Hilton Athens Becomes ‘THE ILISIAN’, a New Destination in Athens

Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

“The Ilisian” is the new name of the property that once housed the Hilton Athens hotel, located on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue in the Greek capital.

The announcement of the property’s new name took place at a special event on the site of the iconic former Hilton Athens on Thursday.

The historic building, which hosted the Hilton Athens for over half a century, is transforming from a hotel into a multifaceted destination. Under Hilton’s award-winning Conrad and Waldorf Astoria brands, it will feature luxury residences, a lifestyle members’ club, gastronomy, entertainment, wellness, and shopping—a vibrant ecosystem of experiences that connects the world to contemporary Athens.

An impression of The Ilisian. Source: Ionian Hotel Enterprises

The new city destination, resulting from an agreement between Hilton and the property’s owner Ionian Hotel Enterprises (IHE), is slated to welcome its first guests in late 2025.

“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,” said Achilleas Konstantakopoulos, President of TEMES SA, one of the two shareholders of Ionian Hotel Enterprises.

The name

TEMES SA President Achilleas Konstantakopoulos. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

Inspired by the historic river Ilisos and the neighborhood of Ilisia, where the property is located, the name “The Ilisian” embodies the inseparable relationship of this new destination with Athens and its residents.

The goal of The Ilisian is to showcase its cosmopolitan identity while offering authentic experiences of modern Athens.

“Our ambition is for The Ilisian to become a meeting point and source of inspiration, where international concepts harmoniously blend with its local character,” Konstantakopoulos said.

PM: The investment contributes to our vision for Athens

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

Speaking at the event, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described The Ilisian as a “bridge” connecting the past with the present and leading the capital towards a more promising future.

“This very 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,” Mitsotakis added.

340-million-euro investment

The Ilisian represents a strategic investment by Ionian Hotel Enterprises totaling 340 million euros before taxes.

According to a study assessing its economic and social impact, conducted by the Department of Tourism Studies at the University of Piraeus, The Ilisian is projected to contribute significantly to the Greek economy. From its opening in 2025 through the first five years of operation, it is expected to generate a total positive economic impact of 1.25 billion euros.

Professor Nikolaos Georgopoulos of the University of Piraeus . Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

The study outlines that during the construction phase and the initial five years of operation, The Ilisian will contribute approximately 450 million euros in construction activities, 749 million euros in residential impacts, and 75 million euros in commercial activities.

The development is anticipated to create up to 800 new direct jobs, three times more than the hotel’s previous operation alone, and an estimated total of 1,760 direct and indirect jobs.

Dino Michael, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Hilton Luxury Brands, commented on the significance of Hilton’s luxury brands entering the Greek market, highlighting that Hilton has been a part of Athens for over six decades.

“We are proud to be involved in the development of this landmark property, which stands on the site of the iconic former Hilton Athens. Athens is an ideal destination for the modern luxury traveler, with its rich culture and history. The building’s magnificent location overlooking the Acropolis complements its contemporary luxury design perfectly. We look forward to welcoming guests next year.”

Meeting The Ilisian

Through The Ilisian, Hilton’s Conrad brand makes its debut in Greece, offering 278 rooms and suites, including a 400 sq.m mega suite with a unique view of Athens. Additionally, the development includes 18 private Conrad Residences and 37 Waldorf Astoria Residences located on the highest floors of the building.

The Ilisian will also be home to a lifestyle members’ club, as well as to multiple culinary and entertainment venues, curated shopping, leisure and wellness experiences, in partnership with acclaimed local and international brands and operators.

Designed with principles of sustainable development, The Ilisian adheres to international best practices for energy efficiency, aiming for LEED Gold certification.

The visual and architectural identity of The Ilisian preserves and enhances all emblematic elements of the building, including the facades designed by well-known artist Yiannis Moralis.