed pride in Hilton’s expansion into Greece with the debut of its luxury brands. “Athens has been home to Hilton for more than six decades, and we’re incredibly proud to be evolving such a key city landmark on the site of the iconic former Hilton Athens. The city is a perfect destination for today’s global luxury traveler, with a thriving cultural scene and a rich history – and the stunning location of the property overlooking the Acropolis perfectly complements the property’s modern luxury design. We are excited to begin welcoming guests next year.”
Prof. Nikolaos Georgopoulos of the University of Piraeus highlighted the economic and social impact of THE ILISIAN, presenting the results of a study conducted by the Department of Tourism Studies. This strategic investment, totaling €340 million, including the building acquisition, is projected to generate an overall economic impact exceeding €1.25 billion within the first five years of operation. The project has also created over 800 direct jobs during construction and is expected to sustain up to 800 direct jobs during operation—a threefold increase compared to previous levels.
Moderated by Elli Hatzioti, former Hilton Communications & Public Relations Director, and Isabelle Kountoure, Style Director at Financial Times – HTSI, the event highlighted THE ILISIAN’s role in shaping contemporary Athens and enhancing its stature as a premier destination in Europe.
Conrad Athens, debuting in Greece, will feature 278 luxurious guest rooms and suites, each offering panoramic views of historic Athens, including a 400 sq.m. mega suite. The development includes 18 Conrad Residences and 37 Waldorf Astoria Residences on the upper floors of the building. THE ILISIAN will also host a lifestyle members’ club, diverse culinary and entertainment venues, exclusive shopping outlets, and wellness facilities in collaboration with renowned local and international brands.
Designed with sustainable development principles, THE ILISIAN aims for LEED Gold certification, integrating best practices for energy efficiency. Its visual and architectural identity preserves iconic elements, such as the façades designed by artist Yannis Moralis. AETER Architects of Athens lead the project’s architectural design, supported by local firms including Statiki Consultants, F. Tsoulos and Associates, Helliniki Meletitiki, Retech for structural engineering, and Skemma Engineers for MEP consultancy. Internationally and locally acclaimed design firms like AvroKO, Tristan Auer, Yabu Pushelberg, and others contribute to key interior design components.
During the event, guests engaged in a journey spanning 60 years of history, reliving personal memories and exploring animated art pieces by Dimitris Papaioannou. These artworks celebrated Moralis’ façade and embodied the spirit of a destination honoring its legacy while embarking on a new chapter.
