Move over, Aphrodite: a new goddess rises.
Hilton's Conrad Hotels & Resorts is landing in Greece, and it's doing so by resurrecting one of Athens' most recognizable buildings. The luxury brand opened Conrad Athens The Ilisian this week, transforming the former Hilton Athens, a modernist fixture since 1963, into a 278-room mixed-use destination anchored by nine dining concept and what the team is labeling the city's most ambitious wellness offering.
The opening marks the 50th Conrad property globally and signals serious momentum in Hilton's Greek expansion.
"Greece is one of Hilton's fastest-growing markets in Europe, driven by record visitor demand and a growing focus on high-quality, year-round tourism," Simon Vincent — Hilton's president of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa — said in prepared remarks.
The company has grown its Greek portfolio from a handful of properties to more than 50, and Hilton isn't stopping there (more on that later).
What distinguishes the Ilisian isn't just the guest room inventory, though the suites are among the city's largest, but the respect paid to the building's architectural legacy. The original sculptured marble façade by modernist artist Yannis Moralis remains a key focal point. By night, lighting designer Eleftheria Deko animates it, creating a social hub where locals and travelers converge for an al fresco glass of something fabulous. Inside, AvroKO's design work pairs preserved mid-century elements with newly commissioned artworks and pieces by historic Athenian artisans, reviving what the brand calls "the optimism of Athens' modernist golden era."
"Athens is one of those rare cities where history, creativity and contemporary living exist in conversation with one another," Dino Michael, the senior vice president and global category head of Hilton's luxury brands, said in a statement. "For Conrad, that makes it a deeply compelling place to be. Conrad Athens The Ilisian has reawakened a landmark in a way that respects its past while feeling entirely in tune with the city Athens has become."
The culinary journey centers on Byzantino under executive chef Angelos Lantos, the first Greek chef to earn two Michelin stars in Athens. The restaurant operates with in-house cheese service, curated wine pairings, and a dedicated chocolaterie and patisserie. Later this year, the legendary Galaxy Bar returns as Galaxy Dispensary and Galaxy Supper Club, re-seizing its position as one of Athens' most recognizable rooftop retreats. Several globally celebrated restaurant concepts are also slated to debut, along with the previously opened Japanese concept Onuki by studio Yabu Pushelberg.
The wellness package spreads across what is billed as Athens' largest outdoor pool, a 700-square-meter green roof with a running track and outdoor gym, and extensive indoor facilities including specialized studios for yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonic, and spinning. In May, the Odei Wellness Residence debuts with treatments inspired by ancient Greek rituals. Later, Dr. Costas Papageorgiou (best known for longevity-focused treatments) will bring his practice to Athens for the first time.
Conrad's 1/3/5 experiences program offers guests structured access to the city through insider-led perspectives: one-, three-, and five-hour curated itineraries ranging from golden-hour aperitivos overlooking the Acropolis to architectural walks that reframe classical landmarks through a contemporary lens.
The property also functions as a mixed-use enclave, housing the House of NYNN private members' club, Conrad Residences on the seventh and eighth floors with south-facing Acropolis views, and Waldorf Astoria Residences occupying the top four floors of the adjoining tower. Additional culinary and retail concepts, along with the Omega Penthouse, complete with private pool and panoramic views, launch throughout this year.
"Hilton Athens opened on this date back in 1963, and for decades played a defining role in Athens' cultural and social life," added Nassos Papazoglou, the property's general manager. "Our vision has been to honor that legacy while creating a hotel that feels open, dynamic, and deeply connected to the city today. From the way guests move through the spaces, to how they dine, unwind, and explore Athens, every detail has been designed to offer a genuine sense of belonging."
The opening arrives amid significant movement from Hilton's luxury brands in Greece. Sandblu Santorini, an LXR Hotels & Resorts property, opened earlier this month, and Conrad Corfu is slated to arrive later this year: a marathon of openings in the land of the Marathon.
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