NJV Athens Plaza Elevating the Guest Experience with ‘Smart’ Rooms

NJV Athens Plaza’ Vana Lazarakou (General Manager), Dimitris Sklavenitis (Director of Sales) and Roza – Maria Tsirigoti (Guest Relations – CSR Manager).

The NJV Athens Plaza hotel, located on Syntagma Square in the Greek capital, has announced a new investment that will see 50 “smart” Business Classic Rooms as part of its offering.

Part of the hotel’s renovation program for 2023-2024, the investment will see the revamp of 50 rooms into modern, smart rooms, focused on sustainability, in line the company’s green policy.

Presenting the hotel’s plans to the media on Wednesday, NJV Athens Plaza Director of Sales Dimitris Sklavenitis said the 50 new “smart” rooms will have modern technology equipment and audio-visual media. New features in the rooms will include a fully automated and controlled lighting system, new technology frames with thermal break and energy crystals, perfect air conditioning, facilities that give well-being and comfort to the space.

The renovation project of the 50 Business Classic Rooms is expected to be completed by March 2024.

NJV Athens Plaza General Manager Vana Lazarakou.

The NJV Athens Plaza’s new investment follows the renovations that were carried out in the hotel’s 21 suites during 2019–2023. Following their renovation, the suites are now also available for holding small private, business meetings.

According to the hotel’s management, the owner of NJV Athens Plaza, the Vardinoyannis Group, invests around 2.5 million euros every year in the hotel, which has had a strong presence in the tourism history of Athens.

“This is one of the most historic hotels that opened its doors in 1980 and is located at an excellent spot that has served as a meeting point for important figures… Today’s travelers are looking for different experiences that promote emotional connection and create memories and this is something we offer,” Sklavenitis said.

NJV Athens Plaza Director of Sales Dimitris Sklavenitis.

Referring to the hotels’ performance this year, Sklavenitis said NJV Athens Plaza recorded an increase in the average room price by 17 percent, compared to 2022, remaining at almost the same occupancy rates and room revenue rising by 21 percent.

Compared to 2019, which is considered one of the best years for Greek tourism before the Covid pandemic, 2023 saw a record increase in the average room price by 37.58 percent while remaining at almost the same occupancy rates, with a record increase in room revenue of 32.85 percent.

Athens

Commenting on the increased performance of the NJV Athens Plaza, Sklavenitis said the upgrade of Athens as a destination has played an important role, in addition to the hotel’s investments, which aim to meet the needs of modern travelers for a personalized experience.

NJV Athens Plaza Director of Sales Dimitris Sklavenitis.

Moreover, he said the increase in direct flights to Athens, which connect it with many cities abroad, and in particular the United States, has played a very important role in making travel easier and Athens a destination 12 months a year.

“American carriers returned strongly to Greece, boosting Greek tourism with more than 56 direct flights per week this year,” Sklavenitis said, adding that in 2023 the hotel saw a 27 percent increase in arrivals from the US.

“The US is considered the most important luxury tourism market for our hotel and is traditionally the first market in terms of nationalities,” he said.

This year, the NJV Athens Plaza also saw significant increases in arrivals from the markets of China (130%), Australia (63%) and Brazil (31%).

Other main markets of the hotel include those of Canada, Israel, Cyprus and Greece.

Referring to 2024, Sklavenitis said strong demand is already recorded with confirmed early bookings corresponding to 47 percent occupancy for the month of April while demand for the months of May and June is even higher.

Sustainability ‘mission’

NJV Athens Plaza Guest Relations – CSR Manager Roza – Maria Tsirigoti.

Following international best practices and recognized standards, the NJV Athens Plaza integrates parameters related to Governance, Society and Environment in its business activity, combining positive financial performance and ESG footprint for an even stronger and resilient development.

The hotel has its own Green Team that implements and evaluates actions that concern natural resources (water), energy and energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, the use of chemical substances and waste management

“NJV Athens Plaza has made sustainability a real mission,” said the hotel’s Guest Relations – CSR Manager, Roza – Maria Tsirigoti.

Having started its sustainable course since 2016, the hotel is constantly evolving and ready to meet the needs of the new traveler with respect for society, culture and the environment and with the goal of zero impact, Tsirigoti said.

The NJV Athens Plaza is the first European hotel member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

Owned by the Vardinoyannis Group, the NJV Athens Plaza is an independent hotel with 159 rooms and 21 suites. It is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts, a leading independent hotel brand, representing more than 700 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 85 countries.