Athens’ Hilton Hotel Undergoing €130m Mega Makeover

The Hilton Athens hotel is undergoing a 130-million-euro makeover in order to be transformed into a new multidimensional destination near the center of the Greek capital, the Ionian Hotel Enterprises (IHE) announced on Tuesday.

Construction works began in late 2020 across different hotel sections that today remain closed. According to the IHE, due to the extensive volume of works and in order to ensure the safety of associates and guests, the Hilton Athens hotel will cease operations on January 31.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

A mixed-use development

Through this multi-million investment, IHE aspires to place Athens among Europe’s top countries to travel or live.

The new destination will introduce a mixed-use development: It will feature a luxury hotel along with residences, a lifestyle members’ club, multiple culinary and entertainment venues and curated shopping.

“This new model is expected to add significant value to Athens’ tourism industry and support local economy, as well as to contribute to the upgrade of the surrounding area,” IHE said.

The development of the new destination requires the reconstruction of the existing building to accommodate the new uses and apply the best sustainable practices in line with the international LEED Gold certification. Up to 800 people are expected to be employed during construction work. At full operation the new destination will generate more than 600 employment positions.

Τhe reconstruction will consist of:

– the development of a new luxury hotel under the Conrad brand, with 280 rooms and suites

– the development of 50 luxury residences under the Conrad Residences and Waldorf Astoria Residences brands

–  the complete redevelopment of the top floor to house new gastronomy and entertainment venues

–  an extension by the pool that has also been part of the initial architectural design of the 60s

– the development of curated retail spaces, entertainment and wellness areas, and a lifestyle members’ club spanning 5,500sq.m.

This large-scale project will also preserve and further enhance the building’s architectural legacy and the timeless façades crafted byGreek artist Yannis Moralis.

In the light of this circumstance and considering multiple socioeconomic criteria, IHE is offering to its associates a specially designed voluntary exit plan which will conclude by the end of January 2022.

Its associates will also have the opportunity to apply and be reviewed for job openings in the new destination in Athens, the new hotel opening at Costa Navarino or other tourism activities of the group.