Mitsis Hotels to Restore Central Athens Mansion into Luxury Hotel

The Schliemann–Mela Mansion on central Panepistimiou Street in Athens. Photo source: Mitsis Hotels

Greek hospitality group Mitsis Hotels announced this week that it would be investing 36 million euros in the restoration and renovation of the Schliemann – Mela Mansion and converting it into a 5-star hotel.

The four-story mansion – also known as Megaron Mela – located on central Panepistimiou Street in Athens, was designed by German architect Ernst Ziller. The renovation of the mansion which was built in the late 1800s is set to create 150 new jobs.

Mitsis Hotel Group was awarded the project after participation in a tender. The lease agreement foresees a duration of 35 years and the right to extend by 10 more years. The 7,115,62m2 building is one of four buildings constructed in Athens by archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann.

The hotel group said it will utilize the building with respect to its history as well as the neighboring buildings, including the Conservatory. All works will be carried out in consultation with competent authorities and bodies, including the Culture Ministry. The aim, Mitsis Hotels said, is to showcase and preserve the city monumental character. “With 45 years of experience in the hotel industry, the Mitsis Hotels Group will utilize the property in the best and most efficient way for the benefit of the Greek state and the Greek economy, investing significant funds in the maintenance, renovation and preservation of the character of the historic building, with the aim of highlighting the unique experience of modern Athens for visitors,” said Mitsis Hotels CEO Stavros Mitsis.

It should be noted that the Schliemann – Mela Mansion houses Ideal, the second-oldest cinema of Athens, on the ground floor. Mitsis Hotels has plans for the cinema but is first waiting for a static adequacy study of the space to be carried out by specialized engineers. “The study is of primary importance in order to ensure the safety of visitors,” the group said.

Earlier this week, the Mitsis Hotels Group announced that it would be redeveloping the thermal springs in the coastal town of Kamena Vourla located in Central Greece.